My already impossibly long TBR list...

My official Best Books of 2022 list, Jane Smiley's books, and wisdom from Kurt Vonnegut

Eight great things worth sharing this week:

1. One more item for the Christmas wish list: this book-smeller patch from McPhee’s in Seattle. (Thanks to one of my favorite humans/writers Elisa Parhad for the tip.)

2. This week I went through my GoodReads account and made my official Best Books of 2022 list. Take a peek and share your own picks in the comments. I love adding to my already impossibly long TBR list.

3. I really enjoyed this New York Times interview with Jane Smiley. In it she talks almost exclusively about books: books she’s loved, books she can’t find, the book she read to her husband as they were falling in love. It’s like talking with one of my friends at A Very Important Meeting, only she’s Jane Smiley.

4. Nerd Word of the Week: gynarchy ~ a political system governed by a woman (more inclusive than matriarchy - because, you know, not all women are moms). It’s an aspirational term.

5. Ear Candy: Talk It Up by Sammy Rae & The Friends. I love her vocal style. And hey, apparently the sax is making a comeback.

6. Some words of wisdom from Kurt Vonnegut: “I believe that reading and writing are the most nourishing forms of meditation anyone has so far found. By reading the writings of the most interesting minds in history, we meditate with our own minds and theirs as well. This to me is a miracle.”

7. Have you heard? I’m really interesting. But then, you knew that.

8. Come write with me! I’m hosting a 6-Week writing workshop starting January 13. You (and five other writers) each submit up to 5,000 words (about 20 pages) and we meet every Friday via zoom to discuss. You will be inspired and motivated. Sign up now.

Happy writing, my friends,

April