Husband has new obsessions!

For those of you who don't know, he’s Mike Gandolfi, Emmy, Peabody, and Golden Globe Award-winning TV writer, so no slouch… Check out his Banned & Found website, where he’s started archiving art that was banned (books, movies, TV shows, etc). And if you want to get weekly stories about banned art — from Diego Rivera to Carl Reiner — you can join him on his Banned & Found Substack.

He also has a new Instagram page TheSignsPoint where he posts REAL horoscopes of real people from memorable days in their lives… Want to know Will Smith’s horoscope on the day of the slap heard round the world? Or Patty Heart’s on the day she robbed a bank with the SLA? This is your spot. Some are accurate, some are NOT—-all are shockingly funny.

Okay, okay… new novel news

You’ve read Oil and Marble (Michelangelo versus Leonardo). You’ve read Raphael, Painter in Rome (Michelangelo versus Raphael)… and you’ve been waiting, ever so patiently, for a new Art Historical romp. Here’s where I am:

Over the last few years, I’ve actually written SEVERAL art historical novels… it’s only that none have insisted that I finish… until now. Lately, one of them has finally started DEMANDING that I scrub it up and get it out to the world. Now. So, I’m jamming along every morning starting at 6 or 7 (okay, sometimes 5 AM if it’s really kicking at me in my sleep). Then, after I’ve done my day’s due, I return to producing the TV… lately for History Channel.

There’s already a good draft of this next book, but I’m revising—again (you don’t want to know how many times I rewrite these things, you really don’t). Mike (the aforementioned husband) is reading fresh chapters every few days. As is our habit, he reads out loud so that I can hear his voice… that way, I can tell whenever he’s bored (time for more revisions) or when he’s reading so fast that he stumbles along the words, desperate to find out what happens next (my favorite!)

I know many of you will write, asking what this next novel is about, so here’s what I’ll say: it’s STILL art historical fiction, but this one’s not set in the Italian Renaissance. I’ve left both country and era (for now! Don’t worry, I’ll be back; I’m not done with Michelangelo yet. HE keeps kicking at me, too, but I need a break for a moment so I can see him more clearly). It’s got two protagonists again, so it’s bouncing back and forth between their POVs, reminiscent of Oil and Marble. And it’s once again about a powerhouse of art history because I find myself perpetually obsessed with how artists create things that touch people across CENTURIES… Can you imagine, creating some statue or painting or book or film today, and in the year 2526, some 18 year old kid sees it for the first time and weeps because that piece of art CHANGES THEIR LIFE. Creating something that reverberates like that is mind-boggling to me, and I may never stop being obsessed—or possessed, whichever word you prefer.

If these characters keep kicking at this rate, I’ll be telling you to pick up a new novel sooooooooon!

Upcoming Art Exhibitions

Paris is really making me want to Paris these days with a Mary Cassatt show coming to the D’Orsay October through January 2027 AND also a celebration of the 20th anniversary of Sofia Coppola’s cult classic Marie Antoinette at Versailles (now through January)

My Favorite Recent Read (new to ME, anyway)

After catching Project Hail Mary in the theaters, I FINALLY got around to grabbing the book by Andy Weir, and oh man was it worth it. And I’m not usually a big sci-fi person, but the VOICE grabbed me by the neck and didn’t let go.

A TV Show We Love: Adults

Miss the days of old-school sitcoms? Adults might be for you. It just wrapped it’s second season (airing on FX, streaming on Hulu), and I gotta say it reminds me a lot of watching Friends or Seinfeld or maybe even a hint of Golden Girls back in the day.

That’s my entire update for now. I would say “I’ll try to post these blogs more often,” but frankly, as long as the novel is motoring, let’s be honest, I probably won’t.

So, in the meantime, happy reading, watching, listening, museuming, creating—however you and your art do your thing! And don’t forget, no matter how tough the times, never stop trying to bend the world toward beauty.

Stephanie Storey
And the rest of Team Storey

But before it’s gone, I wanted to update all of you all on a few writing world things!

• Recently, I got to hold a copy of the Russian edition of my Raphael. Same story, different language and completely different layout. Guys this thing has TONS of color pictures! It’s sort of wild.

• Also, the Oil and Marble movie is chugging along. I’ve learned not to tempt fate with timelines, but I’ll say this: there’s genuine hope that 2026 is the year I finally get to share concrete news with you.

• And if I go a little quiet in 2026, it’s not because I’ve gone anywhere. I’m just tucked away, working furiously on a new novel that’s finally starting to reveal itself… more soon!

Anyway, instead of a year-end round up of favorite stories this year, I wanted to do something a little different this time — and shine a light on some writers I love. These are friends whose books came out this year and whose work I adore. Consider this an act of hopeful literary matchmaking between you and your next read:

Crystal King’s The Happiness Collector is a crazy awesome blend of art, history, mythology, and the modern world — all set in Italy — that will keep you turning those pages. WILDLY entertaining and original!

