Reading, Learning, Connecting

This post is going to be a little…different. Two main topics have been on my mind lately, and by lately, I mean all the time: BLM and COVID-19. For this post, I’ll share some informative and interesting links I’ve collecting, written in a bit of stream-of-consciousness type form.

First,

If you’re looking to better educate yourself on the movement there are plenty of book lists, and books by Black authors (My shelf now includes How to Be An Antiracist, Between The World And Me, and White Rage. Reading these is only a small part of the steps I’m taking, but I’m keeping this post/blog content- and publishing-related. Oh also, Ibram X. Kendi, author of How To Be An Antiracist, will be discussing his book in a free online event on July 20.)

I really like Sesame Street’s townhall on racism.
There’s a lot of work to be done in the publishing industry, but on the bright side things are starting to happen.
There are a lot of ways to join the conversation.

Words matter, web accessibility matters, and there’s a push for journalism to be more inclusive when reporting stories.
Fact-checking should also apply to blogs and other forms of content.
Having a plan of action helps.

Next,

When times are tough, and you’re feeling lonely, consider turning to reading for fun. (Though if you’re feeling anxious, it may be difficult to read right now. In which case, a course on the science of well-being may be helpful.)
If you do want to read, your library may have a pick up service.

If you have your own website, it’s not a bad idea to audit your content to pass the COVID-19 test, and be careful of how you pitch.
Yes there is some bad news, like institutions closing.
In good news, we’re seeing some changes and developments, like the rise of 3D printing to help front-line workers.

In interesting, and maybe not surprising news, publishers have been picking up more Coronavirus related manuscripts.
If you’re missing being around people, some offices are building VR replicas.
If you’re looking for ways to connect with people during the pandemic, virtual events could be a good option.