Simon Says: Jan. 18
On Armie Hammer, sea shanties, and more.
Hi, friends—here’s this week’s edition of Simon Says:
Life and such
The holidays may be long over (somehow it’s Jan. 18th already?!), but you can still order a custom crossword puzzle as a birthday/anniversary/Valentine’s gift for your loved one or as a treat for yourself! All details here.
What I’m writing
If you’re based in North Carolina (or even if you’re not), check out the new issue of Raleigh Magazine out this week—I have two stories in it! Unsurprisingly, they’re both food-centric: one on where to find great omakase in Raleigh, and another on the city’s best hot chocolate.
In terms of my novel, I’m making slow but steady progress on my second draft. I’m nearly at 10k words, which is exciting, until I remember that’s only approx. 1/8th of the likely total count. Still, I’m continuing to feel good about things, getting to know my characters and plot better with every session. If you have any writing-related qs or just want to know what the process is like, shoot me a message!
What I’m reading
I just finished Memorial by Bryan Washington, which I really liked—it’s a sharply funny and painfully intimate novel, and I highly recommend it. Apparently, it’s going to be a TV show, which I can’t really picture but I’m certainly intrigued by since it’s produced by the always-exciting A24.
Up next, I have You Have a Match by my former Bustle coworker Emma Lord, whose debut novel, Tweet Cute, was one of my favorite YA books of last year. I’m super excited to start this one, especially since it already has Reese Witherspoon’s seal of approval (!) and is inspired by The Parent Trap, both of which are wins in my book.
What I’m watching
Kurt and I watched two movies this past week—well, more like one and a half, because we could not get through Charlie Kaufman’s I’m Thinking of Ending Things. It was just too slow and weird for our taste.
But we did watch all of the thriller Shirley, which was… okay. Elisabeth Moss is always great, but the movie itself was nothing special.
Also, we’re still finishing up The Sopranos, having just started the final season, and if anyone wants to talk to me about *that* very upsetting episode of Season 5, please do. I’m not getting over that for awhile.
What I’m listening to
Sea Shanties forever. Yes, still.
Random thoughts to leave you with
I’m not getting into the Armie Hammer controversy because it is way too messy, but I did revisit this excellent 2017 Buzzfeed piece by Anne Helen Peterson about the many, many chances Hammer has gotten in Hollywood, and I strongly recommend giving it a read.
Heads up, it’s Girl Scout Cookie season! I got my Tagalongs, now called Peanut Butter Patties (?!), and I am quite pleased despite the name change.
Lastly, here’s Ellie wrapped up in a blanket, encapsulating true #cozy goals.
Stay well,
Rachel