Laura Morelli’s latest The Keeper of Lost Art is another brilliant sweeping WWII novel about the incredible courage it took to protect some of history’s most precious art from destruction. If you—like me—have a deep reverence for the power of art to survive humanity’s darkest moments, you won’t want to miss this one!

Elise Hooper’s The Library of Lost Doll Houses a secret history of dollhouses leads to an unforgettable journey into Paris’ Belle Epoch… It’s one of those stories that sneaks up on you — and stays.

And now two more authors I can’t resist recommending, even though their latest books didn’t come out this year — because love is not bound by publishing calendars and you’ll want to keep an eye out on what they have coming next!

• Southern Lights by Liz Arncliffe
  A luminous, deeply felt novel about love and grief that mixes Southern American charm with a romping Aussie romance…

  

• The Prime Time Traveler books by Neil Laird
  Smart, playful, and wildly imaginative — and fun way of getting a glimpse into the real world of TV production… with a time traveling twist!

  

Okay, I gotta get back to the new novel. Here’s to 2026!

And don’t forget, no matter how tough the times, never stop trying to bend the world toward beauty,

Stephanie and the rest of Team Storey

But if there is one thing I know, it’s that Los Angeles is a city of dreamers. A city of builders. A city of “you don’t think I can, well, watch me.” And so I have unshakable faith that Los Angeles will rebuild. But I also know that it will take time.

In the Spring of 2024, my childhood home was hit by a tornado. The house itself was still standing, but huge, hundred-year old trees smashed onto the roof, buckled the walls, and upended everything. My mom has just now managed to move back in. Rebuilding takes time.

This month also marks the two-year anniversary since we lost my dad to cancer. And I feel like I’m just now finding my way back to be able to even consider a normal routine. Healing takes time.

For those who know me well, it’s shocking that I’ve made it 25 years in Hollywood. I’ve threatened to quit a 1,000 times, fed up with countless complaints and crises. And yet, somehow, every single year over the last 25, I have found myself working on some TV show or another, putting out little bits of story, hoping they make some bit of difference in a sometimes agonizing world… It’s taken time, and yet, finally I can admit that this is my career: telling stories on TV, in books, wherever I can. For better or worse, I continue on, rebuilding, remaking, reviving whatever is left to revive.

In the spirit of revival and in anticipation of new projects on the horizon, I've even brought on a new team member to help me in the journey. She’s one of my favorite colleagues, someone who I trust to catch all the balls when I don’t see them falling. Her name is Lauren Campbell, and I hope you all have lots of reasons to get to know her soon! You can read about her here.

Until then, I have new episodes to develop, new novels to write, new screenplays to dream up… even while the world is burning—especially while the world is burning—all any of us can do is try to bend it, just a little bit, toward beauty.

My Top 5 Favorite Stories of Late

In honor of LA, ALL of these stories are Hollywood stories this time.

1. A Complete Unknown (coming soon to streaming)

Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan is… where’s the “chef’s kiss” emoji when I need it?! I was utterly transported by Chalamet’s performance. I’m a Dylan fan — my dad was a Dylan fan, so I come by it naturally — so of course I enjoyed all the music and the story, but more than all that, watching this movie felt like getting to spend TIME in Bob Dylan’s company, as if I got to breathe in the same air somehow, and that made this one an absolute must see.

2. Thelma (stream on Hulu)

This movie is a pure delight. I laughed, I cried, I rooted for Thelma and her scooter. It’s a story about a 90-something year old widow going on an adventure to hunt down the men who scammed her out of $10,000… but more than that, it’s about this stubborn old woman making it HAPPEN all on her own. And it’s also not JUST about Thelma, but about her middle-aged children worrying about her, and her grandson trying to find HIS way in the world… Everyone in the family can relate to this one! One of my absolute favs.

3. Man on the Inside (on Netflix)

Another widow(er) story! This time, it’s Ted Danson who’s going on the adventure, as an undercover private investigator infiltrating a senior living facility, on the hunt for a jewel thief. It’s funny and heartfelt and hopeful, and I looked forward to every single episode and was sorry when it was over.

4. Shrinking (new season out now on Apple TV)

This is season #2 of one of my favs — I recommended season 1 on an earlier list — but it’s back and as good as ever. Harrison Ford and Jason Segel (along with the entire cast) are just the BEST. I very much enjoy spending time with them AND every episode feels like a warm, quirky hug. (Yes, it’s about therapists and all THEIR broken parts they never let you see during your therapy sessions!)

5. Conclave (streaming on Peacock)

If you’re a Catholic and/or easily offended, you might want to skip this one, as the ending comes with quite a twist that has ruffled some feathers… BUT, I LOVED it, especially for the nitty-gritty behind the scenes look at what it’s REALLY like to elect a pope (c’mon you know I love this stuff if you’ve read my Raphael). This movie takes you into the Sistine, into the minds of the cardinals, into the DETAILS of how the vote rolls out to elect a new pope… for a history nerd (and one who is, as you know, sometimes too obsessed with the Vatican), this was like a giant ice cream sundae of gooey goodness.

