Simon Says... Turns Out Taking Time Off is Good for You!
I lived out my childhood dreams at the mall.
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.
Hi, friends! It’s been a little bit—last week, it dawned on me that I hadn’t actually taken any time to just *chill* since Pickleball for All came out, so I took Wednesday off and used it as a self-care day. I slept in! I went to a matinee! I shopped at the mall and ate lunch at the food court like those people I used to be so jealous of and confused by (“what are they doing there in the middle of the day? Don’t they have jobs?!”) when I was a kid! It was a much-needed break, and I’m so glad I did it.
I also used last week to take a full break from writing. Working on the novel was staring to feel draining and over-complicated, and I knew my brain was still fried from all the Pickleball work and promo. I decided to step back for a couple of days, and put aside any thoughts of writing/editing/etc until I felt ready to come back in. The break really helped clear my mind, and now I feel much more capable of tackling this project.
I’m notoriously bad at giving myself actual time off and taking breaks, so last week was a necessary reminder that resting is GOOD and IMPORTANT and NECESSARY. Don’t let yourselves get close to burnout before taking a breather, folks!
Other Work Updates:
For The New York Times, I wrote about what to wear to weddings with unusual dress codes, featuring very cute illustrations from the design team.
I interviewed singer-songwriter Lucy Dacus about her U.S. tour and recent success for Indy Week.
I did a bunch of product roundups, including the best places to buy kitchen hardware (for Real Simple), the best travel totes (for Byrdie), and cute sleep dresses (for Travel + Leisure).
I also did pieces highlighting a cute two-piece travel set, Amazon’s handmade home decor section, cozy fall-scented candles, a great weekender bag, and a bestselling knit cardigan.
There’s still a week left to sign up for one of my upcoming writing classes! There’s Creative Nonfiction (via Zoom) with Gotham Writers Workshop or Freelancing: A Deep Dive with Redbud Writers Project in Raleigh, both starting next month.
I’m holding a 10% off sale on all my custom crosswords from now through the weekend! Get your personalized puzzles here.
This Week in Pop Culture:
I read and looooved the novel Honor by Thrity Umrigar, which was heartbreaking but so, so good. And I also really enjoyed the highly entertaining Sister Stardust by Jane Green!
I saw The Woman King in theaters last week and really enjoyed it. Gina Prince-Bythewood hive, unite! (Watch Beyond the Lights if you haven’t).
I also LOVED the Netflix teen black comedy Do Revenge. Funny and sharp and just a joy to watch.
I am obsessed with every song on Noah Cyrus’ new album, especially the stunning “Noah (Stand Still)”:
Did the Kardashians season premiere make me cry? You bet it did.
Speaking of returning TV: thank god for Abbott Elementary.
This Week’s Gratitude Moment:
This past weekend, a few friends from New York came to visit, and we met up with some of our local pals to go to Farm Aid. Being surrounded by new friends and old friends, listening to great music, and having a blast—that was just the best.
Thanks for reading, all. Talk soon!
-Rachel