👀 What I (sort of) read this month + sneak peek
Hi ,
Somehow it's the last day of November? This month has not been my best month of reading (keep scrolling to find out what I've sort of read this month), which I'm sure is a result of getting back to some semblance of 'living' over the last few weeks. It's been such a treat to go back to the cinema, galleries, exhibitions, restaurants, and all the fun things. If you're in Naarm, I highly recommend the Van Gough exhibition / experience at the MCEC.
During December I'm sharing a few very special episodes that I've had fun recording over the last few weeks. I've been talking to some fellow readers about how and what they've been reading this year, and they've shared some of the books that have stuck with them in 2021. Here's your bookmark subscriber sneak peek at the release schedule over the next few weeks...
Monday 6 December: author, thinker, podcaster, and curious being, Shane Hatton
Monday 13 December: ABC radio host, podcaster, and TEDx speaker, Lisa Leong
Monday 20 December: board member, founder, and podcaster, Claire Hatton
I've loved hearing what everyone's been reading, and how 2021 has influenced their reading habits, and I'm excited to share them with you.
I'm calling this little mini-series How We Read. I'll be sharing more episodes of How We Read as the bonus member content on Patreon from January. So if you enjoy these episodes, make sure you check out the membership options to hear more like this in 2022.
In bookish conversations,
Steph
PS. To borrow from Austin Kleon (and everyone else who borrows this from Austin Kleon), this newsletter and the podcast are 'free but not cheap'. You can support their ongoing creation by becoming a member on Patreon, buying me a coffee as a one off 'thank you', purchasing a card from the Good Press card store, or leaving a podcast review on the website. Thanks!
Is 2022 the year you write your book?
As a reader, at some point, you might have entertained the idea of writing your own book. Or maybe been frustrated reading something and thinking 'I could have written this book'.
Only a small percentage of people actually do anything about it, so if that’s you and ticking off a bucket list item in 2022 is on the cards, then this upcoming workshop is for you.Â
My good friend, book coach, Kelly Irving is hosting a free workshop on Thursday 2nd December at 10am AEDT:Â 5 Secrets to a Successful Non-Fiction Book: That Amplifies Your Impact in 2022.Â
Here’s a little taste test of what she’ll cover in the live workshop:
The #1 shift that makes writing so much easier (and sells your book like hotcakes)
How to avoid the mistakes experts make when writing (that cost them dearly in energy and money)
Five strategies to snap into focus and fast-track your book and beat procrastination forever
What separates people who successfully write and publish their book from those who get stuck and give up
Kelly has worked with many authors to transform their stories into successful books. Many of those books have been reviewed on this very podcast - and you might remember that she interviewed me for episode 99 of mine.Â
Everything she shares is always proven, practical and gets results so if you want to transform yourself into a writer and finally be able to add 'author' to your cv, this workshop is a must.
What I've (sort of) read in November
Sooooo.... November has been like a weird, book-ish HIIT session. I've been picking things up and putting them down again all month, stopping and starting between high intensity reading sprints and then... nothing. I've started three books. Three good books. But I haven't actually finished any of them 😬. It's the first month I can remember where I haven't finished a single book! But, here's what I started and what I think of them so far...
The Sunny Nihilist by Wendy Syfret
I am loving this book by Naarm-based author Wendy Syfret. It's pretty much the millennials guide to the meaning of life and I'm finding it incredibly relatable. Wendy has summarised and put language and thought around so many of the things I've felt didn't really 'fit' when it comes to the normal (made up) societal expectations of what life / work / love should look like. I've folded down A LOT of corners on this one.
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
This is fascinating, deep, and quite heavy (which is why I've not been able to get through it this month). Trauma is a word that's used a lot at the moment, so reading a book about what trauma is and how the body responds to it feels very timely. It's a nice balance of academic and anecdote and feels much clearer and more accessible compared to books like Non-Violent Communication and Radical Acceptance.
Powerful by Patty McCord
Creator of Netflix's famous culture deck, Patty McCord gives a refreshing insight into workplace culture, treating people like adults, trying things out, and not being afraid to be bold and buck conventions of running teams in a fast-growing business. I'm really enjoying this one and have taken several notes to use as examples in my client work.
PS. Are you looking for a great gift for someone to round out a weird year? How about helping them take better notes on the books they read? Enjoy a 15% discount on your very own copy of the Archley's Book of Books book journal, here^.
Ear food
I've particularly enjoyed these podcasts in the last couple of weeks...
🎙Podcast: Metaphysical Milkshake - I've known about this podcast for years but have never listened to it. But I'm in the vortex now and I really enjoyed this episode with Ben Folds about creativity. (Spotify | Apple)
🎙Podcast: My Daily Business Coach - Another podcast I'm late to the party too is Fiona Killackey's My Daily Business Coach. I got into it as the amazing craft-based designer Kitiya Palaskas featured on there last month, talking about how to find your own creativity and make a mark (and yes, there seems to be a theme with the podcasts I've enjoyed recently). (Spotify | Apple)
Meanwhile, on the bookshelf
Recent Steph's Business Bookshelf podcast episodes, in case you missed them...
Million Dollar Consulting Proposals by Alan Weiss
(Listen)
No Cure for Being Human by Kate Bowler
(Listen)