Happy Wednesday, Geekly Gang! Kyra Kyle here. Wait. It’s Christmas Eve. Happy-happy to everyone who celebrates Christmas. One more day. Yay! Today, our writers share what they’ve been listening to over the past month. Feel free to share what you’ve been listening to over the past month. We’re all part of the Geekly Gang. I’ll get things started with what I’ve been listening to this past month.

Kyra’s Podcast

I’m trying something a little different and including one podcast/YouTube channel in this post. I’ve been watching/listening to John at Falstaff Books. I’m originally from Georgia/South Carolina, so John’s cadence sounds like home. But I can see folks who won’t care for his delivery. Regardless, John at Falstaff Books gives great writing advice and an inside look at the publishing industry. Both are important if you want to “get gud” as a professional writer, who hopefully gets published one day.

Yesterday, John at Falstaff Books shared a set of writing resolutions that actually work. I may adopt some of these.

1) Write something each week.

The hard part is getting something on the page. If you’re not meeting a deadline, don’t put undue stress on your writing practice. Write a word. That word may become two or three, a sentence, or even a short story or chapter.

2) Read one book a month in a genre you intend to write

I’ve heard too many writers state they don’t want to read books in their genre because the book may color how they write. That’s dumb. You need to read books in your intended genre to see where the industry is headed. And how will you know if something already exists in a genre if you don’t read that genre? Also, reading in your genre gives you comp (comparable) titles for agents and publishers when you get to that stage.

3) Read one book a year on the writing craft or publishing industry

Podcasts are great, but you still need to read a book or two on the writing craft. I wouldn’t go crazy with this. One book a year sounds like a doable goal.

4) Read one book a year outside your intended genre

You never know what may spark something. You may not care for romance, but what if you wrote something in your intended genre that’s based on a romance you read? The two books wouldn’t be the same. They reside in different genres.

5) Attend one workshop, conference, or critique group during the year

This one should be self-explanatory. One gets better at writing by writing. Local workshops/conferences are nice. I live near Omaha, and there are plenty. But even if you can’t physically make a conference, online groups exist.

Yep. You may see points on this list next week, when our writers share their New Year’s Resolutions. Tee hee!

Kyra’s Tunes

I’m sure each of our writers will mention Mannheim Steamroller in this week’s post. We just watched Mannheim in concert a few days ago. They were electric. And they’ve been a holiday tradition for decades. My first CD was Mannheim Steamroller Christmas (1984). Ah! So many memories.

But I’m going to let Skye and Season get into more detail with Mannheim Steamroller. I’ve been relistening to a lot of the artists I’ve mentioned throughout the year, so December has almost functioned like a musical recap: Replacements, REM, Gorillaz, The B-52s, Wet Leg, Chappell Roan, and of course, Mannheim Steamroller. I’ve gotta get my “Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella” fix.

That’s what I’ve been listening to this past month. Let’s check in with Skye.

Skye’s Tunes

The Black Panther Soundtrack has been the unofficial theme of the past three weeks. I’ve loved this album ever since I picked it up, but lately, I’ve been listening to it repeatedly. The soundtrack helped me love Black Panther on a whole new level with songs like “All the Stars,” “X,” “The Way,” “Opps,” and “I Am.” My favorites have been stuck in my head and giving me energy during some tough holiday shifts. Some, like “I Am,” even remind me of important life lessons I often forget. So yes, Black Panther Soundtrack’s got everything: danceable tunes, memorable melodies, unique tone, and thoughtful lyrics. 10/10 would recommend.

It’s that time of year, so can you blame me? Mannheim Steamroller has been a familial holiday staple, but ever since last year, I’ve been blessed with the vinyl. Christmas reminds me of waking up on Christmas morning 15 years ago. This album played when I walked into the living room to open presents. I was also lucky enough to see Mannheim Steamroller in concert this past Sunday, which was just what my inner child needed. My favorite tracks include “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” and “Good King Wenceslas,” so you can be sure I could barely contain myself when I saw them played live.

Season’s Tunes

I, too, have been listening to Mannheim Steamroller. Sweet Memories is a CD one of my elementary school teachers gave me during a class Christmas party. The only song it has in common with Mannheim Steamroller’s original 1984 Christmas album is “Good King Wenceslas.” There are a few tracks I’m not as fond of, such as “The First Noel,” but most of them are fun. Not going to lie, my main reason for liking Sweet Memories as a kid was because there were horses on the album cover.

“Fairytale of New York” isn’t a traditional Christmas song, but that’s why I like it. Most people don’t think of immigrants failing to make their dreams come true in the United States when they think of Christmas. “Fairytale of New York” has an upbeat tempo while hitting on harsh realities for Irish immigrants, but the concept can be applied to any immigrant.

“Fairytale of New York” took over two years to complete. The Pogues didn’t like many of the recordings, so they tabled it for a while. They toured the US in 1986, with their first destination being New York City. The lead singer, Shane MacGowan, got inspiration to write new lyrics for the song. Featuring Kirsty MacColl, “Fairytale of New York” was published in 1987 and became a classic. Rest in peace, Kirsty and Shane.

Hey, hey! Kyra Kyle here again. And now I need to listen to “Fairytale of New York.” Thanks, Season. Happy holidays, and let us know what you’ve been listening to over the past month, Geekly Gang. Thank you for reading, and wherever you are, I hope you’re having a great day.