Y’all, it’s still 2022...

Book lists, arctic expeditions, and a fantastic excuse to spend the rest of the day drinking.

Eight great things worth sharing this week:

1. We’re nearing the end of 2022 and people just can’t wait to publish their lists of the year’s Best Books. Take your pick: the New York Times, NPR, and my personal favorite Oprah. It can all be a little overwhelming. The book that caught my eye: All The Lovers In The Night. Back in June, I read a short story by Mieko Kawakami and loved it. The new novel is described as “devious” and “electrifying.” Yes please.

2. I won’t be posting my list until the end of the month (because, duh, y’all, it’s still 2022), but in the meantime you can check out my lists from 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016. It’s a little trip down memory lane…

3. Yesterday at A Very Important Meeting, we were talking about how hard it is to get back into writing after you’ve been away from it for any length of time. Then I stumbled across this piece on Jane Friedman’s blog (love her): How to Get Back to Writing. Serendipity.

4. Word Nerd of the Week: tmesis ~ the separation of parts of a compound word by an intervening word or words. Example:

   

5. Have you heard about The Arctic Circle Expeditions? A few times a year this organization takes a selected group of artists, scientists, educators and innovators on a 2-week journey to the arctic circle. Applications for the Autumn expedition are due on January 15. I desperately want to go, but don’t have a project in the works that would justify my space on the boat. If you do have such a project, you should apply and share a detailed report when you get back. I’m all about vicarious living.

6. In case you need some holiday gift ideas for me (or, you know, the other book-lovers in your life, I guess) check out this brilliant book holder, this charming necklace pendant, some fingerless gloves, or a coffee club subscription from John Green. (FWIW, none of these are affiliate links, because who cares about commissions when you can get presents.)

7. And if pining for material things isn’t a perfect way to transition into a discussion of buddhism’s five precepts, I don’t know what is. A new study was released this week showing that a commitment to not kill, steal, engage in sexual misconduct, tell lies, or use intoxicants could ease symptoms of depression and anxiety. Of course, any buddhist worth their salt will tell you that the precepts are more like guidelines.

8. On that note, I’m pleased to inform you that today, December 2, is Bartender Appreciation Day. You’re basically obligated to go to your nearest pub, have a drink (or three), and leave a generous tip.

Happy writing, my friends,

April

PS - Tomorrow morning I’ll be posting a 15-minute guided meditation exploring formal vs. informal mindfulness practice, exclusively for my paid subscribers. Sign up now!