That’s right. It’s the first week of February 2022, and I’m back, with more energy (debatable), a master’s degree, a new address, and some ideas floating around in my brain. It’s a new year, and I’ve decided to give this newsletter another shot.
Basically, I just earned a master’s degree that I’m trying to figure out how to use — stressful and anxiety-provoking for this recovering perfectionist and goal-oriented person. But I’m going to try something different. Something that makes me happy. I consume a lot of content, and I want to talk about it in a way my sporadic Emily Reads and New Music Fridays Instagram posts don’t cover. Enter: The Write Note Take 2.
Freedom. Gushing About My Faves. New Recs. Community. Showing Up (even if it’s not perfect). That’s the goal at least. We’ll see how I do.
What I can promise you: a monthly newsletter talking about the things on my nightstand (books), the couch recs (movies, TV), and what’s on repeat (music). Maybe there’ll be some random recommendations and life updates in the mix.
A bit of housekeeping: All opinions are my own, but The Write Note does have an affiliate shop on Bookshop, so I will get a commission from purchases made via some of the links included throughout this newsletter.
So without further ado… I introduce you to the new and improved The Write Note newsletter.
— Emily
The Nightstand
I’ll be honest, 2021 wasn’t a great reading year for me, though I really tried. My nightstand and coffee table are filled with books I started to read and couldn’t finish (I still plan to). My goal in 2022 is to read 50 books — at the rate at which I finish romance novels, that shouldn’t be an issue, but we’ll find out. According to Goodreads, I read 6 books in January. The highlights:
Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score — Lucy Score is no stranger to this newsletter. I don’t think I’ve disliked anything she’s ever written and this book is no exception. I’m a sucker for books that make me laugh out loud, chosen families, small towns that take care of their own, and grumpy alpha males. Welcome to the town of Knockemout, where the broody hero has a soft spot for women in long, flowy dresses who just inherited a teenager.
The Bailey Brothers (Books #2-#5) by Claire Kingsley — Also not a stranger to my reading list, in part because of Lucy Score. I love when my favorite authors are friends in real life — it’s like a real-world crossover. These books have it all: broodiness, love, a close-knit family, a small town with a weird feud built on pranks, and a mystery. I’m counting down for Book #6 to publish (no pressure Claire). My favorite book in the series: Rushing In aka Bailey Brothers #4 — it’s got a fun-loving firefighter and catdad and a heroine who is a writer and also lives with anxiety (three guesses why it’s my fave).
Couch Recs
I watch a lot of TV. What else is an introvert living in New England in the winter in a pandemic going to do? The highlights:
The Eternals (Disney+) — I loved it. Check it out. I’m so excited for how diverse the stories in this new wave of Marvel movies are.
Spider-Man: No Way Home — I lasted a month, got tired of avoiding spoilers, and then I actually went to a movie theater for the first time in two years. A+ movie; B- theater experience.
Cheer Season 2 (Netflix) — A former gymnast watches a cheerleading show. You heard it here first folks. But seriously, I’m so amazed at the athleticism.
How I Met Your Father (Hulu) — I loved HIMYM so much, but honestly, I think HIMYF will give it a run for its money. Maybe because I find it so relatable, maybe because Hilary Duff is starring in it and Josh Peck has been in two episodes. My childhood grew up with me.
Honorable Mentions:
Nancy Drew Season Finale (CW/HBO Max) — This has to get a fourth season. I feel like it’s just getting good.
One Small Hitch (Amazon Prime) — I’ve seen this so many times over the years, but it’s like a comfort show. It makes me happy and aspire to find romance in my life, and I can have it on in the background and still follow the storyline.
On Repeat
If you’re new here (or if you don’t follow me on Instagram), I’m obsessed with all things music and lyrics (especially the lyrics). Almost every week, I spotlight new songs on my Instagram as part of my New Music Fridays recommendations. (2021 playlist here and 2022 in-progress playlist here). But I consume way more music than those weekly songs. Here’s what I had on repeat in January:
You Signed Up For This by Maisie Peters — I made it my mission to memorize the entire bridge of I’m Trying (Not Friends) after hearing it on TikTok, and it’s surpassed Black Butterflies and Deja Vu as my second most played song. See why that’s important here, and if you need me I’ll be screaming “We think your girlfriend is a bore, but we’re nice to her in public ‘cause we’re grown up and mature” at the top of my lungs in my car.
Love and Other Lies by Charlotte Sands — I’ve been a Charlotte Sands fan since I saw her at Sad Summer Fest in 2021. She reminds me a bit of Julia Michaels (the highest compliment), and she’s pop punk/emo, so naturally her new EP has been on repeat. I love everything she’s ever written, and I’m also jumping for joy at a woman and independent artist making strides in a genre seemingly dominated by men. Check out them all, but some of my faves: Want You Like That, All My Friends Are Falling In Love, and Every Guy Ever.
Loved You A Little by The Maine, Taking Back Sunday, and Charlotte Sands — Not sure I really need to explain this one. The Maine… Charlotte Sands… Two of my all-time favorite artists. I love the song, and I’m really hoping I’m going to get to hear it on tour in March.
Well, that about wraps up my content for the month. I’m terrible at sign-offs, but happy February and 2022. I’ll be back with more recs and thoughts next month.