This week’s roudup is gonna be a short one—think espresso shot, not grande latte—mostly because I’ve got not a whole lot to report and I’m trying (trying being the key word here) to stay focused and not let the siren call of summer sunshine drag me away from my desk. Easier said than done, right? Every time I glance out the window, the grass looks greener and my to-do list looks… optional.
BUT! I did get a new toy—er, I mean tool. I finally pulled the trigger on a new eReader from Boox. It just arrived and I haven’t had time to really dig into it yet, but first impressions? Pretty snazzy. Super crisp screen, nice feel in the hand, and just enough buttons and settings to make me feel like I’m operating a gadget from a 1930s sci-fi serial. Which is fitting, because yes, I’ve clearly been marinating in 1930s slang lately—this thing is the cat’s pajamas, the bee’s knees, and maybe even the elephant’s eyebrows. (Too far?) Full review coming soon-ish on the blog once I’ve lived with it long enough to find its quirks and joys.
Oh, and while I have your attention – have you checked out “The Golem’s Guardian” yet? If you haven’t gotten your hands on a copy, you can snag one HERE. I’m still pretty excited about how that one turned out.
Some Things I Thought Were Worth Sharing
My author friends may find this article of interest: The Tools Have Changed, but Your Voice Still Matters https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/05/the-tools-have-changed-but-your-voice-still-matters/
This definitely seems like a film worth watching: Tommy Dorfman’s Tender Directorial Debut ‘I Wish You All the Best’ Promises a Heartfelt, Hilariously Honest Coming-of-Age Tale https://gayety.com/tommy-dorfmans-tender-directorial-debut-i-wish-you-all-the-best-promises-a-heartfelt-hilariously-honest-coming-of-age-tale
I don’t know how this LGBT reality show on Netflix escaped my attention (prob because I hate reality tv): In defence of ‘The Ultimatum: Queer Love’ and its straight host https://xtramagazine.com/culture/he-ultimatum-queer-love-host-straight-274808
Compelling images of abandoned classic cars: During Our Exploration Of Abandoned Factory, We Were Surprised By Unexpected Finds Of Classic Cars https://www.boredpanda.com/abandoned-factory-cars-portugal-the-yellow-jackets-msn/
My writer friends may find this article by Johnny B Truant of interest: We’re Entering the Age of the Artisan Author https://johnnybtruant.substack.com/p/were-entering-the-age-of-the-artisan
An article for my indie author friends: 10 Tips for Self-Published Authors to Get More Book Reviews https://www.draft2digital.com/blog/10-tips-for-self-published-authors-to-get-more-book-reviews/
Washington Blade’s short interview with Doug Spearman from Noah’s Arc https://www.washingtonblade.com/2025/07/03/doug-spearman-noahs-arc/
This LGBTQ+ travel company’s mission of inclusivity is radical & ‘You’re more than welcome’ https://www.advocate.com/business/vacaya-inclusive-lgbtq-vacations
Looking for something to watch? Here’s the gayest movie & TV trailers that dropped in June 2025 https://www.queerty.com/watch-the-gayest-movie-tv-trailers-that-dropped-in-june-2025-20250630/
My writer friends may find this article on POV of interest: Choose a Powerful Foundation for Your Story https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/05/choose-a-powerful-foundation-for-your-story-part-two/
The Best Entries Into The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards https://www.boredpanda.com/comedy-wildlife-photography-contest-finalists-2023-msn/
My author friends might find this article about sharing of interest: None of Your Business: Why Writers Shouldn’t Feel Obligated to Share Too Much https://lithub.com/none-of-your-business-why-writers-shouldnt-feel-obligated-to-share-too-much/
Some of these are quite incredible: Unbelievable Wildlife Moments Frozen In Time By This Photographer https://www.boredpanda.com/captivating-wildlife-photography-munish-palnaiappan/
Writers and readers may find this article about ‘big books’ of interest: Is Summer Actually the Season for Reading Big, Thick Books? https://lithub.com/is-summer-actually-the-season-for-reading-big-thick-books/
My author friends may find this of value: “Please Keep Caring.” What John McPhee Taught Generations of Writers and Journalists https://lithub.com/please-keep-caring-what-john-mcphee-taught-generations-of-writers-and-journalists/