Alright, maybe that's a slight overreaction.
Legionnaires will remember that on New Year's Eve, I set myself a goal for 2026:
To read more fiction.
It's something I've put on the back burner while focusing on other areas of this writing gig, which may or may not have been helped on by learning that other authors like Dan Brown don't read as much fiction (opting to read nonfiction instead) as you'd expect… yet are wildly successful.
All of this to say:
I've finished reading my first book of the year, or rather, listened to it.
But it wasn't fiction.
It was actually a self-development book by Cal Newport titled Be So Good They Can't Ignore You.
It was a riveting read, and one I highly recommend to anyone who's struggled with what their calling is or has had suspicions over the whole "follow your passion" spiel so many of us were sold on.
For those who have no interest in picking up this book, the crux of it was that trying to find your passion is like putting the cart before the horse.
Cal Newport argues that passion comes once you've amassed enough career capital and skills, as it typically unlocks more control, autonomy, and impact.
The book goes into far more detail than I can do justice to here, and I'm doing it a huge disservice with this bare-bones summary.
I don't really know where else I'm going with this email, other than, while yes, it wasn't a fictional tale, it's a book I would never have started (much less finished in a week) if it hadn't been in audiobook form.
Between two children under two…
Writing a daily email…
Keeping Lady Laura happy…
And managing my growing horde of Legionnaires…
Even essential things like exercise are hard to fit in; never mind carving out time to read. So I've turned walking into an opportunity to dictate emails like the one you're reading, but just as importantly, listen to good books.
Without audiobooks, I'd probably be an illiterate slob.
No exaggeration.
That said, they're not just great for those with busy lives, but just about for anyone who enjoys kicking back and letting a story be told to you.
If that sounds like you, then you're in luck, my disciple, as not only does The Divided Region come in audiobook…
But so does Tiny Epics: Vol. 1 (my collection of 141 micro stories across fantasy, sci-fi, and a little horror).
You can start listening to it here:
https://djjwatsonstore.com/products/Tiny-Epics-Vol-1
DJJW