BONUS: Great British Baking Show (streaming on Netflix)

I am LATE to this party… that’s why it’s a “bonus” because I’m sure most of you are already on board, but if you’re not, get in there! This is absolutely my new favorite comfort watch… and actually, maybe my favorite one of these kinds of competition shows of all time. Bake!

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I know some of you are big fans of my website, and you’ve been asking me when I’m going to be posting new content again. Well, after a hiatus, I’m back to publishing new posts regularly, so check it out whenever you’re looking for a deep dive into art, writing and history). You can go here to start exploring my posts about the History Behind the Novel, suggestions for artsy travel, and more…

Okay, friends. Stay safe out there in our wild world,

Stephanie (and the rest of Team Storey)

Ken Burns’ new 4-hour Leonardo da Vinci documentary premieres TOMORROW, on Nov 18th on PBS. This two-night extravaganza will explore our favorite polymath’s life in a way only Ken Burns can… No doubt it’ll explore the broader scope of the Italian Renaissance, and you know me, I’m hoping for a cameo by our dear Michelangelo! Check your local listings for show times and tune in. I’ll have popcorn in hand to enjoy the show ;)

Now for my Top 5 Stories of late — including a don’t-miss novel including Salvador Dali!

1. In the Garden of Monsters by Crystal King

This new historical // fantasy // Greek mythology novel is a truly engrossing, unique read — and bonus for us art fans: Salvador Dali is at the center of it! Crystal King (Feast of Sorrow; The Chef’s Secret) is back at it with another page-turning historical novel filled with some of the most sumptuous descriptions of food you’ll ever read. This tale is a surprising rollercoaster of Greek mythology… but my favorite, of course, is the truly weird and enigmatic character of Salvador Dali. If you’re looking for historical fiction that reads almost more like a murder mystery, this one is for you! It certainly kept me reading waaaaay past my bedtime.

2. Nobody Wants This on Netflix

THIS IS A POSITIVELY ADORABLE ROMANTIC COMEDY SERIES — made utterly irresistible by the chemistry between Kristen Bell & Adam Brody. A sex podcaster falls for a Rabbi… okay, fine enough set up, but I cannot emphasize enough how charming this show is nor how MUCH you are rooting for these two (despite all the cultural and family obstacles). One of my favorite shows in a long time — in part because it was such sweet, heartfelt escapism.

3. The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier

Honestly, it’s a bit of weird book. The SAME characters (a family of glassmakers on Murano) live through hundreds of years, but it’s not like they have magical powers or anything… it’s just the premise of the book: time runs differently on the glass-blowing island of Murano. HOWEVER, it does mean that you get to hop through centuries of glass blowing in and around Venice which is FASCINATING and super enjoyable. If you can just tell yourself to go with the premise, you get to dive deep into the world of glass making, which makes my artist heart very happy.

4. Saturday Night (directed by Jason Reitman)

We saw this one in the theaters, and I don’t know where it will eventually stream, but I found this behind-the-scenes look at the opening night of SNL to be so much fun — the details were so engrossing it’s like you’re transported to opening night. And as someone who has spent almost 25 years working TV production (next year is 25 years for me!), the production details were screamingly accurate. Sure, they took plenty of artistic license with the facts of THAT ONE DAY, but if you want to know what it really feels like to be behind-the-scenes of TV, this is it.

5. Intuitive Author by Tiffany Yates Martin

Are you an author wishing that SOMEONE would please give you straight answers about what it really means to embark upon a life or career in writing? Editor Tiffany Yates Martin (also author of Intuitive Editor) gives it to you straight in her new practical survival guide for authors. Do you want to know how to cope with rejection or overcome imposter syndrome? Or how to balance creativity and money-making? Or how to take charge of your career when you feel out of control? This book is some much needed straight talk on all of this and more. (Disclaimer: I blurbed the book, but only because I find it so darn helpful).

BONUS: Want to know what I’m reading?

Paris in Ruins: Love, War, and the Birth of Impressionism. For the last, oh, decade, I’ve been OBSESSED with this time period, and let me assure you that this book is a fantastic non-fiction look at how the Franco-Prussian War, the deadly Siege of Paris, and the bloody civil war that followed—known as the Paris Commune—impacted the artists of Paris… I easily could’ve included this in my “Top 5,” but I thought it was worth a “bonus” section to let you all in on where my mind has been focused for the last few years…

Okay, more soon, but I wanted to get this out today so nobody misses Leo this week!

And don’t forget: no matter how tough the times, never stop trying to bend the world toward beauty.

Stephanie and the rest of Team Storey

Most importantly for all of my fans: Leonardo Da Vinci is coming to a PBS station near you on November 18th & 19th! Documentarian Ken Burns has turned his storytelling skills to our dear Leonardo, and I can’t wait to see how it turns out. Can’t wait, like me? Watch the trailer here.

