This week’s round-up includes getting into Riot Grrrl music, getting ready to read the new release from crime author Karin Slaughter, getting annoyed with food science, and much more.

Gaming

I am SO excited for the new Fable game! I’ve mentioned it before back when some footage from the game was released, but they’ve now released a video of some actual gameplay, and it looks like so much fun! I don’t think it’ll actually beat the original game(s), because I think it’ll lose a certain level of coziness because of the wider world it’ll have and the amount of NPCs (1000 or something like that!?), but the more intricate choice and morals system does look very enticing! It’s lame that we have to wait longer, after the release date was pushed back to 2027, but like most gamers, I’d prefer a fully-baked game than something that’s rushed out half-baked.

Music

I’ve recently delved into the Riot Grrrl genre of music, and I’m kicking myself for having missed out all these years. Yes, bands like Bikini Kill and The Raincoats were mentioned in films like 10 Things I Hate About You, and the music of The Runaways has been around forever (with Joan Jett being an absolute rebel queen), but I have personally never just listened to a playlist of riot grrrl music. Until now, at least, and I have been so pleasantly surprised. I’ve always enjoyed rock and punk, and put those together with some acutely feminist, angsty and truthful lyrics and I’m berating myself for being to late to the party. I have found myself particularly drawn to the sounds and lyrics of Destroy Boys, L7 and Softcult, and I love how consistent the music is, in the sense that you can’t really tell what was released recently and what was released fifty years ago. This probably also says a lot about how women still have a lot to say, especially when it comes to the patriarchy.

Literature

I just finished reading Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo, and I absolutely loved it! I’m in the midst of planning and researching my own dark academia/supernatural book, and this hit the spot for that exact niche that I’m trying to get into the mindset of. I will be purchasing the second book, Hell Bent, and will most definitely be getting the third book, Dead Beat, when it releases in September!

My favourite author, Karin Slaughter, has just released her latest book, The Secrets We Hide, the second in her North Falls series that began last year with We Are All Guilty Here. I am SO excited to delve into it, but I have to say, I am missing Will Trent and Sara Linton, the main characters of another two series of Slaughter’s that came together into one. I want to read more about what’s going on with them! I’m starting to think that, after Secrets, I might finally take the plunge and re-read the Grant County and Will Trent series.

Film

I just got to see the new Toy Story film, and lawwwwd does it hit the feels! Every time a new one is released I feel so sceptical about its quality, but this one was superb.

I also caught Steven Spielberg‘s new alien film, Disclosure Day. I was a little disappointed by it, as I felt it didn’t really offer anything new to his alien-based filmmography, but it was still an epic Spielberg film.

Television

The third season of House of the Dragon starts today (well, tomorrow for me!). Having very much enjoyed seasons one and two and enjoying the Game of Thrones world in general, I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next for Targaryens!

Life

I feel like I’ve been trying to write a book for years but struggle with focus, patience and overcoming hurdles. Fortunately, I think that might be changing, as a friend and I have taken to meeting once a week for a writing session. It’s definitely helped me get some rhythm and given me motivation. I feel like I want to work on it daily now, and I am in the right mental space far more often. It just goes to show how much writers need support, how helpful and conducive it can be to have someone in the same boat.

A Random Thing I Learned This Week

You know what I’mn really fed up with? The constant changing of what we should and shouldn’t eat, what’s good for our bodies and what isn’t. One minute we’re being told something isn’t good for us, the next we’re told it has some benefits. It’s so incredibly frustrating, but I guess that’s science, though. That’s evolution. That’s life. Things change. The only constant really is knowing that it’s about balance and moderation. This particularly got to me recently because apparently pro-biotic Greek yoghurt might not actually do all that much for our guts after all. Now I’m wondering why I bother having it in my weekend smoothies or weekday dessert of yoghurt, apple and dark chocolate. Bah.