Simon Says... We're All Majorly Stressed Right Now, Right?
I know I am, but at least 'The Fault in Our Stars' turned 10!
Welcome to Simon Says, a weekly newsletter from Rachel Simon all about freelance life—from the inside scoop on just-published stories to advice on how to pitch to what it’s *really* like to leave a cozy full-time gig for the chaotic, unpredictable world of invoicing (jk, freelancing, but IYKYK).
I’m gonna be honest: I am freakin’ stressed. Between waaaaay too many work commitments, planning the wedding (three months to go!), and your good ‘ol pandemic worries, things have been pretty overwhelming lately, and I’ve had a few (okay, several) mini-meltdowns wondering if I can handle it all.
But last night, I was doing my usual bedtime-procrastination TikTok scrolling, and I saw a video by a woman about how we all view time wrong—that worrying about not having enough time, or wanting time to move faster, is totally pointless, because there is literally no moment but the present. In other words, we’re never actually “in” the future, so we can only control what is happening right at this very moment. I’m probably doing a horrible job explaining it, but anyhow, it was very reassuring and you can watch it here.
But that’s enough existentialism for one newsletter. Back to the regular stuff:
Some Stories I Wrote Last Week
Just a few this week because I’ve been very busy with other work stuff, as mentioned! But here’s what went live:
For Real Simple, I wrote about my favorite items from Nordstrom’s big home goods sale, including candles and pillows and such.
Also for Real Simple, I wrote about how much I looooove the jewelry holder Kurt got me off Amazon for Christmas. It’s big and pretty and it. Holds. Everything!!
And lastly, for Vulture, I celebrated The Fault in Our Stars turning 10 (!) with a big list of all the ways it’s changed pop culture. Think: the rise of Shailene Woodley, the creation of the “sick teens in love” genre, and all those “okay? okay” cloud tattoos people got in 2012.
The Inside Scoop
Each week, I’ll pick one story I’ve written (new or old, if needed) and explain how it got from pitch/assignment to publication. This week, it’s the Vulture story on The Fault in Our Stars.
I really love writing anniversary-based stories because #nostalgia, so when I saw John Green’s tweet that TFIOS was about to be a full decade old, I knew I wanted to cover the news. I considered writing an essay or reaching out for interviews, but ultimately, I decided that a list chronicling the book’s (and movie’s) biggest effects was the best route. I pitched it to my Vulture editor, for whom I’d done list-based stories before, and she was in! It was a fun one to research and write, and yes, I did listen to “Boom Clap” five times.
Other Work/Life Stuff Of Note
My two winter classes started up this week! I’m teaching an overview of Creative Nonfiction for Gotham Writers Workshop via Zoom, and a course called Freelancing 101 for Redbud Writers Project here in Raleigh. I’ve taught over 10 classes now, I believe, and I still get major imposter syndrome telling other (often much older) people what to do, but I really enjoy teaching and hey, they keep paying me to do it!
Also, my custom crossword puzzles are still on sale for Valentine’s Day! Get yours for 10% off with the sale code VDAY22 when you buy on Etsy.
In other news, I had my annual physical on Monday with a new doctor, and I got the full blood work results less than five hours later, along with the doc’s notes. That is insane, right? Good insane, I mean, but still! I’m used to waiting days for results, and the doctor not bothering to chime in until like a week after that. It was a thrill, y’all.
Coming Up…
I am so close to being able to share that big news with you all, but sadly, I still can’t just yet. Soon, I promise! (I hope.)
I can share, however, that I have several Valentine’s Day-themed stories that should go live soon, as well as a piece detailing my trip to Hawaii back in December.
Anyhoo, that’s all for this week, friends. Thanks for reading, and stay safe and warm out there!
-Rachel