Hey friend.
How are you doing today?
As for me, I can only think of completing the first chapter of my Master’s dissertation and the need to immerse myself in a romance novel.
Once again, welcome and thanks for subscribing. Go look up the introductory post for what to expect here.
Please read this closely...
On Friday: Feels mentally exhausted
On Saturday: Goes off the internet for the whole day while ignoring my African American History paper that’s due on Wednesday.
On Sunday: Goes off the internet for a good part of the day.
On Monday: Feels mentally exhausted all through the day but resolves to start the paper later at night.
From Friday to Monday, my head was in a weird place. I felt like I wasn't doing anything with the time I had. But at the same time, I was so exhausted. Fast forward to the early hours of Tuesday or let’s say Monday but at midnight, I knew I had to start the paper because it was due in less than 48 hours. I wanted to write 2 pages before I went to bed. And voila, I wrote three pages!
Now, why the rundown of events?
I felt like shit before I started that paper. But after completing the first three pages, my whole vibe had a 360 switch. I felt purposeful. I felt better. My mental exhaustion disappeared.
Meaning, I was exhausted because I wasn't doing what I had to do because I wore myself out with the thought of starting. And when I was able to break the barrier of starting that paper, I felt so freaking good.
I'm not sure where this thought process is leading to, but I'll say JUST START.
Starting is hard. Starting something new is difficult. It comes with uncertainties that can make you feel exhausted even before you take action. The race against time. The pressure to produce something good. Self-doubt. Resources you might need. Whew, there's a lot to deal with.
Regardless, we cannot escape starting something new. Take your time to do so, but do not wait until pressure kills your dream. Even if you fail after starting, you learn a thing or two…and go again!
I need some of my co-romance-novel-lovers to chill
My favorite genres are historical fiction, romance (contemporary), literary fiction, and a dose of fantasy. What’s yours?
I noticed something in the book community on social media (especially Twitter). For one, that app has a vibrant community of people who live for romance novels and I love that so much because romance writers and readers get a lot of stick from people who do not see writing and reading romance novels as something ‘serious’ or ‘worthwhile’ and I hate that.
While it’s great that there’s an active community on Twitter, I think sometimes they need to chill and take harmless feedback and critique without feeling offended. After all, books from other genres get a lot of stick too. I mean, a lot of fiction lovers come for people who are big on self-help and philosophical books.
Someone could harmlessly and respectfully mention what her/she/they noticed in a romance novel and the people would go offfff in the comments. Bruh, I think we need to chill because not everyone is out to get your favorite book, author, or genre.
In the spirit of enjoying things...
Now, February has a reputation for being the month of love. So, I’m going to be a soft babe and a cliché book lover.
I’ll be going on a romance reading spree, I’m talking reading three (or more?) contemporary romance novels back to back! I’ve read some good romance novels this year already (check out my Goodreads and Bookstagram for reviews and ratings), and I cannot wait to get more into my system.
My target for the season:
Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade
The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
The Fastest Way to Fall by Denise Williams
Let me know if you have read any of these.
Podcast recommendation
Listening to podcasts is one of my favorite things to do! Sometimes, I need to listen to podcasts to get through my day. And the range of the podcasts I listen to is crazyyyy. My type of vibe is chill, knowledgeable, social media-inclined, pop culture-aware ladies. If this is your vibe too, tap into today’s recommendation.
To My Sisters by Courtney & Renee
I first heard of this podcast from their friend, Vee Khativu, one of my favorite people on the internet. On this podcast, Courtney and Renee delve deeper into the realities of navigating adulthood, sisterhood, and more.
What’s next on Books and Being Podcast?
In the next episode of my podcast, I’ll be fangirling and talking about my love for Taylor Jenkins Reid. Also, I'll be talking about reading goals: what about them and my reading goals for the year. I’m excited!
Catch up on the latest episodes:
EP 38. Friendly reminder: it’s okay to leave
EP 37. How to read more books and 2022 reading update
Today, I’m writing to you from a tiny corner of my school library and my heart is happy with the thought that you will be reading this soon.
Till you hear from me next time, be good and enjoy.
Love,
Yetunde O.