winter hibernation

Instead of talking about writing today, I want to talk about not writing. You may or may not realize this, but not writing is actually an important part of the writing process. I know that sounds like a joke but it isn’t! If I wrote all the time, I’d be a machine, and my words would be stilted and boring, reflecting my inhumanity. I need time and space away from my work to think of fresh ideas and make it the best it can be. So many pivotal plot points tend to pop into my head randomly. I’ll be agonizing over something for weeks, and then one day, when I’m washing dishes or watching Bravo (or both), not thinking about the story at all, it will suddenly come to me. Every single time it happens, I’m amazed that all I needed to do to figure it out was to stop trying to figure it out.

That’s part of the reason why I love the winter. Not because of the holidays, necessarily (although I’m not ashamed to admit I love leaning into the kitschy nostalgia of Christmastime), but because the cold months are meant to be a time of rest and introspection. We have permission - actually, are encouraged - to turn in early, cuddle up with a blanket, and find comfort in the stillness of a 4 p.m. sunset. I’ve been trying to take full advantage, particularly because the end of last year was hectic for me. ALL MY BESTS was released (how has it already been two months??) and I was on deadline for my next novel, so creatively, I was pretty burnt out. These past few weeks have been a nice (and vital) opportunity to rest and recharge, and I’ve been trying my best not to let my mind spin out with all the things I “should” be doing (as it tends to do!). Don’t worry, though. I’ve still got a couple of secret projects in the works.

*quote from one of the aforementioned secret projects!!!*

Without further ado, I want to share with you the things I’ve been consuming that aren’t my works in-progress. Keep scrolling for my recent finds in Film, TV, books, music, creators, and more:

Film & TV

Sailor Moon (1992)

I was obsessed with this show as a nine-year-old and I’m obsessed with it again at twenty-nine. Sure, it’s got its problems (nothing says 90s TV like a little bit of fatphobia!), but there’s just so much to love. Sailor Moon the character is so endearing; she cries all the time - because she’s scared to go on missions and because she’s an immature, lovesick fourteen-year-old - and is constantly ignoring people (and cats??) who tell her to stop eating so many pork buns. The animation, colors, and sound effects are so nostalgic. Also, Tuxedo Mask is positively dreamy. I could go on and on! Have you watched Sailor Moon recently? If so let’s talk about it.

The Substance

This movie is absolutely bonkers. My initial reaction when it was over was that I was glad I saw it but would probably never watch it again. The more I sit with it though, the more I appreciate its absurdity. It’s not subtle at all - not the gore, nor the thematic exploration of what it means to be an aging woman in an image-obsessed patriarchal society - but that’s the point. It’s visually stunning, full of interesting, vibrant shots, homages to classic horror moments, and a truly terrifying scene where Dennis Quaid stuffs his face with shrimp. I was confused, before I saw it, why it was classified as a comedy at the Golden Globes, but I get it now. I was scream-laughing by the end.

Shogun

Shogun is incredible from every angle - the writing, the acting, the editing, the camerawork. It fills the void left by shows like The Last Kingdom and Game of Thrones. I am upset by the finale but that’s neither here nor there. Fun fact: I had a nightmare that I murdered everyone in my family after watching the first episode!

The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City

In general, the Housewives are in their flop era, but the ladies of Salt Lake City are carrying the franchise on their backs. I don’t think anybody expected this season to be so good, but my god, does it go the distance! Sorry to bore my younger readers who are still too cool for Housewives, but in this house, we stan our greek goddess Angie K. What did everyone think of Heather’s “speech” and ““game”” in the finale?

Challengers

My boyfriend and I, who more or less agree on what makes a “good” movie, had very different opinions about Challengers, which surprised me. I really liked it a lot! I concede his point that some of the camerawork feels unnecessarily gratuitous - if we cut ~fifteen minutes of slo-mo shots of jiggly thighs, it would have been perfectly paced. I also hated the ending. Sorry!! I gave it 4 stars on Letterboxd.

