I have drafted several posts in the past few months (?) since my last post but nothing’s quite stuck. But a lot has happened and it’s time for an update.
Writing News
Work on my book continues apace and in the meantime I’ve had a few things come out which is pretty exciting for me.
My poem “Hello Kitty Calculator” appeared on the Neologism Poetry Journal.
My essay “Science and Poetry” appeared on HerStry’s Grief issue.
Another haiku showed up on Haiku Universe.
As usual all my publications are available on my website, www.mariecloutier.com.
It’s been a busy summer of writing and revising and I have other things under consideration now which I hope to hear good news about soon. I’ve joined a grief-writing group hosted by writer Diane Zinna; it meets every other Sunday afternoon for an hour and you can find information about it on her website if you’re interested. She opens with a craft talk and then we do some writing and a few people can share. She brings in some really interesting topics I haven’t seen elsewhere and the meetups are relaxed and supportive.
Five Things
As some of you may now I’m a big fan of Summer Brennan’s Five Things Essay and use it nearly daily in my own writing practice. I was thinking about incorporating it into my Substack by starting off my newsletters with a “Five Things” feature, could be fun stuff like Five Things About Fountain Pens or more serious things like Five Things About Lolita. What do you think? Here’s one:
Five Movies I’ve Rewatched Recently
I haven’t been watching a lot of new movies lately but here are some that I’ve revisited on my husband’s D&D nights:
Farewell My Queen. A 2012 French drama about a young woman who acts as a court reader for Marie Antoinette, it stars Léa Seydoux and Diane Kruger and shows you a side of Versailles you might not see on the official tour.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. From 2004 with Jim Carrey and my girl Kate Winslet, one of my all-time favorites, about love, loss, memory and regret, and about the inevitability of love.
Marguerite et Julien. From 2015, not starring anyone you’ve probably heard of, a hot mess about transgressive love and passion. I know it’s terrible but it gets me every time.
Lost Illusions. A 2022 movie set in 19th century France and based on a novel by Balzac about the power of the press and the power of delusion. Very topical despite it being set almost two centuries ago.
The Worst Person in the World. From Norway and released in 2022, about a young woman finding her way in the world. I just loved this movie that shows a woman thriving by going after was she wants, even when she’s not sure what that is.
These are all movies with adult content of one kind or another.
Want to see more lists like this? Let me know in the comments.
Yiddish Update
I’ve signed up for my fall Yiddish class, though this time with the Committee for Yiddish, a Canadian org which offers very affordable online classes. Like, half the price or less of what American outlets like YIVO and Worker’s Circle charge. Honestly so far it’s super fun and I love it. Very chill and relaxed but I’m still learning a ton. So if you’re thinking about learning Yiddish do check them out. Shout out to my buddy Josh on Bluesky who pointed me in their direction.
What’s New With You?
Let me know in the comments.
Trash Haiku
Another night of bad
sleep. I can function. Sure. That’s
what I tell myself.
Have a great week and thanks for reading!
I love Eugenie and your trash haiku... and everything in between! <3
You're getting published all over the place, and for different genres of work. I'm so impressed!!