Do Listen Read: April

DO

WATCHING I promised myself I’d watch less TV in 2018 and so far I’ve held up to that standard. I’ve read more than usual, and I’ve worked on my novel–even if it’s more brainstorming/outlining/researching than tons of writing. I’ve submitted some short stories to literary magazines. I’ve turned in articles or had articles come out in Edina Magazine and City South Magazine. I’ve been teaching at ModernWell. I’ve been busy!

All of that is to say—I’VE EARNED A GOOD TV BINGE. I chose The Americans and it is SO worthy. I don’t know why I waited so long to start this show. I suppose I didn’t think I could picture Keri Russell as anyone other than Felicity. (I’m only at the start of season three so no spoilers please.) Anyone else a fan? Let me know!

BUYING My friend Carolyn from our Thursday writing group at ModernWell announced she wanted to start a stationery company to encourage kindness and creative correspondence. And not too much later (at least it felt that way to me) she DID IT! Jotted Lines launched today. I LOVE this concept of prompts to encourage writing to friends and family. I think many of you will, too. You can order packages online. And you can see me about to crack open the Prosecco in the photo below.

LISTEN

PODCAST I’m enjoying catching up on the backlog of Simplify, especially the episodes with Dan Savage and Seth Godin.

MUSIC I’m somehow not sick of the music from The Greatest Showman.

READ

I’m in the middle of the newest essay collection from David Sedaris (thanks to netgalley.com where I get advanced copies sometimes) and starting the newest essay collection from Sloane Crosley. I read and savored each page of the middle grade novel The Unforgettable Guinevere St. Clair by my friend Amy Makechnie. I’ll talk more about the novel when it comes out this summer.

I’ve read plenty of other books this year. Some more recommendable than others. The full list is here.

Have a great week everyone! Let me know what you’re doing, listening to, and reading these days. 

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Nina Badzin hosts the podcast Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship. She's been writing about friendship since 2014, co-leads the writing groups at ModernWell in Minneapolis, and reviews 30+ books a year on her website.

8 Responses

  1. Ooh! I had no idea the new Sedaris book was out. I know my next read. 🙂 I wonder if I should listen — Sedaris being Sedaris.

    I’m also excited about the new Sloane Crosley. I really enjoyed I Was Told There’d Be Cake. (Kind of the perfect title for me.)
    Jackie Cangro recently posted..How to Read Like a WriterMy Profile

  2. I finally binge watched the two seasons of The Crown…I loved it! I feel smarter for having watched. I just finished The Hazel Wood today, which I see you read as well. Weirder than I thought, but I liked it! I’m starting All the Wrong Todays next.

    I’m a sucker for notecards…off to check out your friend’s new line!

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Hi, I'm Nina

HI, I’M NINA BADZIN. I’m a writer fascinated by the dynamics of friendship, and I’ve been answering anonymous advice questions on the topic since 2014. I now also answer them on my podcast, Dear Nina! I’m a creative writing instructor at ModernWell in Minneapolis, a freelance writer and editor, and an avid reader who reviews 50 books a year. Welcome to my site! 

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Hi, I'm Nina

DEAR NINA: Conversations About Friendship is a podcast and newsletter about the ups and downs of adult friendship. I’m the host, Nina Badzin, a Minneapolis-based writer who accepted a position as a friendship advice columnist in 2014 and never stopped. DEAR NINA, the podcast, started in 2021, and has been referenced in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Time Magazine, The Guardian, The Chicago Tribune, The Minneapolis Star Tribune, and elsewhere! 

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