2018 is almost over, and what a year it’s been. For a coherent analysis of its stormy events – and whatever the future may have in store for us – I gladly direct you to the usual channels. I know my weaknesses.

For me personally this year has been eventful but productive. I found a job I love, published a book chapter on my favourite genre, and my first full-length book is hitting the shelves as we speak. “First”, as I hope there will be more, and am working on exciting but as yet still embryonic plans for next year.

Anyhow, as an early Christmas present I’m sharing some of my favourite online content creators this week. Because work is great, but so is play. All these creators use innovative methods to share interesting ideas and stimulate curiosity. Do check them out during the holiday season. I hope you’ll enjoy their work as much as I do.

1. Pulp Librarian 

If, like me, you have a rather soft spot for pulp fiction in all formats, this is the Twitter account for you. Pulp Librarian curates and shares book covers, film posters, and vintage advertising for the benefit of other popular culture aficionados. Recent topics include War of the Worlds, The Emmerdale Knitting Book, and jazzercise (whatever that may be).

2. Nerdwriter

This self-styled lover of film, music and visual arts uploads a free video on Youtube every month. Subjects are incredibly diverse and range from the Blade Runner soundtrack to Darth Vader – basically, everything I like. The result: careful stylistic analysis, a striking attention to detail and unlimited enthusiasm.

3. Inspirobot 

Anyone who has spent more than five minutes on social media has encountered them: inspirational quotes. Usually set against the background of a romantic stock photo, they are intended to make the poster look intellectual, spiritual, creative, or all of the above. “Intended”, as in reality oversharing them makes you look like a twat. Inspirobot offers a more original and parodic take on this annoying phenomenon by generating new quotes for you, complete with appropriate background. Be prepared to lose hours of your life. My personal favourite: “masturbation is boring”.

4. Atlas Obscura 

Less niche, more extensive: this online magazine collects weird and wonderful places, people and foods. Readers can contribute and, as a result, you may discover interesting parts of your own hometown you never knew the existence of. It’s also a great resource for the armchair traveller. You may have neither the time, nor the money or the desire to visit Senegal’s Mosque of Divinity, but at least you can explore the beauty of places like this from the comfort of your own home.

5. Yoga with Adriene 

If you’ve overdosed on the turkey, now’s the time to get some exercise done. Even if the word exercise makes you shudder, yoga is still an excellent way to relax, recharge, and as Adriene says: find what feels good. The content on Adriene’s Youtube channel is free and suitable for complete beginners and advanced yogis alike. Her down to earth attitude – she teaches breathing exercises without overdoing the chakra-chat – has encouraged even this reluctant exerciser to practice regularly and I’m feeling the benefits every day. Every January Yoga with Adriene runs a free 31-day yoga challenge: you’re just in time to join the fun for 2019.

If your year was bad, I hope the next one will be better. If it was good, I hope your good fortune may continue. Peace, love, and keep reading.

Image Elias Tigiser via Pexels