Hi, friends—hope you’re all doing OK. What a year it’s been, she says 11 days into 2021.
An update: Going forward, your weekly dose of Rachel Simon in your inbox will look a little different. I’ve decided to combine my Monday and Thursday newsletters into one, called Simon Says…, for a few reasons: 1) my life isn’t exciting enough to constantly have things worth sharing, 2) it was pretty presumptuous of me to ask you to read two emails from me each week, and 3) I want to, and it’s my newsletter, so I’m doing it. Cool? Cool.
So, to start things off, here’s what’s going on this week!
Life and such
My next writing class, Writing for the Internet, starts next week! It’s still not too late to snag a spot. It’s a Zoom-held 8-week course all about making your mark on digital media, and it’s being run through Redbud Writing Project, a Raleigh-based org. If you’re interested but aren’t sure it’s for you or have other questions, let me know!
And as a reminder, I also offer 1:1 consulting, where I can give you advice on pitching, edit your work, read over cover letters, and more. You don’t have to be an established writer (or even a writer at all) to sign up—we can work together to make the sessions worth your while.
What I’m writing
My novel, slowly but surely. I’m about 5,500 words into the new draft, and feeling way better about this one than before. My plot is clearer, my characters are more well-defined, and my Spotify playlists are more nostalgic than ever (it’s a lot of Jenny Lewis, y’all) I’m still nervous I’m not going to make it through to the end without wanting to go back and revise, but overall, I’m feeling good about things!
Also—I wrote a product review for HelloGiggles of my Merrell hiking boots, which I got as a press gift a few months ago and have been obsessed with ever since. They’re super comfortable, totally waterproof, and needed absolutely zero time being broken in. Highly recommend if you’re in the market for new shoes.
What I’m reading
I wrote last week about how much I was enjoying Raven Leilani’s Luster, and having finished it over the weekend, I can say with certainty that it’s one of the best novels I’ve read recently. If you like brutally real books that’ll make you cringe with uncomfortable recognition, this one’s for you.
I’m now reading Memorial by Bryan Washington, a novel about the relationship between two Houston men that earned rave reviews upon its release last fall. I’m not too far in, but I’m really enjoying it so far; the writing is lovely and original.
What I’m watching
Kurt and I are plowing our way through The Sopranos at record speed, but we made time this weekend to watch the horror movie She Dies Tomorrow, which came out last summer. It was only okay, IMO.
Today, though, the critic David Ehrlich released his annual, eagerly-awaited video countdown of his favorite movies of the past year, and it reminded me to add a few must-sees to my list, including Nomadland, First Cow, and Never Really Sometimes Always. If you’ve seen any of the above and have thoughts, let me know!
What I’m listening to
I am obsessed, obsessed I tell you, with the song “Drivers License” by Olivia Rodrigo. There’s a lot of Gen Z drama around Rodrigo (who’s 17 and a Disney+ star) and the guy who the song is supposedly about (her co-star on High School Musical: The Musical: The Series), but honestly, it’s a lot. Just focus on the song itself, which is excellent, featuring powerful vocals and lyrics that have rightfully earned Rodrigo comparisons to Lorde and young Taylor Swift. This girl is here to stay.
Random thoughts to leave you with
Bad magazine cover: Kamala Harris on Vogue. Good magazine cover: Zendaya on GQ.
Also, Judy Blume got vaccinated, and I am very relieved.
Lastly, we put Ellie in a beanie, and as you would expect, it was adorable.
Until next time,
Rachel