This is a regular post featuring the best of what has been distracting me each month. It could be anything that has made me think: the hidden gems of Substack, a book, a podcast or even something on the telly. I would love it if you shared what you have enjoyed this month too – come join me in the comments on the app or simply reply to this email.
January has been bleak, wet and cold. As a mother of two small children it seemed inevitable that I would spend most of this month stuck indoors either sick myself or with sick children, yet despite its stammering start, it has been an inspiring month. This month I have made time for writing; I have written for Distracted and worked on my novel in progress. I have also been making plans for a design newsletter to share my thoughts on brand design and share my work from K-A Creative - more on this soon.
January was also the month I stepped back from Instagram. After reading the comments on my piece asking Am I Allowed to leave Instagram? I was inspired to give it up for one month and I feel renewed because of it. I will write more about the decisions I am making going forward but ultimately I think I need to use Instagram differently from now on and I am not sure, for my design business, at least, that I am allowed to give it up just yet.
As ever I would love to know what has inspired you too - do feel free to let me know in the comments.
In case you missed it
I asked Am I Allowed to Leave Instagram?
I wondered Would You Confront Your Past Self and tell them what you know now about having kids?
I asked Is My Kid a Psychopath?
I shared my reasons for not wanting to get married in Don’t Call Me Mrs.
I interviewed my sister on surrogacy and dating as a single mother.
I shared a new short story inspired by childhood: Lucy - The Other Woman
And finally I made a welcome post if you fancy a read for a little reintroduction.
On Substack
- gives an honest account of the first year with two children in Not The Year I Thought It Would Be (Actually Lauren had a couple of great posts this month so definitely worth heading over to Held if you want to read more honest experiences of motherhood.)
- writes about the erasure of wives (and partners!) in Wifedom
- writes beautifully about the displacement felt in motherhood
- writes Onwards: on why words matter.
What Motherhood Really Looks Like by
Who is That Old Woman in the Mirror by
In line with my piece on giving up Instagram,
writes Phone Addiction: An Honest Account
Books
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
I know I am late to the party on this one, so I won’t go on, but I did enjoy it. It was long listed for the Booker Prize in 2020 (!!) It’s a really easy to read, page-turner with some great characters in it. It explores racial biases, privilege and transactional relationships, all in the world of social media.Loved and Wanted by Christa Parravani
This is an incredible memoir. Christa tells the story of wanting to get an abortion in red-state West Virginia in 2017. In discovering her lack of choice, she also unveils the true horrors of inadequate healthcare in America, yet despite the horror it is beautifully written and demonstrates a mother’s deep love for her children. I loved it because it is so raw and fearless, and reminded me much of Clover Stroud’s writing. It felt like there was nothing hidden from the reader and if anything it is a warning, a terrifying warning.
When she talks at the end of a confrontation she has in the hospital ( I don’t want to spoil anything…) she threatens the staff (who she acknowledges are doing their best) and she says: I am a writer and writers tell. I keep thinking of that phrase. This is a really personal story and people will all have opinions about it, I really believe you wouldn’t tell this story unless you passionately felt you had to, that you felt responsible to, because people needed to know, and we do. We really do.
Telly
This is news to probably no one but Mr Bates vs. The Post Office over on ITV is a must watch.
New Julia Donaldson/Axel Scheffler animation (my favourite of their stories) Tabby McTat premiered on BBC over Christmas and is now a regular on our telly, almost daily. I’m not complaining, I am very taken with Rob Brydon’s singing voice.
You may have noticed the new illustrations for Distracted By. Each month is represented by a gem - a birth stone to signify the little gems uncovered in this algorithm free newsletter.
January’s is Garnet, symbolising commitment, friendship and strength.
I really hope you discover something new in my finds and do please share your hidden gems too. I’d love to know what has been distracting you this month.
Thank you for sharing my piece on Wifedom!
thank you so much xxx