Books That Matter

Alrighty #writers, curious about this because I'm having mixed feelings myself. Does going through a pandemic make you want to create art, or does it make you want to shut down that part of your brain?

"There is an enormous range and depth of Black southern authors, and it is these authors who deliver, time and again, authentic, riveting #stories about the Deep South." — Anjali Enjeti on #racism and the whiteness of southern literature: buff.ly/3A8D5ZG

"People enjoy #Reading because they can relate to it, but also it’s an #escape from reality that entertains them for a little while. Don’t be afraid to go outside of the box or out of your comfort zone." — Annalisa Renee buff.ly/36EGhPM

"I think the tragedy is that we have a Congress with a Senate that has a minority of misguided senators who will use the filibuster to keep the majority of people from even voting." — Martin Luther King Jr. (2/2)

A bit belated for #MLKDay2022, but we wanted to share this quote that Bernice King tweeted out a few days ago regarding the voting rights issues we continue to face today. (1/2)

"What happens on the road happens because of #America; the very land determines the outcome of the plot. This allows for the #writer to say something #political." — Tiphanie Yanique buff.ly/3Gz5JpC

We've made it through the second work week of the year. How are you and any #resolutions you've made faring? Don't be afraid to take a step back, reevaluate, and come up with a new plan or resolution. Don't sell yourself short...but make sure you give yourself some grace too.

(2/2) "...to computers, or equal tech ability, for that matter. A messed-up shelving system still makes a difference to them just like institutional #racism everywhere still makes the world a worse place." — Anna Gooding-Call via @BookRiot buff.ly/3BO4NuE

"The #racism in the Dewey Decimal System makes the prejudices and relative values of its creator abundantly clear, and to a certain extent, it’s not really a fix to work around it with technology. After all, not everyone has equal access..." (1/2) buff.ly/3BO4NuE

People often love to ask what you'd like to eat for your last meal. But we thought a fun (yet still slightly morbid) twist on this question would be to ask: What #story would you pick as your last #read?

If that sounds like you, we'd suggest checking out this article by Jeffrey Davies where he writes about how to relearn how to #read for pleasure. (P.S.- We LOVE step 4!) buff.ly/3Hp8Ccz (2/2)

If your career revolves around books, it can be quite easy to stop reading for fun. It seems impossible when you're dreaming of a career as a #writer or an #editor, but it happens. After the work day is done, sometimes the last thing you want to do is pick up a #book. (1/2)

Starting is sometimes the hardest part with #writing. Check out this interview with Amanda Shires and Jason Isbell for some great advice that might take some of the pressure off! buff.ly/3gd52oC

Happy New Year!

As the year comes to a close, we love to do a bit of reflecting. (And we hope you'll join us!) What are you most proud of creating this year? #2021

"#Books can help us counter negative messages and provide empowering ones.” — Sonja Cherry-Paul #RepresentationMatters buff.ly/2N22Si6

Bringing back around this awesome article by Melinda Fakuade that dives into Lisa Lucas' thoughts on the #publishing industry and HOW we can become more #diverse. Because in case you didn't know, we're not there yet (not even close). buff.ly/3hrsgrK

Going on a road trip or have an all day cookie baking tradition with your family coming up? Sometimes you need something a BIT more engaging than the same old holiday songs playing in the background. Why not try out one of these family-friendly audiobooks? buff.ly/3yxYD1A

Looking to wrap up your 2021 reading list with some books with no #homophobia or #transphobia in them? Danika Ellis put together a great list of 35 titles that take place in #queernorm worlds: buff.ly/3maFxtd Have any others that we need to add to our #TBR pile?

"Reminder: Creativity is supposed to be fun. There’s room for experimentation, play, and discovery in writing, or any other pursuit." — Allison Burney buff.ly/320a5Xf