Hello, dear reader. It has been far too long! I have been bouncing between libraries and my bed for the past 3 months, all the while ruminating on how I wish to proceed with sharing my words with you all. I considered restarting my Patreon, looked at my newsletter, and decided against both.
Welcome to Of the Word Kind. My website, part blog, part homepage for all the things I want to create. I hope to remain more consistent with providing updates and establishing a stronger community with you all, whether we are old friends or new ones! I thought to start things off, why not do a wrap up of everything I’ve enjoyed in August?
Writing
I recently completed a residency with Queensland Writers Centre at the State Library of Queensland. I will be writing a bigger post on it once I’ve officially tied up all my commitments to QWC but can say it was such a creatively fulfilling 10 weeks. I have truly rediscovered my love of creating and writing, something I was worried I mightn’t experience after such a lull. My WIP has a new name, I have a new outline, and I am more motivated than ever 😍 It has been a long journey, but one I would not change for the world. I cannot wait to share more and do more, but for now I leave you with a quote.
The voices of the dead had followed her, all thirty four years of her life – and she was tired. Without the ritual candles, it was indecipherable murmuring but that did not stop it. Incessant in places where great suffering had occurred, but there was a low hum even on the streets.
Reading
I have read 5 books in August (making my total for the year 39 out of my goal of 52) and I can say they were all a wild ride. I was lucky enough to get an eArc of Rottenheart by Kat Dunn (the author of Hungerstone which I absolutely adored) and Ravenous by Sara Cooper. Rottenheart is a sapphic reimagining of Hamlet and wow, it really captured my attention. I devoured it in 3 sittings, 2 of which were on public transport, and can say with full confidence that Kat Dunn is an auto-buy author for me now. My full review can be found here but I would love to do a deeper dive into my favourite retellings/reimaginings soon! Ravenous was similarly captivating, though gave me so much dread I’m still reeling. The POV character is simply horrible (on purpose) and Cooper’s ability to capture such a vapid perspective while remaining satirical is so impressive. I would recommend Ravenous to anyone who enjoys terrible people doing terrible things!
I also read 1984 finally after planning to for literal years. I’m trying to be more intentional with reading classics, especially ones that continue to be socially and politically relevant. Safe to say I was thoroughly bummed out by the end of it and can see why it continues to remain a must read.
I also read the 3rd Clown in a Cornfield book. The series is somewhat of a guilty pleasure for me, as I normally read them in one sitting and almost immediately forget the events that occurred 😂 They’re a really fun time though and they’ve recently announced a sequel to the film adaptation, which was just as fun a ride as the book in my opinion.
My final finished book for the month will most likely be Alien: Perfect Organisms by Shaun Hamill. I’ve been super into the Alien franchise for a good 2 years now and can safely say it’s not slowing down anytime soon. I have been playing Alien: Isolation, but in light of the boycott of Playstation products I thought why not read another of the novels! This was probably my favourite I’ve read thus far, or at the very least tied with Alien: Into Charybdis which I also found fascinating. The body horror elements never cease to terrify and the discussions of class and worker exploitation are fascinating.
Film & Television
Against my better judgement and years of avoidance, I am obsessed with Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It has its flaws and I cannot stand the creator, but alas. I am a lover of vampires, witches, Seth Green, and lesbians. It was inevitable. I am finishing S2 this weekend, or at least that is my intention, and am sure I will have even more thoughts but — it’s fun! Sarah Michelle Gellar is an icon and I have many a new favourite character to ponder.
Somehow, I haven’t watched a single film this month. Between wrapping up my residency, falling ill (I’m still coughing and it’s been weeks), and work I haven’t had the time or energy. I am hoping to start my Halloween watchlist however, so I daresay I will at least be trying to watch some of my shameful haven’t watched films soon. I am also gutted I didn’t manage to catch Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma in cinemas. Australian chains have been absolutely awful about a decent number of showings for horror this year (I also missed Leviticus and barely managed to see Obsession). Being robbed of sapphic Gillian Anderson on the big screen hurts badly, friends.
Music
As I have been drafting book I have been sticking to music I know back to front (so I’m not distracted by the lyrics) or my instrumental playlist. Bloodborne‘s score in particular has been a mainstay. However, I love listening to music on public transport and my on-repeat artists lately have been, to no surprise really, The Last Dinner Party, Olivia Rodrigo (especially my way, expectations, and what’s wrong with me ft. Robert Smith) and Closer by the Linda Lindas ft. Hayley Williams. I’ve also listened to Lost Weekend by Phoebe Bridgers but it’s really melancholy in a way that probably isn’t suited for pre-work jamming. Great album though.
That is all for now, my dears. Until next time, know that we are all looking at the same moon and that’s pretty cool🌛
What have you enjoyed in August? Any books, movies, or music I should be aware of? Let me know in the comments!
