Hello!
It’s Friday, which means it’s time for some EEE!
By far the best thing to happen this week was vacation, which was simultaneously far too short and also just the right length. But I’ve also gotten some solid work done in all the domains, some of which I’ll share with you below and all of which makes me feel like it was a productive week, even though it’s officially “school vacation” week here in Massachusetts.
What’s Exciting Me?
I have a collaborative project going on with some fellow writers that I really think you’re going to like. It’s called Creātell, and it’s a group of folks like me who are really feeling the dearth of meaningful conversation in today’s climate. It seems much easier to shut out those with differing opinions than to enter conversations with curiosity and a desire to understand the life experiences that led others to hold their set of beliefs. If you’re interested in some meaningful—if at times uncomfortable—discourse, head over to Creātell Collective and sign up. Our first installment will be coming out in early March!
Also, that short story I wrote last week was selected as a fan favorite by Fictionistas and I couldn’t be happier. I have been reflecting on how much I’ve grown as an author, and while I’m nowhere near the pinnacle, I am very proud of my growth. One fellow competitor told me to “turn down the talent” and, not gonna lie, that was a salve to my (of late) aching writer-soul.
And then, of course, there’s the Virtual Launch Party happening in just 3 days! Here’s your final reminder: Get your ticket, bring a friend, and get ready to have a good time!
What’s Entertaining Me?
📺 The Wire: It’s hard to believe the show is almost over. We are on Season 5 (the final season) and, as predictable as some parts have been, the show is no less good because of it. I haven’t watched a lot of TV dramas, but I definitely give this one very high marks. But let’s be clear: The show is 20 years old. In today’s climate, the slow start would have been enough to nix the whole series after Season 1, or maybe even the pilot.
I watched a silly British car show called Carnage a Trois in Aruba. It’s the British Top Gear crew (Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and—my personal favorite—Richard Hammond) driving 70s vintage American cars through Britain to figure out why they never caught on. These dudes are so friggin’ hilarious together, it’s a shame Jeremy had to curse out the producers or whatever he did to get himself fired from the BBC. If you like cars and watching silly men poke fun at each other, you might enjoy this.
Speaking of cars, Drive to Survive Season 5 dropped today and that means Formula 1 racing season is just around the corner. I will be consuming D2S before the first race next weekend!
📖 I’ve read approximately nothing since last we spoke. A few pages of Don Quijote, which I now realize is even more difficult because his dialogue isn’t in a Spanish I’ve ever heard and I already only understand about 75% of the words on any given page. I’ve been falling asleep without reading lately, which is going to seriously screw with my book count, but 🤷🏼♀️ with so much else going on, I’d often rather sleep than read.
I did, however, buy my very own copies of Meg Elison’s The Book of the Unnamed Midwife and Number One Fan so I can have them for my bookshelf.
🎶 Imagine Dragons: Evolve and, for working, this playlist made up of epic instrumental soundtracks.
What’s Enlightening Me?
I talked with Meg the other day and her best advice for me was to make friends with people who are just a little farther ahead on the writing/publishing path than me. Then I met with a local friend who is just starting out with an idea for a novel and realized how much wisdom I could impart to her. It felt really validating that the last 4 years and X dollars have amounted to at least some knowledge that I can pass along.
That’s all for today. I hope to see you Monday, and I’ll definitely be back next week with a Sequel Chronicle (for paid members) and a Wednesessay (I’m going with it).
Until then, take care.
I recently read Take My Hand, by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. I highly recommend it!
"Make friends with people who are just a little farther ahead on the writing/publishing path" is such great advice!