Writing Update: July 2024
A micro (quickest beach read you’ll find) and some summer reading recommendations!
As we close out July, here’s some light reading to round out your summer list.
What was published in July
I found inspiration again in Westword’s monthly writing prompt,
She Wished for an Open Door - Westword
Read time: <2 minutes (175 words)
This piece was shortlisted for their monthly competition based on the word “Tear.”
Photo by Ninh Nguyễn on Unsplash
My favorite reads of July
Non-fiction: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
This book follows Will Guidara’s heroic attempt, in partnership with his head chef, to turn Eleven Madison Park in NY into the best rated restaurant in the world during the early-mid 2000s. It’s a case study on subverting expectations in the fine dining industry to give diners and patrons alike what it is they really want when they go out for dinner. There are lessons here for all industries and pursuits, and the anecdotes are unmatchable, especially for foodies and those who enjoy The Bear.
Fiction: Poor Deer by Claire Oshetsky
I’m back on my magic realism kick and this recommendation from a good friend did not disappoint. The short novel follows a child who, in dealing with a traumatic event in her early life, finds herself in the company of an imaginary “friend” called poor deer. The piece is about growing up around trauma and guilt, and how, to survive, we tell ourselves stories that help us live with the past. Eventually, though, the truth and all the twisted emotions that come with it, will out.
A favorite from the archives:
It’s Terrible, The Things We Do To Each Other, a short story about a friendship breaking down from Third Wednesday circa 2023.
Other things of note & the look ahead
July was spent onboarding to a new product role and so, outside of technical writing for work, my personal creations ended up on the back burner. But never fear! We have a few pieces coming up for publication in August and September from Blink Ink, Carmina Magazine, and Apex Magazine (I know, this last one has been a dream publication of mine since I started writing seriously back in 2009). I did have the honor of some collaborative writing with one of my cowriting partners so fingers crossed you’ll see something from the duo who brought you Testimony last month. Otherwise, keeping the mill running with some short-form science fiction and magic realism so fingers crossed I’ll get to share those with you soon!
Until next time!