Hello, lovelies! July is somehow already over? Rude! This month flew by in a blur of UK summer adventures and me dramatically sighing over my laptop while working on Project Paris (carriage chases don’t write themselves, apparently). But amidst the chaos, I did manage to consume some excellent content that filled my creative well. Sooo! Here are my July favorites!

I Read…

STILL WRITING: The Perils and Pleasures of a Creative Life, by Dani Shapiro! I bought this book in Oxford because I was in the mood for an inspiring, writing-related non-fiction book, and Dani Shapiro delivered it! STILL WRITING is part memoir, part craft book, part gentle pep talk. If you’re a writer, an aspiring writer, or just creatively flailing (hi, same), this book is like sitting down with a wise, kind friend who reminds you why you started writing in the first place.

Also, this lineeee: “The reward is in the doing.”

I Watched…

WE WERE LIARS on Amazon Prime!

Sooo, confession: I was very curious about how We Were Liars would translate to screen, but wowww—they nailed it! It’s moody, mysterious, and like a nostalgic summer memory (but filthy rich). The cast is so good, the pacing keeps you guessing, and even if you know The Twist that’s coming (I bow to thee, E. Lockhart), it’s an absolute binge watch (and who doesn’t want their own private Beechwood).

Also: I’m so jealous of everyone watching this series without having read the book, because The Twist is a masterpiece! I read this book 10 years ago, on a flight from Amsterdam to New York, and I still remember how I felt when all was finally revealed…

I Listened to…

The Plot Twist Podcast by Victoria Aveyard and Soman Chainani!

Sooo, I didn’t know how badly I needed this until I hit play. This weekly podcast is equal parts writing masterclass, publishing real talk, and hilarious friend banter. Victoria and Soman’s chemistry is *chef’s kiss*. Victoria brings her sharp, trademark honesty, while Soman is pure storytelling chaos in the best way possible. Highly recommend if you want to feel inspired (and slightly called out) while you procrastinate writing your own book.