Dear Substack,

Dear Substack,

I have seen a lot of “send me readers” or “send me subscribers” posts that are clearly chasing numbers for a dopamine hit. Quantity over quality, speed over depth, mass produced generics over reality, and the next big thing. I’m more of an individual who reads to connect, speaks with careful intention, and isn’t afraid of art that doesn’t fit neatly into an algorithm or a censor box.

I’m Axton N. O. Mitchell. The closest professional identifiers I’ve found to fit my style are hybrid author, indie publisher, creative organizer, and maker. I run Poeaxtry_, which is my personal creative persona and store identity, and The Poetry Prism, also known as Poeaxtry’s Poetry Prism or simply The Prism, which is the publishing and community side. I’m not here to just build a brand and move on with my day. I’m here to build something that lasts, and to help other independents do the same, right here with me.

I write both fictional and nonfictional poetry, storytelling poetry, prompt e-journals, e-zines, e-books, and collaborative literary projects. I also make physical things, handmade spiritual goods, tarot & pendulum readings, DIY or custom rituals, custom spell work, and stone and crystal jewelry and keychains crafted from items I hound myself. I also create altar wands, wind chimes, wreaths, natural sprays, rock and crystal wall art, and more.

I created the community and publishing side because I couldn’t find many spaces that felt safe, honest, and grounded for all marginalized people to create and grow together. Way too many creative spaces reward loudness over care, hierarchy over collaboration, and trends over truth. Art and literature should be accessible, human, and imperfect. Perfection is the killer of good.

You’ll find my work in many places. My site, https://poeaxtryspoetryprism.blog/, hosts all of my posts and is always updated first. I also share select posts and updates across mainstream and newer social platforms, as well as direct community spaces. I publish and sell through Amazon and Kindle, Google Play Books, Etsy, Gumroad, and Payhip. I intentionally work to make my writing, publishing opportunities, and community access as available as possible to readers, contributors, and members, present and future. The motto here is Poeaxtry_ is where the people are. That’s why I’m not confined to one place, and why I’m always open to creating or finding another space to call home.

So Substack, please send me the readers who want community, not just content. The contributors who want to grow together, not just themselves. The critics who love creators. The consumers who value more. The misfits who fit in between.

I’m building creator spaces across Discord, Twitch, and other platforms. These are places where writers, artists, and makers can share work, talk, collaborate, rest, and show up without pretending to be a brand mascot. Spaces where feedback is invited, not forced, and silence is allowed.

Through Poeaxtry’s Poetry Prism, I offer free publishing opportunities for minority indie creators. Poetry, prose, visual art, mixed media, and experimental work are all welcome. I also run indie spotlights for artists of all mediums and for small businesses. If you make something with intention and care, I want to see it.

Poeaxtry’s Prism is currently working toward a quarterly digital magazine launching in 2026, featuring open submissions, collaborative features, resources, and an advice section covering current issues. Additional future plans include expanded and ongoing community support avenues including open mic nights local in person and virtually through Poeaxtry’s Prism communities.

Finally, a reminder. We have a strong moral compass here. Realistically, we don’t have the capacity to background check or vet everyone. But truth always comes to light. When we learn that someone we collaborate with is a bigot, that collaboration ends. Bigots need not try. It wastes both our time.