About The Little Island

Charlie Shifflett’s Substack first launched in 2023 with weekly, illustrated story episodes about a golden retriever stranded on a little island in the Gulf of Mexico.

Watercolor drawing by Charlie Shifflett

Today, The Little Island is home to a wider array of Charlie’s creative projects — personal essays, songs, watercolor drawings, and the occasional standalone story.

“Whenever possible, I throw my creative tools into a go-bag and steer a sputtering motor boat to The Little Island, where I paint, compose songs, and write stories — mostly for my own sanity. Occasionally, I leave these humble artifacts behind on The Little Island for future explorers (like yourself, I assume).”

-Charlie Shifflett

So whether you came by sputtering motorboat yourself, or by luxurious yacht (lucky you), rusted cargo ship, or emergency flotation device (let’s hope not), welcome ashore.

Pull up a conch shell. Throw some dry driftwood on the fledgling fire. Dry out your clothes if need be and get some shuteye. Then, when you’re ready for a bit of adventure, feel free to take in the island’s sights, sounds and lore.

User's avatar

Subscribe to The Little Island by Charlie Shifflett

The Little Island is an imaginary archipelago where writer/illustrator/musician Charlie Shifflett holes up to write essays and stories, paint with watercolors, and craft songs — all with his own two hands.

People

I’m a daydreamer, writer, illustrator and musician, though — to be honest — I’m not very good at any of these things, except maybe the first one.