2 Friends with Great Books

Two of my friends have new books out — and they are both fantastic/worth a read!

Southern Lights by Liz Arncliff

The author is one of my nearest and dearest from my college days, so I’m admittedly biased—BUT I had a chance to read an early draft of this novel, and it’s a beautiful love story that gives an honest picture of grief—all set in Australia, which is a bonus. It’s a lesbian love story, so for all you sapphic fiction readers, this one is for you! Hard copies here. Ebooks directly from publisher here.

Making the Presidency by Lindsay Chervinsky

Lindsay is one of the best, young early American historians and presidential biographers out there. If you like the work of John Meacham, Doris Kearns Goodwin, or Ron Chernow, she’s one to watch and read! I first met her when she was a guest on my YouTube show, and she has continued to wow me ever since. Book will officially be out on Sept 2. Amazon page here.

My Fav Read Right Now

Usually, I share 5 of my favorite stories, but since I’ve already overloaded you with lots of stories to consider, I’m keeping this August edition to just one recommendation. This is my fav right now:

Wisdom of the Bullfrog by Admiral William H. McRaven

This little book technically gives advice for leadership, but I found the stories to be applicable to life in general—and all-around good tips for being a good human and good role model for others. Lots of military stories (McRaven was a Navy Seal), but I have enjoyed every one and felt uplifted by the entire reading experience. It’s not new — it came out last year — but it’s new to me! You can get your copy here.

A Job Posting

I’m on the Board of a nonprofit called Equal Justice Under Law, dedicated to ending inequality in our justice system — in America, it shouldn’t be a crime to be poor. If you’re so inclined to support such a cause, check out their work here or contact me and I can get you more info — and the amazing work being done to improve our country’s justice system.

But I’m REALLY sharing this because the org is looking to hire a new Development/Communications Director (in DC) — and we are looking for great candidates. Here’s the job listing. If you know of anyone who would be interested, please encourage them to apply — the Executive Director is truly one of the best, most brilliant people on the planet and a joy to work for. If you know someone who is applying, let me know so I can put in a good word!

I’m off to work on novel #3… I promise it’s coming—and I LOVE it.

Until then, no matter how tough the times, never stop trying to bend the world toward beauty,

Stephanie
And the rest of Team Storey

In other news, there’s a GIANT Michelangelo exhibit in London right now — Michelangelo: the Last Decades at the British Museum — and I, sadly, won’t make it there to see it in time… but for any of you who ARE in London, please, attend on my behalf and tell me everything about it. Here’s a five-star review from The Guardian, in case you, like me, just NEED someone take you inside…

Top 5 Stories of Summer (So Far)

Now for my regular installment of my favorite stories of late…

1. Fall Guy

Do you need a movie that is 100% worth seeing in an actual theater? Don’t miss The Fall Guy. It’s funny and action-packed with a solid romance, and the script is SO WELL DONE. We saw it in the theater, and now I can’t wait for it to hit streaming SO I CAN SEE IT AGAIN. Ryan Gosling plays a movie stunt man, and the stunts are a MAJOR highlight — SO worth an actual theater date ;)

2. Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld

This is for all of you who want an easy, fun summer read. Sally is a sketch writer for a popular late-night, live TV comedy show that airs on a Saturday (it’s totally a behind-the-scenes look at SNL without calling it SNL) who falls for one of the ultra-famous musical guests… Sometimes the plot is a bit too predictable, but it was sweet and CHARMING and kept me smiling the whole time.

3. Hit Man on Netflix

Actor Glen Powell is ALL the rage in Hollywood right now, and he makes watching Hit Man one of the most delightful events of my summer so far. Powell plays a small college philosophy prof whose side-hustle is working for the police to catch would-be murderers hoping to hire a hitman to do the deed. I can’t express how funny and quirky and perfect this script is. Plus, Glen Powell (who also starred in the most recent Top Gun and Anyone But You, a somewhat dorky but enjoyable romcom also on Netflix) is DEFINITELY gonna be a huge star.

4. Inside Out 2

This is another one that will get you to the theater (since it won’t be streaming on Disney+ until this fall). It’s the fantastic follow-up to the original Inside Out (if you never saw the original, that’s also a Must See). In this sequel, the emotions that populated young Riley’s mind in the original (Joy, Anger, Sadness, Fear, and Disgust) are back and — now that Riley has hit puberty — are joined by several new emotions including Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and, perhaps my favorite, Ennui. As someone who comes face to face with my own anxiety on an hourly basis (and who knows the panic attacks that she whips up for me quite well), this one spoke to me on a deep level. But like the original, mainly I laaauggghed (before shedding a tear or three at the end).

5. Do I Make Myself Clear? by Harold Evans

This one is for all my writers out there. It isn’t new—it came out in 2017—but I just now found it, and it is MIRACULOUS. This one should be as fundamental as your well-worn copy of Strunk & White. Evans says it’s for writing better nonfiction, but I find his tips on clarity to be transformative for fiction. If you want to be a better writer — which I believe means being a CLEARER writer — then you will want to read, and maybe even memorize, this book.

