Shavings, reading, look what's here!
Approximately-weekly news, #84
Hello! This week I have debuted my new trainers. I am attempting a one*-pair-in-use-at-a-time trainer policy, so putting on these beauties did much to offset my sadness at saying goodbye to my lovely leopardskin numbers.
(Both these and their predecessors are from here, but I bought them a while ago so I think they are out of stock. This is my go-to place for trainers. They seem expensive but they last almost forever.)
Also, I am lucky enough to have bluebells in my garden. (We will not ever be calling them Bloobs around here.**)
And another small happiness: sharpening new pencils.
I have been in a monogamous relationship with Blackwing for the last decade or so, but do you know what? I’m opening myself up to new pencil experiences.*** I may report back, or I may slink back to Blackwing and pretend this never happened.
Sharpening a pencil, though. Do you think that could be a job? It might be the only career that would tempt me away from writing. (My friend Sarah finds my affection for pencil shavings hilarious, but I am seriously considering this beauty for the next time I need a well-done-Stephanie**** gift.)
This week’s permission:
You have permission to revel in the tiniest of good things.
I realise it’s been a while since I told you what I’ve been reading, so here we go. (I only share things I’ve enjoyed.)
‘Floating Hotel’ by Grace Curtis just delighted me from start to finish. It’s warm, funny, and intriguing, and made me feel that the world - the universe, indeed - is a good, good place.
‘The Colony’ by Audrey Magee is intricate, insightful, and absorbing, and the characterisation is just so beautiful it broke my heart.
‘I Who Have Never Known Men’ by Jacqueline Harpman is a translation of a Belgian sci-fi novel from the 1990s, and it made me think of Ursula K le Guin.
‘The Impossible Thing’ by Belinda Bauer is a whodunnit featuring a LOT of eggs, and I loved Celie, the heroine, HARD.
‘Poor’ by Katriona O’Sullivan is a memoir about poverty, and social deprivation, and learning. It’s not an easy read, but I found it genuinely moving and important.
LOOK! WHAT! ARRIVED! (Are you impressed that I’ve waited this far into the newsletter to show you?)
These are my beautiful author copies of A BOOKSHOP SUMMER, publishing in the UK on the 7th of May. I love them so much. And I’m so proud of this novel, and with me, for squeezing the writing of it into days that were otherwise full of grief. I’m excited for you to meet Cherry, and Rhiannon, and Guy, and Damian; I hope you’ll be glad to see Loveday, Nathan, Trixie, Madison and Kit again.
If you’d like a signed and dedicated copy of A BOOKSHOP SUMMER, just reply to this email and we’ll get it sorted. (Also available from all of your usual places, and here.)
(I still haven’t found those bulb-style fairy lights anywhere. The hunt continues.)
Lost for Words merchandise is on the way too! Here’s a sneak preview of the logo… You are the first to see it. It’s going on clothing and other essentials (notebooks, water bottles).
And here’s the strapline, which will be on the back of t-shirts and (of course) book bags.
There will also be pin badges (I am delighted by pin badges).*****
Just a word of warning, though. If we meet in real life and you are wearing Lost For Words items, I genuinely don’t know what I will do. Crying, probably, and likely some incoherent babbling, and a lot of selfies in which I look as though as I am 100% overwhelmed, because I will be 100% overwhelmed.
Update for writers:
I have one slot for a manuscript assessment or developmental edit in June and one slot in July. If you’re interesting in mentoring, there’s a slot coming up to begin working together in May and another in June.
Take a look here, and then reply to this email and we’ll have a chat to see if we’re a good match.
A moment, please, for April skies:
Or maybe instead of looking at the sky, have a lovely nap.******
Until next time, my friends, take good care.
Love,
Stephanie x
*well, two.
** We will also not be saying Genny Lex or Panny D. Boobs, however, I consider to be an absolutely dandy word.
*** This applies to pencils only. BMB remains my one and only.
****Deciding I could buy my own jewellery was one of the best things I ever did for myself.
*****If you’d like one let me know and I’ll post one to you if you’re within the UK.
******This tip brought to you by Harris the greyhound.
I love Blackwing, and have forsaken all others for drawing, so do let us know your verdict on these new ones. ( I too love shavings and keeping the tiny pencils!)