Some hugeeee Sounds Like A Cult news 👀

And what I bought from Kamala's merch store lol

Writing prompt:

Responding to the conventionally wise writing axiom “Write What You Know,” novelist Ursula K. Le Guin said the following:

As for “Write what you know,” I was regularly told this as a beginner. I think it’s a very good rule and have always obeyed it. I write about imaginary countries, alien societies on other planets, dragons, wizards, the Napa Valley in 22002. I know these things. I know them better than anybody else possibly could, so it’s my duty to testify about them. I got my knowledge of them, as I got whatever knowledge I have of the hearts and minds of human beings, through imagination working on observation. Like any other novelist. All this rule needs is a good definition of “know.”

Write a short description for a speculative fictional or fantasy character that some part of you just “knows.” Include as many specific character traits and background details as you like. 

Some exciting news from team Sounds Like A Cult :)

New Age love & wellness influencers turned baby NXIVM: That's kinda the best way we can succinctly describe this week’s cult, Twin Flames Universe, one of the most chilling groups we’ve discussed on the pod thus far. Several months ago, Twin Flames survivor Jessi Hersey, whom you might recognize from the “Escaping Twin Flames” doc on Netflix, slid into our DMs and made a very generous and compelling argument as to why Twin Flames needed airtime on Sounds Like A Cult. After all, it’s important to represent the whole LYL, WYB, GTFO cult spectrum! This week, we're asking the fundamental questions: How did this niche online self-help “community” turn so destructive so fast, and how are its tenets low-key a threat to us all? Tune in first thing tomorrow to find out—and make sure to listen to the very end of the episode. We’re making a highly exciting announcement about the next season of SLAC… let’s just say there might be a couple new “cult leaders” (ahem, co-hosts) in your future!

Did you know you can watch full video episodes of the Magical Overthinkers podcast on YouTube?

One of the coolest parts of recording the Magical Overthinkers podcast is that I get to do so in a beautiful studio! If you prefer to listen with your eyes, be sure to subscribe to watch full Magical Overthinkers episodes on YouTube every other Wednesday :)

I’m doing some Los Angeles book events in August & September. Please come, if you’re in the area!

August 18: Los Angeles, CA — “How Irrationality Went Mainstream in the Modern Age” conversation with Koa Beck at The Center for Inquiry West ($10, tickets here)

August 22: Los Angeles, CA — EMPTY TRASH group reading at The Ruby Fruit (free!)

September 9: Los Angeles, CA — Moderating Coco Mellors’ launch of BLUE SISTERS at Skylight Books (free, info here)

Thank you for the upmarket SciFi recommendations! I bought several of them.

How surreal to be embarking on this novel research journey, which allows me to read FICTION! I’m obvi used to reading linguistic and psychology texts to prep for my work, even essay collections and memoirs sometimes, but getting to indulge in novels for background and inspiration makes me feel… I guess like a “real writer?” Is that insane to say? There’s so much romance surrounding novel-writing, it’s fun to feel like I’m just engaging in a weird creative experiment, like I felt as a creative writing student in college. Who knows if this novel idea of mine will work, but I’m grateful to you for being along for the ride with me. Would you be interested in seeing bits and pieces here on Substack as I draft?

A weekly roundup of books, podcasts, TV shows, tchotchkes, and anything else I’m currently “cult following.”

Movie: Love Lies Bleeding

I know I’m late to the party, but I loved this Sapphic A24 thriller starring Kristen Stewart, which is now available to watch on Max. It’s sexy, suspenseful, and well-paced.

Music: “Girl, So Confusing” by Charli XCX, the remix feat. Lorde

Okay, again, I’m late to this whole story, but the journey of this Charli XCX banger is an EXACT representation of “The Shit-Talking Hypothesis” chapter of The Age of Magical Overthinking. The story behind the song involves a psychological rivalry between Charli XCX and Lorde, which the two artists solved by way of musical collaboration. You gotta read about the whole saga here, and then fall in love with the remix.

Short Read: Health Officials Urge Doctors to Address IUD Insertion Pain

My life flashed before my eyes the day I got my IUD inserted. Prestige media acknowledging women’s pain? Groundbreaking…

Necessary Purchase: Kamala Harris/Tim Walz merch 

I got the camo hat, a childless cat lady tee, some bisexual flag stickers, and gifts for a couple of my colleagues. I went ham! Nothing like a vague sense of hope to make you suddenly feel spendy!!