What I'm Reading This Week

Not gonna lie, this week's been a bitch. Double production at the magazine office, revamping my resume (with my super limited design skills) and gearing up for some serious thesis-ing next week.

Ugh.

 It's just all so grad school. So, tonight I decided to sit back in my bathtub (with Emma perched on the side), relax with Champagne glass in hand and read. Damn, if I didn't feel better almost instantly, too. Some people power nap and I read in my bathtub. Whatever.

Amid my reading bliss, I decided to devote a new, weekly feature of "The Book Borrower" to special shout-outs on what I'm reading, loving and want to share with you.

So, dear readers, here's my list this week.

1. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

So far, I haven't cried but its bound to happen soon. PS. If you haven't seen the trailer yet, do it now.

2. Glamour's April Issue

Not only is Lena on the cover (with an awesome feature to match), but inside the issue there are cool resume-building tidbits, a Q&A with Theo James and some killer service journalism pieces on beauty. So good.

3. Elle's March Issue

Honestly, I just read this because the new Fifty Shades starlet is on the cover. Book nerds, get on this feature; it's an eye-opening look at the 3rd generation Hollywood actress' take on James' book, the 2015 film and becoming an international sex symbol.

4. Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar by Cheryl Strayed

I love me some Cheryl Strayed, especially when she's in Sugar mode. She's a ballsy writer and I'm digging this compilation of stories from her Rumpus column. The stories are short, poignant and beautiful without being too Oprah-esque in their advice giving.

Ann Friedman-isms

Hey y'all,

Well, yesterday was a day among days. In my Vox Staff class, Ann Friedman showed up. As I silently geeked out, she set to critiquing our latest feature on grinding (yeah, like the dance). It's a wonderfully written introspective look at the gender norms and societal stereotypes that take hold amid this sexualized dance. I highly recommend it.

Anywho, now for my list of Ann Friedman pro tips on pitching, writing pie charts and how not to be a douchebag. Enjoy.

Photo Courtesy of annfriedman.com.

Q: How do you constantly come up with creative pitches? What do you do and what could you recommend?

AF: You have to read a lot. And when you read other articles, sometimes consider "why does this annoy me" or think "what's missing?" Look at who isn't getting interviewed and the conflicts apparent within the piece as well. Also, I have a extensive "Notes" page that I always update with ideas. Some of them are shit but they're still ideas that I've had. Don't forget to listen and keep your eyes open, too.

Q: How do you network without being a total douchebag?

AF: Try to think of it more as resource pooling than networking. Never underestimate personal connections or the importance of Twitter. I would never hire someone I didn't know at least digitally. Also, hang out on social media and interact in your different Internet worlds.You should operate under the assumption that there will be no mentors. If you find one, then UNICORN! It would be magic. Don't hesitate to get your friends to introduce you to people either. And when you send people emails, never ask if you can pick someone's brain. Don't pick brains. Instead, compliment them on something they've done that made you think or inspired you. They're far more likely to be interested in you if you show an interest in them first, then you're email won't go to inbox purgatory.

Q: Did the Mizzou name open doors for you?

AF: No.*

*My "oh-shit" moment of the day.

Other quips and witticisms . . .

AF: People think they know me better than they do because of the tone I use when I write. For instance, I once did a pie chart about the worst ways to be found dead. I wrote in a slice "cutting my pubs with kitchen scissors on the toilet." I've never done that though, so there. Just to clarify, I would never want to be found dead naked in bed, while eating pizza.

AF: I never Google Justin Bieber. Well, unless it's post-arrest.

AF: People binge on Twitter a lot, like its something you're supposed to do. But being on Twitter is not like going to the gym.

Redesign

Hello readers,

At last, I've found you again. Life has been so dreadfully dull without you by my side. Luckily, I still have Emma the cat the keep my company in my cozy two-bedroom apartment. Right now, it's currently littered with glossy mags of all varieties. It might be a magazine nut's apartment, but hey it's home.

My redesign face with a Marcus in tow.

Now, for some news. I'm recommitting to you, dear readers. You see, I've decided that no matter how busy I am at grad school, Vox Magazine or whatever that I just miss writing. So, today I'm rededicating my self to you.

At least twice a week, I'll post, write, rant and rave about books, life and Emma the cat. Plus, Ann Friedman told me that if I want to get hired, then I need to update my blog more; so, there's that.

I'll update y'all on more Ann Friedmanisms next time.

PS. How about this new design? Pretty cool, huh?