#1 An introduction
Hello from Manchester on a dreary, windy and wet day!
I’ve been wanting to start a newsletter for a long time now, bandying around ideas about my ‘niche’ and what to write about. At this point in my life I work full-time as a copywriter, I’m in the (bloody long) process of writing a book, and I gobble up all kinds of fiction and non-fiction. And so I figured I would write about… well, reading and writing. Plus, all things personal snippets, conversation starters, quickfire recommendations, and just anything that inspires me: books, characters, themes, and juicy topics — from the tips I’ve gleaned on how to write fiction (from others), to books set in 1970s New York City, and the art of having fun.
Inspired by Joan Didion’s ‘On Self-Respect,’ each newsletter will have ‘On…’ in the title, just to give some kind of rule (and to nod to one of my literary heroines). But let’s see how we go! My whole raison d'être with this is not to create too many restrictions or boundaries, and not to get bogged down in perfectionism or fear. I want to go with where the inspiration is and hopefully give you great ideas for your TBR, with words to gulp alongside a cup of joe (or tea, if that’s your bag).
Let’s do this! x
Currently reading: Blueberries: Essays Concerning Understanding by Ellena Savage
Any other recommendations:
I recently finished Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley and wow. It follows Kiara as she tries to survive in Oakland, abandoned by her family, and ends up turning to the streets. Incredibly raw, vivid and written in a really unique, haunting voice. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you’re ever in Manchester, I really recommend wandering around the Central Library. I went in for the first time properly this week (after being evacuated from a cafe by several fire engines rocking up) and I was enamoured. I’m relatively new to this city (I’ve been here 8 months now) and love finding new places to explore.
