In the few weeks since I talked about my daily routine, I’ve been doing a lot of self-reflection. I’ve been coasting for most of the year and not producing as much work as I want to, not exercising enough, not eating as healthily as I should...
It’s time to step up and make some positive changes in my life. I want to fill my time more intentionally (no more mindless scrolling!), go for a walk or do yoga every day, and once a fortnight have an evening session at the local leisure centre: cardio and weights in the gym, laps in the pool, then the spa and sauna to relax afterwards. I’m trying to eat more fruit and vegetables and less meat. No screen time after 8 p.m.
In other news:
I'm unblocked. My mindset shift has led to rediscovering a joy in writing that is powering me through the second half of my WIP. The words are rough, but I have momentum and a good grasp on the story threads. Current word count: 54,966.
Reading: Belonging by Toko-pa Turner. In this book there is a lot of dream analysis which I find fascinating. It has inspired me to do some critical thinking about my own dreams. Dream journaling is a new daily ritual.
Watching: Stranger Things. Late to the party. I'm enjoying it quite a lot, but by season 3, the story is so OTT that it's a lot more funny than scary. Not entirely a bad thing. I really love Hopper and Joyce.
Playing: Xenoblade Chronicles 3. My most anticipated game of the year. It was slow to get into. It takes a long time to "open up," but once it's opened, it's amazing. I'm making myself enjoy it in small doses, because I don't want it to end.
I have a skincare product recommendation: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré is one of the best moisturisers I’ve ever used! My skin is loving it.
Link roundup
Werewolf erotica is the latest global gig work trend [Rest of World]
Platforms are hiring gig workers around the world to write steamy romance novels for English-speaking readers.
Why Regency romance still reigns, 200 years after Jane Austen [CNN]
very few years, the Austenites must feed. Netflix's adaptation of "Persuasion" and the revival of the cult-favorite show "Sanditon" are the latest offerings to Jane Austen, whose memory must be regularly appeased by new odes to her groundbreaking romantic novels.
Beyond Your Favorite Authors: 5 Fun & Unusual Backlists to Dive Into [Book Riot]
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as falling in love with an author and then realizing they have an extensive backlist, just waiting for you to read.
How do you organize your books? 9 authors share their favorite shelves. [The Washington Post]
I asked nine writers to share a photo of a favorite bookshelf (or what social media might refer to as a “shelfie”), explain the organizing principle (if there is one) and tell me a bit about what’s on that shelf. Here’s what they said.
Stephen King is set to testify for the government in books merger trial [NPR]
As the Justice Department bids to persuade a federal judge that the proposed merger of Penguin Random House and Simon & Schuster would damage the careers of some of the most popular authors, it is leaning in part on the testimony of a writer who has thrived like few others: Stephen King.
What I read
Unsouled
by Will Wight
This is the book that got me out of a reading slump. I really enjoyed it. I wanted to read it because people were calling it a shonen manga in novel form, and I have to say I agree. The twist at the mid point of the book blew my mind! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Also read: I'd Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel, An Eater's Manual by Michael Pollan
Currently reading: Belonging by Toko-pa Turner