Nonfiction 5/

Statistics and data drive Perez’s conclusions about how the world—political, medical, economic, historical, educational, technological, even transportation design—is designed around the needs of men, and women are…invisible. Although, as a woman, I was aware on some level of many of the processes described in the book, many were not—and shocking. Even tiny things we all know like women’s clothing having no pockets, or phones built for larger hands, were revelatory. Taken all together, the insights are stupendous—and on hind-sight, obvious.

Had an interesting weekend. I was writer-in-residence at a writers’ retreat. I had 5, 1-hour consults with writers (I read their work ahead of time) and the second day I had 6 more half-hour follow ups. But there was lots of time for me to work on my own material–and I got paid!

Classic 3

A series of adventures featuring Conan as he hunts treasure and beautiful women while fighting monsters and the occult. This collection of original stories by Robert E Howard reminded me so much of my gateway into SFF: Edgar Rice Burroughs. Yes, it’s racist and misogynistic, but it is also full of fun puzzles and over-the-top heroes, villains, and battles.

Did a manuscript review last week. Another item off my list. Doing a final read-through of my novel, then I start looking for agents.

Fantasy 5/5

Ethical Ned Stark must move his family to the centre of the kingdom at his king’s request—a place where an honest man will be undermined at every turn by the corrupt and unprincipled. A beautifully written, page turning epic fantasy is exactly my cup of tea, and this one did not disappoint.