An unhinged, obsessive writer friendship
And other recommendations/updates of late!
Weekly Q&A:
Q: I’ve published a few pieces but I still don’t feel like I can call myself a writer. When did you feel comfortable with that title?
A: Relatable. For me, it happened gradually. Even after I had a full-time writing job at a magazine, I still felt squirmy about calling myself a writer since I wasn’t being paid to write what I felt truly passionate about. Maybe this is silly, but I think part of what helped me warm up to the title was to think of writing not as an identity, or even an art, but instead more like a craft or trade. Another way of putting it: Unlike jobs with an “-ist” suffix (scientist, artist), which sound fancier and more abstract to me, “writer” is an action title. That is to say, if you write, you’re a writer, just in the same way that if you weld you’re a welder or if you log you’re a logger. Even if you don’t necessarily do it for money (I don’t personally know anyone who logs for fun, but someone probably does!), if you’re dedicated to your craft and work at it often, you’re doing the damn thing, and that act of doing is so much of what defines a “writer” to me.
This week on SLAC: The Cult of Teachers…
We’re doing another interview-a-listener episode! Never has the show received so many passionate requests as it did for the cult of teachers. I had not at all appreciated the scope of exploitation, emotional manipulation, uncertainty, power dynamics, and fear wrapped up in the ~education space~ until chatting with this week’s special guest, Charlyn. The episode drops tomorrow!
We’re going back on the road!! Enter for a chance to see The Big Magical Cult Show live (for free!).
The Big Magical Cult Show is NOT a normal book tour event, my friends :) Tap the post above to enter to win a free ticket to the Chicago and Minneapolis shows, which involve drag performances, special guests, a PowerPoint presentation on parasocial relationships, and more. Or, if you know you definitely want to come and are feeling generous, purchase a ticket now at the links below. This is SUCH a fun show, and I am so glad I get to take it to the midwest. If you live in the area, I really hope to see you there!
July 12: Chicago, IL — The Big Magical Cult Show at Park West (buy tickets here!)
July 13: Minneapolis, MN — The Big Magical Cult Show at Cedar Cultural Center (buy tickets here!)
I’d love your feedback on my Magical Overthinker merch :)
If you’ve already placed a merch order (thank you so much!!!), I’d love to know how you’re liking it so far. Or, if there’s a piece of Wordslut/Cultish/Overthinker merch you’d like to see in this collection, feel free to recommend something in the comments below! In the meantime, the pieces we have so far are really well-made and cozy imho. I hope you consider checking them out!
There are still three spots left on my Italy trip… and you have until July 15th to book them.
I loved hosting last year’s write-and-travel with me excursions so much, I decided to do another this October in Southern Italy. Some folks who attended in 2023 are even coming back!! This is a 7-day group trip that takes us to the stunning coastal towns of Naples, Capri, Pompeii, and Sorrento. Along the way, you’ll participate in writing workshops that pair with the language and landscape. Tap the button below to learn more and maybe even RSVP!
Short Read: I Finally Befriended My Idol Tavi Gevinson. Would It Fall Apart Over Taylor Swift?
I salivate over unhinged, inside baseball essays written by or about struggling writers, like that Bad Art Friend piece from few years back. Ugh, that was so good. The latest in this highly specific genre is a GQ “review” of it-girl Tavi Gevinson’s newish zine… which is actually just the author’s manic confession of how obsessed she was (and still is) with Tavi to the point of self-sabotage. I could see an alternate universe version of myself tripping and falling into a professional “friendship” dynamic like that. This one is a delish little read for anyone who enjoys low-stakes literary gossip, especially when the gossip is delivered by someone still actively embroiled in/not exhibiting the greatest self-awareness of the situation at hand.
TV: Hacks
I know I’m late to the party but damn this show is charming. It follows a washed-up aging Vegas comedian and a recently canceled aspiring young TV writer, who get paired to work together during a time of mutual career desperation. Jean Smart and Hannah Einbeinder deserve every bit of praise they’re getting for the show. Season 3 is the best one yet.
Decor: Rifle Paper Co Rugs
I’m currently redoing my office and discovered that my favorite stationary brand actually makes a ton of home decor including area rugs, and my god are they whimsical. Look at the dreamy little scene on this one I just bought!! I think the black color palette takes the edge off how twee it is.
Apparel: Overthinker crewneck
You magical overthinkers deserve to treat yourselves to this ridiculously cozy pink-on-pink overthinker sweatshirt from my new merch line. I get compliments every time I wear it, I swear!!!