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Good luck out there… and don’t ever stop trying to bend the world toward beauty,

Stephanie (and the rest of Team Storey)

For those of you who have been around for a while, don’t worry, I promise the next novel is coming, and I’m VERY, VERY happy with it… :) If you’re not already a subscriber, subscribe now so you don’t miss the book announcement when it comes!

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Now onto some new stuff…

I LOVED working on How Disney Built America for the History Channel last year — and it premieres tonight! I was—as always these days—a historical researcher on the project and helped develop the stories. I haven’t even seen how the shows turned out, so I’ll be tuning in myself with great anticipation! Join me!

My Top 5 Favorite Stories of this Spring

As always, here are my top 5 favorite stories of late… Hope you enjoy some of these half as much as I have!

1. The Assassin of Venice by Alyssa Palombo

I had the pleasure of reading an advanced copy of this fabulous historical novel about a courtesan/assassin in Renaissance Venice, and I must say, it’s a lightening fast read with a fabulous twist that will keep you reading well past your bedtime. It doesn’t come out until June 18, but you can pre-order your copy today… in the meantime, you can check out her previous historical novels, which are also fabulous.

2. Loudermilk on Netflix

Ex-music critic and recovering alcoholic, Sam Loudermilk (played by the brilliantly adorable Ron Livingston) is surly and sarcastic and mean—and also painfully lovable as he leads a group of fellow-addicts through the recovery process. We were some of those people who found Loudermilk late, once it landed on Netflix, but we loved the whole series and are now hoping it returns for more! If you like your humor with a side of dark, DO NOT miss this one.

3. Matthew Perry’s Memoir

When I heard Matthew Perry died, I immediately ordered his memoir—which I’d been meaning to read but had been putting off. Reading it after he passed gave the book an extra aura of sadness, but this is one celebrity memoir that is well worth your time. I gained an understanding of addiction that changed my perspective forever, and the book reinforced some sad truths that I know already knew about success and fame: that it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. The book comes out in paperback this summer, but you can grab your hardcopy, e-copy, or audio book today.

4. The Greatest Night of Pop on Netflix

This may be the 80s kid in me, but I loved this documentary about the making of We Are the World. It was an iconic song made by iconic people and this doc captures the moment—and how easily the whole thing could’ve fallen apart—perfectly. I can’t believe it was almost 40 years ago (the song was recorded in January of 1985)… but if you’re hungering for some nostalgia, you can’t go wrong here.

5. Narcos also on Netflix (apparently we’re on a Netflix kick these days)

I know I’m WAY behind on this one (the series came out in 2015), but Narcos was new to us this spring! I was researching Pablo Escobar for a TV project (more to come when I can talk about it), and so we FINALLY decided to dial up Narcos… and the husband and I both quickly became addicted. I must admit, Season 1 was my absolute favorite—and then you have to watch Season 2 to find out how the story ends… we gave up on Season 3, but I hear some people love it. Warning: this is only for people with particular tastes—we are talking about a megalomaniacal, psychopathic killer and drug lord—so there’s serious violence—but boy, if you like this kind of thing, you’ll love this one!

I’ve been super busy this spring with TV projects and more, so I hope to return with a new newsletter soon… hopefully with some fun updates for all ;)

Don’t forget: no matter how tough the times, never stop trying to bend the world toward beauty—

Stephanie
(and the rest of Team Storey)

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2023 is not a year that I particularly want to look back on… so instead of writing some sort of “Best of 2023!” post (which just feels very “ugh” at this moment), I’m using this newsletter to look AHEAD to 2024… to my own creative ventures—AND to other people’s stories—that I am truly looking forward to making—and consuming—in the coming the year.

First, for my own stories. Here’s what’s coming your way in 2024:

1. Yes, I PROMISE I’m working on a new novel… and you know what, I LOVE it. Every morning and evening when I return to it, it makes me feel like I’m hanging out with a dear and fabulous friend. It’s still not ready yet—it’s taking a while, but that’s the way I like my novels, slowly stewed—but I’ll have this story finished in 2024! Not too many spoilers yet, but here’s what I can tell you: It’s still art historical fiction, but I’m leaving the Italian Renaissance for a moment (don’t worry, I’ll be back for future books). For this next novel, I’ve ventured into a whole new country AND era. Oh, and this time, my lead is a woman. That’s all you get! More news on this front soon…

2. Movie news: 2024 is the most promising year yet for potential big Oil and Marble movie news to break… Wish the whole team luck, and you’ll be the first to know when there’s news to share!

3. A One-Woman Show: I’m putting together a live theater piece called “How Michelangelo Saved My Life.” I’ll start small to see how it goes, but if it DOES go well, then I’ll try to put it together for real, and maybe I’ll see you in a theater near you in the coming year…

4. TV Shows: As always, I’m still producing TV, and a couple of History Channel shows I’ve worked on will air this year. The first is How Disney Built America (it’s for their “That Built” Docu series that I’ve worked on before). And new episodes of History’s Greatest Mysteries, hosted by Lawrence Fishburne, will be airing soon. I’ll let you know when new episodes of both come out. For my art lovers (who get the History Channel), you can always check out our Gardner Museum Robbery episode that aired earlier this year.

