Authorstrator Listy List
A round up of reads, watches and art stuff for January
It’s time! The first Authorstrator Listy List of 2025!
If you’re new here, the Authorstrator Listy List is a roundup of what I think are the most interesting bits and bobs I collect for all the lists I keep in my notebooks over the course of the month! My TBR, my watch list, my list of arty things I want to try out. And I’m always on the lookout for more, so if you’ve got a great recommendation for a read, a watch, or arty stuff, I invite you to share your latest finds in the comments!
Here we go!
The Reading List
Articles
This Lit Hub article from Maris Kreizman had some great thoughts about the literary world in 2025 and how to move about it. I don't love reading other people's new years resolutions because it just reminds me of all the things I wont get around to. BUT this list was actually great and actionable. Going to be keeping a lot of these in mind, especially about shouting about books by human writers. Its in keeping with my previous thoughts - word of mouth will be vital to creative discovery. So I shan't be shy.
Lunar Awards are back for 2025! For anyone with a short story (doesn’t have to be science fiction), this is a great way to get your writing out there and shared with the community! Check them out.
is an amazing illustrator here on Substack and I’ve been really enjoying the zany characters he creates each week. If you want to see amazing expression and pushing form - Thig has you covered.'s art community at introvert drawing club is LOVELY. I tuned in for Drawing with Mark Hoffman and it was such a chill and relaxing time, really a treat for yourself to carve out a second of the day to enjoy what your passionate about! I was making dinner, so I couldn’t even draw, but it was just nice to listen in and get inspired.Books
Wildful by Kengo Kurimoto - A stunning middle grade graphic novel about magic in the wild? Yes please! Just LOOK at it! So pretty. Can’t wait to give this one a read.
A Language of Dragons by S F Williamson - I haven’t jumped on the romantasy train yet, but if you’re going to tempt me, you can always do it with dragons.
Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear: Wayward Children by Seanan McGuire - Seanan McGuire is one of my all time faves, and her Wayward Children series is wonderful. This is the latest addition to this series of magical novellas and I can’t wait to read it.
Zombie Shark Highway & Lava Cat Cruise Ship! - The paywall is down on my monster books! Just saying :)
The Watch List
In a bit of a watch desert right now, but I’ve been enjoying things that make me laugh cus…..goodness knows we could use laughter. SO:
Your Friend, Nate Bergatze on Netflix - very funny stand up special.
Roy Wood Jr.: Lonely Flowers: Very funny stand up special, also really lovely story telling.
Severance - Severance is back! This weird, dark work place drama? Thriller? I don’t even know how to describe it - is a very different kind of show and I love that it’s leaning into weird and different. It’s just released season 2!
The Art List
The Art of Tangled - I’m spending a lot of time studying and practicing backgrounds and lighting, and I keep finding myself turning to the beautiful concept art of Tangled.
CDQ - Character Design Quarterly gives me the same feeling I would get as a kid when I was allowed to get an Archie comic at the grocery store checkout. These beautiful magazines about character design are a special treat and I think I’m due for a new one!
And that’s it! What’s on your lists?
Oh goodness...I'm trying to be budget conscious right now but I just may very well have to splurge on a CDQ subscription...
Lovely Dragon book recommendation. Thank you.