Carrying on the theme of trying something new in my fiftieth year, I jumped at the chance when I was asked to write a comedy piece for Edward Anderson’s new comedy publication, Hell’s Bottom
This story wrote itself. The characters were so ridiculous. However, when you study true crime cases and the violence that comes with them, it is nice to look at the lighter side of crime. This was a lovely way to chill out and write about a subject I love.
My next challenge will be to write a pure comedy piece without relying on my security blanket of writing about crime. What would you like to read, a fiction story, or a fun story from life with my children? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
A Quiet Reading Month (With One Standout)
I’ve felt a bit disjointed from it, maybe because of the quantity I’ve read in previous months. However, I did read the new Hunger Games book, Sunrise on the Reaping, last weekend, and oh my god, what an amazing read. I think it’s become one of my favourites from that world.
For those that don’t know Sunrise of the Reaping is the prequel to the Hunger Games and tells Haymitch’s story. It also has a lovely collection of Easter eggs for die-hard fans like me.
If you want to know which other books have entertained me over the years (and which ones I didn’t), check out my article this week about the books I loved and hated.
Also this week, I took one of my students to find a Little Free Library. You can see the full video over on my TikTok (@bookchroniclesuk). I have to say, I think I enjoyed the process much more than he did.
Plans for the Week Ahead
This week the kids are off school, so hopefully I’ll be able to chill and get some good reading in. I have an article planned for Wednesday about a part of British history from World War II that I’m ashamed to say I never knew about, until I started reading The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson.
Pop into the comments and tell me what you’re reading this week. Also, let me know what you’d like to see my next comedy article on.
Until then, remember:
Read to learn. Read to escape. Read to smile.
Sam 😊
The idea of taking your time to find the right idea was central to my experience - Cal Newport