Now for a few stories by OTHER people that I’m very much looking forward to seeing this coming year…

MUST SEE ART EXHIBIT of 2024

Mark your calendars now for this fall when Paris 1974: The Impressionist Moment opens at the National Gallery in Washington, DC. This isn’t about the Impressionists movement as a whole—but at about the year of its official birth. This is THE don’t miss exhibition of the year (for me anyway!)

BOOKS

Anybody can Google a list of “most anticipated books,” so I’m taking this opportunity to highlight four sure-to-be-fabulous Historical Novels coming your way in 2024!

1. Picasso’s Lovers by Jeanne Mackin coming January 23. Picasso drives me MAD, but this is on my guilty pleasure list… I don’t know if I’ll love it or hate it, but guys, you KNOW I’m reading it.

2. Queens of London by Heather Webb coming on February 6. A “rollicking ride” with Britain’s first female crime syndicate by the always-amazing historical novelist Heather Webb. Top of my 2024 list!

3. The Phoenix Crown by Kate Quinn & Janie Chang coming on February 13. A soprano and embroideress ripped apart in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and brought back together by a Versailles costume ball… Yeah, I’m in.

4. The Assassin of Venice by Alyssa Palombo coming on June 18. Spies, traitors, and courtesans all colliding in 16th century Venice. What’s not to love?

MOVIES

Starring spy novelists, tennis players and IMAGINARY FRIENDS COME TO LIFE!… these are my top 3 most anticipated movies of 2024!

1. Argylle coming Feb 2. Bryce Dallas as a spy novelist who discovers that events in her novels are coming to life…?! Um, YES.

2. Challengers coming April 26. Zandaya in a steamy rom com/sports drama all taking place on a tennis court… For this long-time tennis player, this looks like a movie that might even get me to the theater.

3. IF coming May 17. John Krasinski, Ryan Reynolds, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge explore what if your imaginary friends came to life. The only problem with this movie? I ALREADY wish I’d written it.

TV

Too many shows and streamers coming your way in 2024 to mention — I’ll leave that list to others — but I couldn’t help but call attention to this one - a new RIPLEY (based on Patricia Highsmith’s The Talented Mr. Ripley) is coming to Netflix! Ripley is one of my favorite characters of all TIME, so I’m already eagerly awaiting this one. Release date is still TBD, but I know I’ll be keeping an ear out for this one…

Okay, that’s it for me on this New Year’s Eve. I’m ready to ring in a new year…

Take care of yourselves out there. And don’t ever forget, no matter how tough the times, never stop bending the world toward beauty.

Stephanie
(And the rest of Team Storey)

A MUST SEE EXHIBIT in New York from now until January 7th: Manet/Degas at the MET

I have my issues with both Degas and Manet — as a woman, how could I not?

My heart loves Degas’ ballerinas, but my brain knows that he turned those young women into objects to be moved about canvas like nothing more than geometric pieces. He’s very aggressive in his curiosity about their young backstage bodies, isn’t he? Was he a misogynist? Maybe. And that maybe makes me very uncomfortable.

And don’t get me started on how Manet reduced one of the most brilliant Impressionists of her time—Berthe Morisot—into a symbol of bourgeois entitlement with his portraits of her. When he first met Morisot, Manet remarked that it was a pity that she wasn’t a man, and that as a woman interested in the arts, she could best “serve the cause of painting by marrying an Academician” to help advocate for male painters. Ah delightful.

However, despite these misgivings, I’ll admit that I’m a bit obsessed with the Manet/Degas show now on at the Met because their art helped usher in the modernist movement that gave us Impressionism. And this is the first time I’ve seen the movement explored through their famously fraught relationship.

I’m thinking of planning a special trip to NYC just to see this exhibit… are you in?

MUST READ: Picasso’s War: How Modern Art Came to America

And of course we’re back to another questionable male artist… oh art history, why do you do it to me? But, there’s arguably no force in modern art like Pablo Picasso, so this one is on the fast track to my TBR pile. Vanity Fair, The New York Times Book Review, and The New Yorker all tell me it’s one of the best books of the year… But if you get to it before I do, let me know how it is…

A BIT OF ART HISTORY NEWS:

To balance out all the men so far, here was a bit of exciting news about one of my favorite Baroque painters, Artemisia Gentelleschi, arguably the greatest female Old Master. Curators at the Royal Collection in the UK used provenance records and pigments to attribute Susanna and the Elders to her. You can read about the painting here, at The Art Newspaper, or if you need a refresher on her work, read this great profile of her from The New Yorker from a couple of years ago.

