Dear Readers,
I’m writing a newsletter because I want to write a newsletter. Just in the past couple of months, I’ve figured out how to work again. My brain showed up, the unreachable limb, and so I’m still BEHIND and LATE on books, but they’re happening. And will be turned in as soon as I can manage it.
All the other nerve-wracking things about late books aside, when my brain came back online — for writing and for reading — I could finally feel things becoming possible again.
It doesn’t hurt that the new Lexington Writer’s Room is glorious.
Anyway, I could try to give the whole EVERYTHING but that seems impossible. So a couple of upcoming events and some recommendations instead. I am, after all, still on deadline(s).
This weekend! Bookstore Romance Day Louisville event.
I mean, this will be fun. Info and tickets/registration here. BOUQUET BAR, ROSE, GABBING. INDIE BOOKSTORE. What could be better?
We — at the Lexington Writer’s Room — also have an event coming up later this month for anyone who is local, a Fourth Friday in partnership with the Lexington Art League.
Come one, come all. Step right up…and venture into the Nevermore Literary Carnival, where language comes alive and the words take center stage. Hosted by the Lexington Writer’s Room, in partnership with the Lexington Art League, this one-of-a-kind free Fourth Friday event invites you to explore an interactive world of literary fun—from crafting poems with magnetic words and blackout pages to clacking out your thoughts on vintage typewriters. Meet local writers and listen to them read, or step up to the open mic and deliver your own reading. Spin the Plot Twister prize wheel for a chance to win bookish goodies, gift cards, and other mysterious surprises. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just lit-curious, the Nevermore Carnival is open to all who believe in the magic of the written word.
Where: The Loudon House, 209 Castlewood Dr, Lexington, KY 40505
When: August 22nd, 2025 from 6-9pm, Open Mic at 7:30 p.m.
What: Come to write, come to read, come to listen, come to win. Live music by Paradocx. Daughter’s Southern Food Truck and West Sixth Brewing will be on site. Costumes welcome, but not required.
More information and pre-sign up for open mic: https://www.lexwritersroom.com/nevermore
Recommendations!
If the movie Sorry, Baby isn’t on your radar, it should be. It does concern sexual assault, but it’s such a kind, tender, funny movie. About the space of being hurt and the space of healing and friendship and DAMN it’s just one of the smartest and most moving things I’ve seen in a minute. I want everyone to see this movie. Every single performance feels lived in, and it’s such smart storytelling without sacrificing emotion. I can’t wait to see what Eva Victor does next. (Shout out to my friend Alison for prompting me to go see it!)
Also:
Loved Sarah MacLean’s contemporary novel debut, These Summer Storms. As if… Succession, but some people get a happy ending! All the juicy goodness you expect from a Sarah Mac book too, but also new things. Get it.
I also was blown away by Megan Abbott’s El Dorado Drive. I basically inhaled this book over the weekend. Complicated women, propulsive storytelling, gut-wrenching bad decisions = absolute perfection? Yes please.
Now that brain is working again, expect more recommendations.
The door dash is here, must, ahem, dash. Hope the summer is treating you well,
G