Loving & Dreaming List: November
- Nov 25, 2021
- 2 min read
I've got a mish-mash of interests when it comes to what I'm reading, listening or watching. Here's a list of my favorite recs for this cozy month of November. Let's cross our fingers that there's plenty of time in the armchair by the woodstove for escaping into other realms.
Short Stories, Books, Articles
"City of Time and Magic" is the fourth book in Paula Brackston's Found Things series. This book's pub day was only two days ago, but it's been long awaited! The first three novels follow Xanthe's adventures back in time. When objects sing to her, she just can't let them go. Xanthe and her mother start a new life by setting up an antique shop in a cozy UK town, but Xanthe must balance the reality of her present-day challenges, with righting injustices in the past. If you like to start from the beginning of things, check out the first novel "The Little Shop of Found Things."
Lit Journals
The Blood Pudding publishes uncommon voices in fiction, nonfiction and poetry. The pieces they publish are a good example of how writing creative weirdness can illuminate the things we struggle with. My favorite part of reading is finding microfiction gems that you can't get out of your brain. This lit mag gives that. http://thebloodpudding.com/
Podcasts
"The Nourished Motherhood Podcast" hosted by Kelly Preston. I'm always looking for connection in motherhood. I've spent many meet-ups and playdates trying to scrape together a good conversation, trying (likely desperately) to connect over cups of coffee gone cold. And motherhood in general can leave me feeling overwhelmed. I think it boils down to all the major changes that happen in such a short time. Listening to this podcast on my commute gave me some calming reflection time. They cover prenatal, pregnancy loss, and life post-partum with vulnerability.
"The Shit No One Tells You About Writing" with hosts Bianca Marais, Carly Watters, and CeCe Lyra. I really love how much of the craft they explore with their "Books With Hooks" segment. Essentially, emerging writers submit query letters plus the first five pages of their books and these three lit agents give their professional advice. It's amazing to have the curtain dropped and see what queries look like in different genres. Their tips are practical and easy to apply to your own writing. I'm not to that process yet, but when I get there, I'll have a better idea of what to write, and what to expect from publishing afterward.
TV
"Truth Seekers" (watched Season 1 on Amazon Prime) God, I loved this find. It was labeled "comedy"
but it's surprisingly creepy. British humor is top notch. There are so many delicious little breadcrumbs in just the first episode. My favorite part is Elton John's (he's the secondary character we meet) character arc. Such inspiration, and though I had my suspicions, I was still pleasantly surprised. With risk of continuing to be vague without spoilers, I'll just say, go watch, but maybe not when you're home alone. Watch on Amazon!
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