Simon Says... The Pressure Is On.
One month until my book's out. Holy crap.
Welcome to Simon Says, a weekly newsletter from Rachel Simon about writing, not writing, and sort-of-, kind-of, I’m-putting-words-on-a-page-but-let’s-be-real-they’re-garbage writing. For current and aspiring writers, but everyone else is welcome, too.
On Saturday, it’ll be one month until my book comes out. It’s kind of hard to believe, because although it’s been less than a year since I was first approached to write the book, it feels like it’s been ages. Since turning in the draft back in February, I’ve spent most of my time focusing on other projects like articles and classes and my novel, only going back to Pickleball for All occasionally for edits and promo. Having so much else to do made it easier to not think about the bigness of it all, the “oh my god, I’m actually publishing a book and strangers are gonna read it” realization and all the accompanying fear/anxiety. I could downplay it as just one more project, not THE project, and shove all that pressure and stress into the back of mind.
But now, Aug. 30 is almost here, which means I can no longer pretend that it’s all NBD. The emotions are all hitting at once—I’m publishing a book! My first book ever! And strangers—thousands of them, hopefully, or even millions if I’m very lucky (I can dream!)—are going to read it, and have thoughts on it, and, sometimes, even review it. People will see my book in stores or on Amazon and spend their real, hard-earned money on a copy. It’ll live in their homes, and their friends’ homes, and their parents’ homes. It won’t just be my book, but theirs, too. And as terrifying as that prospect is (and it is terrifying), it’s also really, really, freakin’ exciting.
I can’t wait for you all to read it, for the hundreds of pages I wrote to be officially out of my head and into yours. I hope you like it, but even if you don’t, I’m just glad it’ll be out there. Because in one month’s time, I can finally say, I wrote a book. And that IS a big deal.
You can get your copy at Amazon, or Barnes & Noble, or Target.
Work Updates:
ICYMI, I spoke on NPR’s KQED Forum show last week about my book Pickleball for All and the sport’s popularity, and you can listen here.
I had two e-commerce stories for People go live this week, about an under-the-sink organizer that is *seriously* great and a microfiber mop that is said to be super effective.
I’ve been loading up on college essay sessions now that admission season is almost here! If you know a high school senior who could use some help figuring out their application essay, let me know—I’d be happy to work with them.
My six-week Redbud class on personal essays and features starts in just a few weeks! It’s not too late to sign up if you haven’t.
Don’t forget that you can order a custom crossword puzzle from my Etsy shop, YourCrossword! It’s a great gift for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and so much more.
This Week in Pop Culture:
Kurt and I saw Nope in theaters on Saturday, and I liked it! I wasn’t as wowed as I’d hoped I’d be, but it was still a really cool, interesting movie with plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments.
I’m a huge Billie Eilish fan, and while all the hype over her new song “TV” is deserved, I wish more people were talking more about the other new song she released, “The 30th.” It’s a painful, gorgeous track that culminates in a breathtaking verse.
I can’t stop thinking about Joni Mitchell singing “Both Sides Now” at the Newport Folk Festival this weekend. We’re so lucky to have her.
I just finished reading Taylor Jenkins Reid’s upcoming new novel, Carrie Soto is Back, and while I can’t reveal any details yet (sorry!), I will say that fans of Daisy Jones and Malibu Rising will be very, very happy.
Lastly, this Shawn Mendes clip is insane and perfect.
This Week’s Gratitude Moment:
Last Thursday, a friend and I went to see the Lyricosa string quartet play instrumental covers of Taylor Swift songs in a chapel, and it was magical. Sitting there in that gorgeous, candlelit setting, listening to talented musicians perform some of my all-time favorite songs like “Invisible String” and “Enchanted”, was special in a way I can’t properly describe. I’m so grateful to have gone, and I highly recommend checking them out when they come to New York in September.
That’s all for this week, everyone. Thanks for reading!
-Rachel