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Velvet Opus

5 Beach Reads

by Rebecca Holland

| 2 July, 2021

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There’s something truly magical that happens whe There’s something truly magical that happens when you choose a story that resonates with you. Finding that story might feel like a tingling sensation, an internal exclamation of “heck yeah” or an undisputable certainty that you’re in the right place. Sometimes, on the surface, it might feel like nothing at all. But when your fingertips graze book spines and you find the one that calls to you, your body knows exactly why you need that story. Whether you’re aware on a conscious level, or not.

Every story you choose reveals something. It can be easy to get caught up in thinking in terms of learning from information-heavy books, or picking up an interesting tidbit that makes its way into your “fun facts” brain vault for recollection at the next quiz, but the reality is that it’s much more than that. You are much more complex than that.

That story beckoned to you at that moment because you needed it. You were called to be transported on an out-of-this-world adventure, or to hold hands with your inner child. We might not understand why we chose the book, but the story has the same effect. Let’s soothe your aching heart, it calls, let’s break down that barrier. I see your wounds, it says, and you are not alone here.

When people tell me they don’t like to read, I tell them they haven’t found the right book yet. Not every book is for every reader, and not every story is for you right now. Not me, or any bestseller list, book club, or publisher knows what you need right at this moment – only you do. Be a reading rebel and read what your heart desires, whether it’s long or short, on paper or audio. The beauty is that you decide.

I curated this space to reflect on stories that resonate with me, to reveal my soul piece by piece with every story that chooses me, that I share with you. I would be honoured if you choose to share a piece of your soul this way with me too.

My current read follows a writer at an emotional crossroads in her life, and it’s at once dangerously romantic and boldly creative, navigating the world of following your dreams, even when the world around you doesn’t believe you can.

If you feel ready to share, tell me. What are you reading? ❤️‍🔥
The fun don't stop when you're 31 🤘🦄 It's The fun don't stop when you're 31 🤘🦄 

It's my birthday! Come celebrate with me in the comments by popping some 🍾 raising a 🥂 or joining me on the dance floor 💃💃💃 fancy dress: optional.

#velvetopus #birthday #happybirthday #hbd
Story recs (film/TV/book) & life update 💜 Hey, Story recs (film/TV/book) & life update 💜

Hey, how was your July?! 

Mine's been B U S Y. I landed my first ever retainer writing client which is both a huge relief and a "heck yeah!" cause I'm working for a biz owner who totally inspires me...

So I was writing A LOT in July which I love. 

Plus, it's my birthday on Friday (wa-hooh!) 🥳

Strong heroines rule 👏 the 👏 world 👏 so here's my top character-driven ✨ story recs ✨ from July: 

📺 Netflix's @oatsstudios speculative sci-fi shorts -- compact but thought-provoking episodes asking "what if" in futuristic, often dystopian, settings (+ plenty of badass heroines including one portrayed by Sigourney Weaver)

📚 Tarot reading + witchy teen harnessing her gifts with her friends while coming-of-age (read: angst, exploring gender/identity + tarot) in @czaronline sequel The Gifts That Bind Us (but read #AllOurHiddenGifts first!) 

📽️ The @a24 multiverse epic @everythingeverywheremovie that blew my frickin' mind. Best movie, and on-screen portrayal of a mother-daughter relationship, of the year hands down.

💫 July wrap-up question 💫

What's one story with a kickass female heroine you loved? Share your recs with me! 👇

#velvetopus #velvetopusreads #velvetopuswrites #bookstagram #bookstagramuk #books #booksbooksbooks #pridereads #feministstories #lgbtreads #readmorebooks #readingwrapup #amreading #bechdeltest #moviewrapup #moviestagram #netflix #stories #storytime #filmcommunity #tvshows #netflixseries #everythingeverywhere #oatsstudios #review
👀 Let's be real -- in-person networking events 👀 Let's be real -- in-person networking events as an introvert are ✨ t e r r i f y i n g ✨... I struggled with them when I used to work in law, and even now as a freelance creative writer and small biz owner when I "need" to put myself out there to, you know, talk to potential clients, and chat to fellow creatives... 

Attending #MBE2022 this month (an in-person networking event 😱) was a real eye-opener because it ✨ was ✨ overwhelming at first...

BUT...

✨ I connected with a lovely startup biz and had a great conversation about legal tech

✨ I did not in fact melt in the sweltering heat (even after I had to dash to the event when running late after a last-minute client project)

✨ I left feeling more confident than I went in, with my comfort zone a little bit bigger overall

And to my fellow introverts, I see you 💜

If networking and/or face-to-face zoom calls are your kryptonite, I SEE you.

You are ✨ not ✨ alone. 

Which is why you can connect with me, introvert to introvert, in the way that suits YOU.

Like chatting via email, or in DM's, or even on a voice call. Tell me what works best for you and I will honour that whenever we connect 🙌

And I will never, ever, call you for a "quick chat" (that's an introvert pinky promise). 

Drop me a "👀" emoji in the comments so I know you're a fellow introvert too👇

#velvetopus #velvetopuswrites #introvert #networking #merseysidebusinessexpo2022 #networkingevent #digitalmarketer #copywritersofinstagram #networkingtips #justintrovertthings #freelancewriter #writersofig #creativesofig #smallbizsupport #freelancingfemales #introvertdear
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