online marketing

Friday Links: The “I Need to Close Tabs” Edition

Nephele Tempest

I accumulate goodies for Friday Links all week long. The tabs stay open in my browser until I post them here on the site. This becomes problematic, however, when I don’t do a Friday Links post for a few weeks. Hence this random, fly-by collection of links to occupy your weekend. Everything is bookish, related to reading or writing or publishing, but that’s about all I can say for a theme this week. Blame the heat or quarantine or pandemic brain, or possibly all three.

An open book with a 3D, black-and-white sketch of a pirate, treasure beneath a palm tree, and a pirate ship.

Wishing you all a good weekend. Please take care, whatever that means in your neck of the woods. Social distance, wear a mask, stay home if at all possible. Read something lovely or take a long nap. Be kind to others, and to yourself. Enjoy!

This Week’s Links:

Cree LeFavour on the Pleasures of the Limitless Reread. – I am a fan of rereading, though I rarely have as much time to do so as I’d wish. This reflection on the joys of rereading really clicked for me.

The Battle Between W.E.B. DuBois and His White Editor Was an Early Reckoning Over Objectivity. – We think of great writers as respected for their skills and accomplishments, but they fought for whatever ground they gained.

Writers Who Cook: Serious Biscuits with Steven Reigns. – Because I know I’m not the only bookish person who has foodie leanings.

Joan Didion & John Dunne: A Literary Arts Podcast. – An interview from the archives, where the authors discuss their careers and writing processes.

Toni Morrison Let Us Know We Are More Than the Work We Do. – A lovely look back at the author and her wisdom on the anniversary of her death.

Penguin Quiz: Which Famous Literary Group Would You Have Been In? – Fun little quiz. (I’d have been part of the Algonquin Round Table, if you wanted to know.)

It’s Time to Radically Rethink Online Book Events. – The perfect essay for the age of COVID-19.

100 Must-Read Historical Romances. – A great list of fun titles to distract you from whichever of the latest dumpster fires occupies your brain.

Friday Links: Shelter at Home Edition

Nephele Tempest

As of last night, the entire state of California is sheltering at home unless involved in some essential activity. Since I live in the Los Angeles area, this was pretty much what I was doing already. Except for a very brief run to my local bookstore last Sunday, I’ve only left the house for groceries and to pick up my mail for the last 12 days. But knowing 40 million people are in the same boat? Kind of feels a little weird.

That said, plenty of cars have passed my window this morning and I can hear someone down the street with a leaf blower. I am not sure what is considered essential, but I somehow don’t think landscaping makes the list. We’re in this weird in-between place where we have to weigh people’s employment and ability to earn a paycheck against everyone’s health. And while the situation brings out the best in so many people who are offering up forms of assistance, it brings out the worst in a lot of people too. I predict a long haul.

On that note, I’ll have some new things up here next week that I hope will offer distractions from the larger world issues. I’m not saying you all should be super productive at the moment; we’re all dealing with trouble focusing and anxiety and a slew of other problems. But for those of you interested in finding ways to fill some time, or to polish up some skills, I aim to please.

But of course it’s Friday, which means links. Not a ton this week, as I’ve been rubbernecking virus news right along with the rest of you. There’s some fun/interesting stuff, though, so I hope you get a little inspiration. Don’t forget about this weekend’s 24 in 48 readathon–officially #StayHome24in48. Very informal. Join in if you can. Otherwise, stay home and stay safe!

This Week’s Links:

Interlude: So Your Book Launch Has Been Canceled. – Great tips for writers struggling with canceled book events, trying to get word out about their work, etc. Keep in mind the situation keeps evolving, so cross reference against your location/severity of restrictions.

Tolstoy Together. – An online read-along of War and Peace. It started a few days ago, but they’re only doing about 12 pages a day, so there’s time to catch up.

12 Museums with Virtual Tours. – Pretty much what it says on the box, plus a link to a list of other museums with online resources. Great for a bit of downtime, education, armchair travel, or research.

7 Prolific Women Authors with More Than 10 Books. – Take some time to really catch up with an author’s works with a deep dive into entire backlist.

Creative Academy for Writers. – Previously a paid membership platform, The Creative Academy has recently dropped the paywall. They have a considerable backlog of writing and marketing advice, so check them out.