And Everything Else (9/21/20)
Life updates you didn't ask for.
Happy post-Schitt’s Creek-winning-everything-at-the-Emmys Monday, everyone! If you’re as big a fan of this wonderful little show as I am, last night was a thrill—and if you haven’t watched, what are you waiting for? You’ll love it. Promise.
Speaking of Schitt’s, I wrote an NBC News THINK article on why the show deserved its many Emmys wins that went live yesterday! More on that and other life updates from the past week below in this week’s edition of And Everything Else:
#1. I basically predicted the Emmys, NBD
My essay (which you can read here) was all about how small-scale shows like Schitt’s Creek too often walk away from awards shows empty-handed while more mainstream heavyweights win instead—and why that would hopefully change this year at the Emmys. Well, turns out I was right, because Schitt’s earned nine (!) awards last night, including Outstanding Comedy Series and all four acting categories. The only nomination it lost? Outstanding Writing, because it lost to… itself. Yes, David!!
#2. I talked about what it’s like to have ADHD
If you couldn’t guess by the way I talk and write (aka fast and… a lot), I have ADHD. I’ve talked about my experience with it before, in essays for Glamour and HelloGiggles, but on Friday I decided to give the world a deeper look into the inside of my head by writing a Twitter thread about the way my brain handles multitasking. You can read it here.
I got some really lovely responses to the thread from others with ADHD, and it was really validating to realize how universal our experiences actually are (FYI, 4% of adults have it, so it’s way more common than you might think). If you have ADHD yourself (or are unsure but think it’s possible) and want to chat, feel free to comment or email me! I’d be happy to talk.
#3. I still have spots open for my Creative Nonfiction 101 class!
I mentioned last week that I’ll be teaching a 6-week virtual course on Creative Nonfiction this fall, and it’s coming up soon! The first Zoom class is on October 19th, and there are still spots available if you’re interested in signing up.
Remember, you don’t have to have writing experience to participate—it’s an intro course that’ll explore memoir, personal essays, feature articles, profiles, reviews, and travel writing. Feel free to ask me any questions, and if you’re interested, you can sign up here. Do it! Do it!
#4. I wrote about the jigsaw puzzles I’m obsessed with right now
I do a lot of jigsaw puzzles—typically one a week, and that’s only because I’d drain my savings if I bought new ones even more frequently. I find putting 1000 pieces together to be super relaxing, and I also like that it’s one of the few activities I enjoy that doesn’t involve a screen. Win-win!
Since I know I’m far from the only puzzle obsessive, I put together a HelloGiggles roundup of some of my favorite jigsaw puzzles available right now. All of them have fun or creative themes, and some of the ones on this list even give back to social justice organizations. Check them out, and happy puzzling!
That’s everything for this week, friends! Enjoy this photo of a sleepy, chunky Ellie before you leave. #Goals
