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My dear GFPs, well…what a week!
First of all, the pre-launch of BARREN and all the lovely and supportive messages from all of you, my beloved GFPs. Don’t forget that if you want to nab yourself one of a limited run of signed copies you can do so by heading here.
And then, well, what can be said about the LONG-OVERDUE but nonetheless EXTREMELY welcome political reckoning that took place over in the US? It’s been quite the emotional rollercoaster in this household as we wait for the final result of the Mississippi senate race; I realise of course that the very fact the Democrats are in contention here is in itself an incredible win…but you know what would be even more incredible…🤞🤞🤞
As I write, on Thursday, it is still neck and neck, with Colom only slightly ahead (she says, refreshing the live count for the tenth time this morning). Perhaps by the time this newsletter goes out we’ll have an answer and I so hope, for the sake of this state that I have come to care about so deeply, that it’s the unbelievable one that would deliver Mississippi its first Black senator since Reconstruction.
❤️ ❤️ ❤️
(Also please enjoy Elon deleting his tweets 😅 you’d think a tech guy would know that the internet is forever.)
And sticking with long-overdue but nonetheless extremely welcome come-uppances, we had our own brand (come on it was there for the taking) of such news over here in the UK with not one but TWO predatory men having to face the consequences of their actiony-wactions (iykyk).
What. A. Week.
In other news! Paying GFPs, don’t forget your sub comes with access to the all-new GFP community area! This week I posted some thoughts on War and Youth (if you’ve been watching these I’d love to know what you thought about them!) as well some brief thoughts on the new Bonnie Garmus (ditto). I also found this post by a GFP fascinating, as an inside look into how homosociality among male scientists might be hindering efforts to address the data gap on female bodies — as well as a heroic example of one woman pushing for change!
Also new this week is a menopause chat channel (now that I’ve outed myself as menopausal 😅) where I thought we could discuss issues we’re facing and swap useful tips. There is so much predatory nonsense written about menopause, I’d love for this to be a place where we can speak honestly and helpfully, with no hidden (or money-driven) agendas. Evidence-based only! ✊ I’ve kicked things off by telling you about how I combat itchy ears (one of the things that I feel no-one really does tell you about the menopause) and how to a) make oestrogen patches actually stick and b) get that effing residue off! So looking forward to reading your tips / thoughts too!
And just to conclude on a small admin note as there seems to have been some confusion on this front: while a paid sub gives you free access to the community, you do have to set up an account to do so, which you can do by heading here.
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On why I must decline your kind offer
Other things that have happened this week! An AI company got in touch asking if I wanted to get paid to advertise its AI that lets you build your own game and just in case I’ve not been clear enough on this front: no I will not be collaborating in the AI-driven demise of the creative industries thanks all the same.