Hello, hello!
I hope you’ve been doing well, wherever you are - there’s currently a mini lockdown in Germany, and I’ve been so busy with writing and studying that I haven’t really had the time to miss going out at all.
All has been quiet, and honestly? It’s been quite lovely. I do realise I say this from a position of privilege, though. I hope you’re safe.
Language Lessons
I’ve been in Germany for five weeks, and my German has improved so much, I can’t even begin to describe how fast the progress has been. This is because I speak with my flatmates exclusively in German.
If your conditions allow you to speak in your target language with someone, try to push for regular practice instead of opting for the easier choice. It was incredibly difficult for me not to switch to English every single time I was struggling at first, but I forced myself to speak German, and now look at me.
My German skills are rapidly improving. My French is slowly dying, though, which is why I’m having a French Zoom conversation with a group of people who want to practise their skills today.
Fingers crossed!
Reading Recommendations
Everything I Never Told You is a book written by Celeste Ng, the author of the famous Little Fires Everywhere.
I loved reading both novels. If you asked me, I probably wouldn’t be able to choose which one I liked more. They’re both written in a breath-taking way, the imaginary draws you in, and the way Celeste describes the turmoil of feelings is just fabulous.
This book focuses on a Chinese American family that struggles with the death of a daughter - don’t worry, it’s not a spoiler, as the book literally begins with a sentence: “Lydia is dead. But they don’t know this yet.”
It’s about race, love, parenting, longing and regret. It’s about family and life. And it’s beautiful.
Writing Whispers
I’ve got some new articles for you!
This month, I have started publishing on News Break as well as Medium. You don’t need any account to sign up for News Break to read my writing - you can just click on the link, read my article, and I will automatically benefit from it financially.
Thank you for being a reader. It means a lot.
On relationships and feminism
4 Signs You’re Dating a Feminist Man (News Break)
This Advice Might Help You Get Through Your Long-Distance Relationship (News Break)
7 Qualities You Don’t Need to Be a ‘Real Man’ (P.S. I Love You on Medium)
To the Woman Who Laughed at My Hairy Legs (P.S. I Love You on Medium)
What Knitting and Love Have in Common (P.S. I Love You on Medium)
20 Facts About My Autistic Boyfriend (P.S. I Love You on Medium)
On self-improvement
4 Life Lessons I Gained from Living in a Dark Basement (The Ascent on Medium)
Updates on NaNoWriMo - I have been somehow keeping up so far, I’m a bit behind but I’m quite confident I can still make it. Good luck to everyone who participates!
Clumsy Confessions
I stepped into poop, and I’m on two coffees per day to be able to function properly. Huh.
I hope you have a lovely Saturday! Kate x