This Week in Art History:

Sometime around this week (some records say October 25th, but with this lady, nothing is EVER certain), the famed French actress Sarah Bernhardt was born in 1844. She’s responsible for our modern concept of celebrity, but what’s a stage and film actor doing in my art history round-up, you ask? Well, she was also a sculptor, who showed her work in the famed Paris Salon, from 1874-1886. So here’s to celebrating female SCULPTORS this month!

My Fav Art Historical Quote Right Now

I’ll end this art round up where I began, with Edgar Degas: “Painting is easy when you don't know how, but very difficult when you do.” I think this holds true for all things in life that are worth doing, don’t you? Painting, writing, dancing… everything.

**

A few updates from me:

• I’m starting work on a new History Channel TV show this week. More soon, once I can talk about it.

• I hope to have Oil and Marble movie news within the next couple of months…

• And yes, I’m working on the next novel. It’s slow, but I love it!

We’ve also been cheering on all the writers and actors on the picket line with the WGA/SAG strikes, and with today’s news that the studios have asked to restart talks with the WGA, I’m feeling hopeful for the first time in MONTHS that this may be moving toward a resolution… here’s hoping that’s true because we all have new movies and TV shows to make!

BUT it has also been a VERY busy summer as I’ve cruised through some amazing TV shows, movies, and books (proof that we need our writers and actors back on the job!)… It’s been a couple of months since I’ve sent out this newsletter, so I have a backlog of great stories. It’s hard to narrow down my favorites, but I will try, just for you ;)

1. Burn it Down
By Maureen Ryan

Speaking of the Hollywood strikes, do you want to know what it’s REALLY like to work in Hollywood? Read this book. Take it from me: this is the real deal about what it means to work on Hollywood productions. This book changed my life because it changed the way I viewed my own career, so for those of you who work in Hollywood, it’s a MUST read. But for those of you at home who haven’t worked in TV/movies, it’s an eye-opening read about what life on a set really entails…

2. Song of Spider-Man
By Glen Berger

This one is Hollywood-adjacent: Song of Spider-Man was written by the writer of the Broadway musical, and it is an EXTRAORDINARY tale of collaboration and creativity… gone wrong. You can see the mistakes coming, but you can also see and feel WHY they made the decisions they made. For ANY human working in a creative or collaborative field, I think it’s a must read…. Plus, it’s entertaining as all get out.

3. Barbie
See it at a theater near you

I know you already know about this one, but if you haven’t seen Barbie yet, get yourself to the theater. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me look up a whole new crop of feminist memes… This week, a colleague asked me which Barbie was my favorite as a kid, and I answered, “Weird Barbie, of course!” because I certainly cut off the hair and painted the skin of one (or more) of my Barbies, and that Barbie trope is brought to wondrous life by Kate McKinnon in the movie. But even if you didn’t obsess over your Barbies as a kid, this movie is just good clean fun. Don’t miss it.

4. Succession
Watch it on HBO Max

Another one of those cultural phenomena that EVERYONE has been talking about this year, but Succession lives up to the hype. It’s arguably the best piece of TV writing I’ve seen since the Sopranos—full of not only great character development but riveting plot (which anyone who knows me knows I love). And the ACTING! Holy cow. The choices these actors make are jaw-dropping in their inventiveness and realness. I can’t recommend this one enough. It CONSUMED me while we binged it… and I may have to binge it again!

5. Stop Multitasking. No, Really — Just Stop it.
Read it at The New York Times

This one kicked up controversy on social media, with some people claiming it was unbearably sexist, but I found it to be compelling. (So read it and tell me which side YOU fall on!) Maybe it’s just the moment I’m in — engaged in a serious mindfulness practice by reading books and listening to meditations from Jon Kabat-Zinn — but I found myself drawn to this idea that maybe I don’t HAVE to be doing three things at once all the dang time, and that maybe — just maybe — my brain and my heart will calm down a little if I focus on doing One. Thing. At. A. Time.

**

Until next time…

No matter how tough the times, never stop trying to bend the world toward beauty,

Stephanie Storey
And the rest of Team Storey

Ah, the glories of the internet.

Now for why you’re all REALLY here — I haven’t had the heart to get out my top 5 stories lately (sorry!), so here are my:

TOP FIVE STORIES of SPRING 2023 (so far)…

1. VAN GOGH AND THE AVANT-GARDE: THE MODERN LANDSCAPE

Okay, I haven’t actually seen this one yet since it JUST OPENED THIS WEEK at the Chicago Institute of Art (on now through September 4), but I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY WANT TO — so I figure since I’ve been obsessing about going, it really is something I should recommend. French post-Impressionists like Van Gogh took serious, modern chances with landscape… to me, their landscapes come to life, as if they have feelings and thoughts, as if the moods of the grass change with every shift of the sun. If you make it to this exhibition before I do, please let me know how it is! Until then, I shall be dreaming of Van Gogh, Seurat, Signac and more…

2. Barry on HBO

I know, I know I’m behind on this one. It’s been a must-see for years, but I JUST got on board. Let me warn you, this one is very much UNLIKE the sweet, hopeful stories I shared in February. Barry is some DARK stuff. If you don’t want dark, don’t tune in. In this HBO series (now in its final season), Bill Hader (SNL) plays a paid-assassin turned actor. I know I’m not SUPPOSED to love an evil assassin, but oh I do. I really, really do. The series is full of BRILLIANT writing and character development. The Fonz (aka Henry Winkler) plays Barry’s oh-so-typical-LA-acting teacher, and there are miraculous acting turns by the entire cast of players. Barry stole my heart — even as he shot up half of LA! Weird, I know, but if you’re into this kind of thing, you’ll love this one.

