By Leni Spooner, creator of Between the Lines.
Politics touches everything—whether we notice it or not.
Between the Lines is a space for people who want to understand politics not as noise or theatre, but as something that shapes our lives, our choices, and our communities.
I created this project because too often we’re handed:
- Headlines with no history
- Opinions with no context
- Hot takes instead of useful tools
I don’t believe politics should be overwhelming, exclusive, or treated like a sport. I believe it should be accessible, grounded, and changeable.
In this space, I focus on four things:
- Context – connecting headlines to deeper systems, histories, and motivations
- Narrative – unpacking the language, framing, and assumptions that shape how we talk about politics and power
- Action – offering thoughtful next steps: a letter, a conversation, a shift in how we see or speak
- Voice – holding space for reflection, feedback, conversation, and community contributions (with a podcast in the works)
“Cracks don’t just break things—they let light in.”
So What Is Between the Lines?
Think of it as a politics-and-policy companion for people who care—but don’t always know where to start.
You’ll find one featured post a week—free to read, share, and respond to. Some weeks might bring personal essays or historical context. Others might include interviews, roundups, or printable action guides. Occasionally, I’ll share behind-the-scenes notes and reflections too.
This project is growing alongside its community, and your voice matters. If you have thoughts or suggestions—on post timing, topics, or anything else—I’d love to hear from you.
In the future, there may be an option to support this work directly through low-cost subscriptions or member extras. For now, everything here is open access. If you’d like to pledge your future support, thank you—it helps keep this space sustainable and independent.
I’ve spent years working in rooms where politics was reduced to bullet points or spin—and I’ve learned how much gets lost between the lines.
This space is a way to bring those missing pieces back into view.
I’m glad you’re here.
Let’s read between the lines—together.
💬 Join the Conversation
If this piece resonated with you—or raised new questions—I’d be grateful if you shared it, left a comment, or passed it along to someone who’d value the read. Between the Lines grows one thoughtful reader at a time, and your voice is part of that.
About the Author
Leni Spooner is a Canadian writer, researcher, and civic storyteller. She is the founder of Between the Lines, a publication focused on the quiet forces shaping politics, infrastructure, and public life. Her work blends historical context with present-day analysis, helping readers see the deeper patterns that shape national decisions.