Sunday Reading Roundup!

In aide of using my social media platforms more, I thought I'd start a fun weekly catch up of everything I've been listening to over the last seven days!

Ready? Then we'll begin. 

Audiobooks:

GMorning, GNight by Lin-Manuel Miranda 

This is easily one of my favorite books to listen to while I'm falling asleep. It's uplifting and inspiring messages really make me smile and feel like I can do anything! Having something so positive in the time of covid and what feels like a never ending third lockdown has been a real mood booster. Thank you for putting such joyous positivity into the world! (Also, I mean, it's Lin-Manuel Miranda, you really can't go wrong with anything he makes.)

Astrophysics For People In A Hurry by Niel Degrasse Tyson

I was never a science fan in school. An endless parade of boring teachers reciting a bunch of facts while standing motionless in front of the classroom? No thanks. I'll pass. Free from school, science is a subject that has appealed to me more and more as I've matured. Of course, now I'm writing a series set in space, learning more about science has shot up on my to-do list. I'm not going for a hard science vibe, but I'd like to be able to write something and not make people who get science wince in dispair. This book is perfect for people (like me) who are looking for an introduction into learning about space. Lots of information told in a an understandable way. Great Book! 

Books:

2,000 to 10,000: How to write faster, write better, and write more of what you love by Rachel Aaron

Ok, listen, that title is not it. It's such a mouthful and kinda off putting at first glance. However, this book has bigger problems that just the title. If you are a panser (for the non writers out there, there are three kinds of writers more or less: A plotter (someone who plots, outlines, and knows a lot of information up front before they start working on thge story. A panster - so who jumps head first into their story and writes by the seat of their pants, and then finally planster - someone who lives kinda in the middle of being a planner and a panser.) 

Now, it's important to note there is no right or wrong way to write. There is no magic book that will tell you how to be the perfect writer. But, sometimes craft books have little nuggets of information that back you go, 'oh, I can use that,' or 'cool, I can learn from that.' 

I found the first ten or pages (the ones that deal with how to increase your daily word count) the most interesting and the most helpful. The rest of this book is catered to Plotters. Which is nice, but also, not for me. There are times when I do plan ahead, but the sheer amount of pre planning and plotting this book would like you to do, makes me break out in a cold sweat. And not in a fun way. 

Learning about the way another author writes is always something that is going to appeal to me, but the advice in this book isn't really aimed at my style of writing. I'm sure there are plotters out there who are going to love this. 

On Writing by Stephen King

I've read this before, and yet I always find something new to that inspires me. This is such a classic and should be read by as many writers as possible. Even if you're not a horror writer, you'll find something to will aide you in writing. Stephen is a master of the craft for a reason. Read, learn, then read again. 

Podcasts:

I love a good podcast. Regardless if it’s teaching me something, or just a fun way to zone out while writing, podcasts are my jam. So let's go!

Derren Brown's Boot Camp for the Brain from Audible

Learn how to make your brain work with you, and not against you for a change. I'm only two episodes in and I'm hooked. I've always loved Derren and this just reinforces that love. I have found that this is something I do have to pay attention to while I'm listening, so craving out time to just listen has been a little hard to do, but it's worth it. If you're interested in learning more about the brain, this the podcast for you.

The Infinite Monkey Cage (seasons  1-5, 6-9) from Audible 

Professor Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince come together to teach science in a fun way. Now, I do have to make it clear (because reading the audible reviews showed that some people don't know this) but you don't need to use your audible credits to get this podcast. You can find every episode for free on Spotify, BBC sounds, and BBC Radio 4. I personally prefer Audible, because the sound quality is a little nicer and the show moves smoothly between one episode and the next. That's just my preference though, as I said, you can find this for free in other places and it's still just as funny and informance there. 

If you want to learn more about science and you're kind of intimidated by say, Neil DeGresse Tyson, this is the perfect podcast for you. It packs a lot into its short twenty minute episodes and, with the help of guests, the jokes come thick and fast. It's worth a listen if this kind of thing appeals to you. 

The Hamilcast from Spotify

The Hamilcast is a podcast for hardcore fans of Hamilton: An American Musical. Each episode talks to a member of the original Broadway cast, touring cast, or someone who has worked behind the scenes on the show. (I'm currently re-listening to 'Andy Blankenbuehler part one.' 

For those wanting a more in depth look at the show, this is for you. The man himself, Lin-Manuel Miranda has been on the podcast twice and for that alone, the podcast is well worth a listen.