Books

The Wood at Midwinter

My first read of the year was this illustrated 60-page short story by Susanna Clarke, author of Piranesi, a book I love so much. Once again, she has written something dreamy and spooky and atmospheric, which are basically the ingredients to my perfect book. The length is also perfect for kickstarting your Goodreads reading goal! Thanks Brigid for the thoughtful Christmas gift :)

Kindred

It’s truly a feat of incredible storytelling when a story about the horrors of slavery is so compulsively readable. I can’t believe I waited so long to read this book. I think it should be required reading in schools.

Good Material

I was hesitant to pick this up since it’s from the point of view of a man, and it’s very rare that I care enough about grown white men’s struggles to want to internalize them so fully (lol), but this book was amazing. I listened on audio, which is important to note since the narrator, Arthur Darvill, did such an incredible job. I get the ick from audiobook narrators so fast, but he made me want to keep listening.

The Secret Garden

This has been on my list pretty much since I started keeping a list. One of the pinnacle no plot, just vibes books. A lovely, atmospheric story about friendship, nature, and the power of positive thinking. One of the characters has a pet fox.

Music

Hovvdy LP - Hovvdy

I got my boyfriend tickets to see Hovvdy live for his birthday, so in preparation, I’ve been listening to their self-titled album that came out last year. 2024 was the year indie-pop went country, so I shouldn’t be surprised that a band called Hovvdy really started leaning into their Texas roots. I’m not mad about it! “Forever” is such a lovely song.

“Liquid Love” - Billie Marten

I was reminded of this song on… don’t laugh… an episode of Virgin River. It’s playing while two characters are showering together, which is honestly the perfect place to put it. It’s so steamy and sultry and good!!

Here in the Pitch - Jessica Pratt

Jessica Pratt is a beautiful alien from a distant planet, and her music reflects that. One of my favorite albums of 2024. What can I say, she’s got her thing and she does it so well! My favorites are “Life Is” and “World on a String.”

“Polly” - Nirvana

A couple of weeks ago this song was playing at my friend Betsy’s house. I was like wait, what’s this Nirvana song called again, and she was like, “Polly,” it’s about a girl who’s locked up in a basement. I said, oh? and looked up the lyrics. Imagine my surprise: it is not really about a bird named Polly who wants a cracker! Still, I haven’t been able to stop listening to it since. Do with that what you will.

“Living Life” - Kathy McCarty

This song plays during the end credits of Before Sunrise, one of my all-time favorite movies, which I watched alone on New Year’s Eve because I didn’t feel like going out. My friends went to a weird house party in Williamsburg and met John Wilson. I still think I had a better time!

Continuum 1 - Nala Sinephro

For my ambient-heads! My friend Devon showed me Nala Sinephro’s album Endlessness and I instantly added this song to my sacred “write to this” playlist.

**all songs/albums are linked in the title!

Miscellaneous

Esmemade

I love this creator so much that I considered gatekeeping her work, because I already can’t get her creations before they sell out, but alas, she’s too incredible not to include. She makes weird and creepy little dolls. I love them so much.

Totally Spies! Cyber Mission

When one of my favorite cartoons from the early aughts announced a video game, I knew it would be an instant buy. It’s super cute animation and includes their amazing retro-girlypop apartment. You can play 1-3 players, though I think it’s best with 3 players. I make my boyfriend and his brother play with me and we have a great time.

This recipe for lemon cupcakes from Preppy Kitchen

Made for my boyfriend’s 32nd bday and they were a hit!

Calico Critters

I got my friend a blind box Calico Critter for Christmas and decided I wanted one, too. Here’s who I got:

His name is Allen! I fear I might be addicted, now.

@milkanddontcallmehoney on Instagram

This account makes poems out of notable housewife (and other pop culture) quotes in the sparse style of Rupi Kaur. So funny. Here’s one everybody will know:

Crochet stocking

I made this stocking for my mom while binging Sailor Moon. It was the first stocking I ever made, so I went for a simpler pattern (linked here). I think it turned out pretty nicely!

Zoe Sugg’s Vlogmas

I’ve been following Zoe Sugg on Youtube since I was a teenager and she did makeup reviews. I still love her Vlogmas series, where she posts cozy, festive videos every day in December until Christmas. I know Christmas is over but maybe this will put her on your radar for next year?

Last but not least,

this amazing t-shirt of my dog from Pawsionate. I got one for my grandma and one for me :)

What have you been watching/reading/listening to/creating? I’d love to know what I need to add to my list!