Memoirs of a Working Girl | Establishing a Writing Routine
My promise to you, and what caught my attention this week
In case you missed it:
A Working Girl's Advice for the 21st Century | My Personal Story
Why I Schedule My Worry Sessions
French Toast, French Kisses, and the Art of Flâneuring
My Bachelorette Pad & Rise of Female Homeownership Rates
The Launch
Approximately one month ago I launched Memoirs of a Working Girl.
I started Memoirs of a Working Girl for a few reasons: scratch a creative itch (it gets quite loud in my head at times and this is like letting the steam out of the tea pot), connect with like-minded thinkers, dreamers, and constant philosophizers, and similarly, learn something new from those who are different-minded (is that a word?).
Contrary to conventional advice, I did not establish a publishing routine from the get-go. I write both Memoirs of a Working Girl and Brand Anatomy (check it out if you haven’t yet), so it’s taken me some time to figure out a writing schedule. One that is not only realistic to manage with my finance day job but also one that will allow me to publish writing that I myself am excited to read and re-read.
I launched first, without really thinking about the speed or direction.
This whole process is a continual work-in-progress. However, I personally thrive in structure, and I know many of us do as well. The direction will continue to center around a collection of personal essays, ruminations, culture commentary, and fashion reviews. Think of it like a party - you know the general theme but not necessarily the party favors you’ll leave with. And I like to think that’s part of the fun and intrigue.
However, the speed will have structure.
What You Can Expect Going Forward
My hope is that you read something that inspires, resonates, or opens a new perspective for you.
Going forward, Memoirs of a Working Girl will publish twice per week:
Wednesdays - What better way to get over the mid-week slump, aka Hump Day, than a post from this working gal.
Sundays - The last (or first) day of the week, depending on how you look at it. The best way to both end and start a week.
I don’t plan to reserve any specific topics for either day. I plan to continue writing about things on my mind and in the world.
My (Pinky) Promise to You
Speed is critical because the right speed establishes solidity and builds trust. This is my promise to you. Speed also builds momentum, and I’d rather go slow and steady than fire off on all cylinders.
However, life happens, work gets busy, and things come up. But I won’t leave you high and dry! I’ve devised a plan, a fun one.
On those days when I know I won’t be able to give you my all, I will share with you my “Odds & Ends of the Week”. This will be all the things I’ve read, watched, and listened to that caught my attention that week - other great writing, the latest news, an intriguing audiobook, an entertaining podcast, and even an interesting conversation I overheard.
I like to think of this as a bit of a window into the inner workings of my mind. There’s something to be said about the content, information, and news that attracts one’s attention.
Preview of Odds & Ends
Here’s a little preview of the things that caught my attention this past week (12/18):
✨What I Read
A Week In Queens, NY, On A $68,000 Salary (Refinery 29) —> Something about reading how others spend their money is very intriguing. It’s like reading their personal diary. I can’t help but judge or applaud my own money habits in the process.
Literally Every Other App Is a Better Dating App Than Actual Dating Apps (Cosmopolitan) —> A fun little read.
Opinion | If attitudes don’t shift, a political dating mismatch will threaten marriage (Washington Post) —> An interesting op-ed on how political views have changed over time and how this has impacted marriage in the U.S.
Nearly Everyone Gets A’s at Yale. Does That Cheapen the Grade? (The New York Times) —> In my experience, grading is very subjecting and life (fortunately or unfortunately) doesn’t give you a grade. You self grade based on whether you like or don’t like the consequences of your actions. However, grades provide an important metric on whether a student is “on the right path”. Lot’s of debate on all sides.
Charlie Munger said there was no secret to his success: ‘I avoided the standard ways of failing’ (CNBC)—> Legendary investor Charlie Munger had not only a wildly successful investing career but shared some of the most sage advice. Worth a read!
Nike stock plunges and takes rivals like Under Armour and Adidas with it (Business Insider) —> I wrote about Nike’s Golf partnership with Travis Scott on Brand Anatomy. Nike is the undoubted leader in the sports retail space and when management lowered its outlook this brought down the stock price of its competitors. Talk about being a driving force.
✨What I Listened To
The List (by Yomi Adegoke) —> The latest audiobook I’ve been listening to. It’s a (virtual) page turner and exposes the non black and white on some very difficult topics and situations from different points of view.
Cozy Christmas Playlist —> Oldies but goodies!
Winter Playlist —> Absolutely ethereal. I don’t listen to it, I feel it. And it feels like I’m floating above the world. Even a little de-attached from reality. True oneness. My favorite part is here (minute 6:15 to 6:56).
✨What I Watched
Love is Blind Season 5 (Netflix) —> We all have our weak spots and mine happens to be reality TV. I’m not the biggest fan per se but after spending 10 hours a day looking at financial statements my brain needs something drastically different to decompress and forget about work…Personally, I think love really is blind but marriage and partnership require compatibility just as much which is why I think a lot of these couples don’t work out post reveal. They might still love each other but life in the real world cannot be sustained purely by love. You need to have compatible lifestyles, preferences, views, and personal situations. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the same but there has to be at least some overlap (definitely can’t be mutually exclusive views or lifestyles). In terms of the physical, I think it doesn’t work out similarly to how when I read a book and then watch the film adaptation. If the character is nothing like what I picture it definitely throws me for a loop!
Yours Truly,
Katarina
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Leave a Comment:
Thoughts, comments, critiques on the bi-weekly writing schedule? What topics or areas would you like to see me talk about or share my opinion and views on?
What caught your attention this week (article, thought, conversation)?
Thank you! I’ll definitely check it out. Appreciate you leaving a comment and glad you enjoyed reading it!
Oooh Selling Sunset and Dubai Blind are personal favorites