The Nathan Barry Show Live With Ryan Holiday π€
Nathan Barry, the founder of Kit (the platform I use for this newsletter), interviewed one of my favorite authors and creators, Ryan Holiday. Specifically, it was a show about Ryan's philosophy behind creativity, writing, marketing, and other behind-the-scenes bits that he doesn't usually delve into. Also, before the show, there was a pre-event with Ultraspeaking, which is one of my new favorite platforms helping people practice communicating. Those of us who were at the pre-event were able to root for each other and hype each other up. Then, after the show, there was a happy hour where we networked, had a few sips, and shared our creative journeys with each other.
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LibraryPalooza Presents: Book Release & Signing Party for Marcia Argueta Mickelson's 'The Writing Room' π
My new favorite local bookstore, Book Nerd, hosted its first author event, and I wanted to show up and support. It helped that the book is about a writer (like me) and in the YA genre (like the novel I'm working on). And as an aspiring author, I want to be the kind of person who shows love to local authors and bookstores whenever I get a chance.
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Tribute to Taylor Swift Candlelight Concert π―οΈ
I'd seen ads for local candlelight shows since before last Christmas. And when one popped up that was Taylor Swift-themed, I quickly snagged a ticket. What resulted was a stunning night where four musicians performed a fascinating tribute on a stage lit by a sea of candles. The audience was hyped, the night was beautiful, what more could you ask for?
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Common Space π§
Some of my friends host a class where attendees read together and "chop it up" by unpacking the day's dialogue document, asking questions, and practicing vulnerability in a space where, in other similar environments, inquiries are often not welcomed. And some participants are able to do it amidst people who might disagree on particular topics, which can be a really hard muscle to train sometimes. It's tough, but necessary. (P.S. I produce a podcast version of the course if you want to check it out. It's available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.)
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Silent Book Club π
Returning to Book Nerd, I attended my first Silent Book Club. It's in the name, but it's an event put on by local chapters of the larger organization, where you meet a ton of fellow readers, chat for a bit, then sit for a set amount of time to read. It sounds counterintuitive, but it's motivating to see others reading. It makes you want to keep reading rather than pick up your phone and scroll.
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Wicked: For Good Advance Screening πΏ
And for the last event, I was able to get a ticket for an early screening of Wicked: For Good in IMAX. As someone who hasn't seen the musical, I was so surprised by how deeply intertwined the film was with The Wizard of Oz. While I think the first Wicked is better than the second portion, I still thought it was a beautiful ending to the story. A ton of us cried, which is a powerful thing in and of itself.
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