3. Pretty Baby on Hulu

This documentary about Brooke Shields was just captivating. I grew up in the era of Brooke Shields, but this doc gave me a whole new view into her life and her world… some of which I suspected, some of which I did not. It was fascinating look at fame and feminism and even a very complex mother-daughter relationship. I keep recommending this one to people I see in person — a sign that it made a very big impact on me.

4. The Revenge List by Hannah Mary McKinnon

This thriller novel doesn’t drop until Tuesday, but I had the lucky opportunity to read it early… and again, if you like this sort of thing, you will LOVE this one. It’s an edge of your seat thriller that ends with — just as the cover promises — a bona-fide “jaw-dropping gasp.” I found Hannah as a writer when she appeared on my show Storey Time to talk about her last book Never Coming Home, and I just fell in love with her page-turning, high-stakes GRIPPY style of writing (is grippy a word? Well, it is now). This newest is even more of a heart-stopping page-turner than her last, so if you’re a thriller/suspense reader and you haven’t found McKinnon yet, grab this one… you won’t want to miss it.

5. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

I know this one is old — and I’ve read it before, and may have even recommended it to YOU at some point, if you’ve been in one of my classes or at one of my events — but I’m re-reading it right now, and it’s just FLOORING me with how RIGHT it is about so many things about living a creative life. Re-reading it now, during this new era of my life, is giving me a whole new perspective on the act of creation. I think about this stuff A LOT — but so does Gilbert — and so if you’re looking for a bit of inspiration, you might want to revisit this one and see what new it’s pages have to offer you (and if you haven’t read it before and you consider yourself human in the slightest, then get on it!)

More to come… Now that I’m on Substack, I may write more posts. I may not. Who knows, really, it’s a whole new world out there!

Keep me posted on all the things. Now that I’m reconnected to the world, I may actually respond again ;)

And remember, no matter how tough the times, never stop trying to bend the world toward beauty,

Stephanie and the rest of Team Storey

Grief fog is a thing, people. So, it's a good thing I encountered a LOT of great stories this month to help me get through. Here are my top 5 stories of February -- NO dark/moody stories this month. This is all escapist and fun and happy distracting stuff!

Top 5 Stories of February

This is my exclusive content only for newsletter subscribers

#1 Strangers in the Night
By Heather Webb

This is THE most entertaining, soap-opery, Hollywood glitz and glam romance novel and the PERFECT escape. It's the love story of Frank Sinatra & Ava Gardner -- this ride through Old Hollywood is just... FUN. The only problem? At the end of every chapter, you'll say to yourself... well, just one more chapter, and then you'll be up reading instead of sleeping. This one doesn't come out until March 21 (special thanks to bestselling author Heather Webb for sending me an advanced copy), so preorder now for some unbeatable Hollywood fun.

#2: The Creative Act: A Way of Being
By Rick Rubin

This one is for all of my creative peeps out there. This will be one of those books that I put on my shelf to re-read every year. It has super short chapters, each one a meditation on creativity, on the nature of the process, why we do what we do, and how we can do it better... Rick Rubin is a legendary music producer, so there are lots of music references in it, but I found it to be just as helpful for writers, actors, painters, any kind of artist... I LOVE a good "creative process" book and this one has just jumped to the very top of my list -- a new all time fav here.

#3: Rosaline
Watch on Hulu

A BRILLIANT, modern, funny  romantic comedy, Rosaline is retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, in which the classic love story is told from the POV of Juliet's cousin and Romeo's ex, Rosaline. It was sarcastic and smart and had some twists I did not see coming. Now, I'm a historical fiction nerd, so of course I'm a sucker for this kind of thing, but I would recommend this one to anyone who just wants a romping good story, lovable acting, and a fun twist on an old tale. For a taste, here's the trailer.

#4: Meet Cute
Watch on Peacock

This movie did NOT get the best reviews, but I really liked it! Yet another escapist movie, this one is like Groundhog Day for RomComs. The adorable couple -- played by Kaley Cuoco and Pete Davidson -- keep living the same date over and over and over again... It was funny and heartwarming and at the end, like any good Rom Com, had me wiping away a tear. I thought this one was totally worth it (if you're a Rom Com kind of a person!)

#5: Good Night Oppy
Watch on Amazon Prime

For those of you not into romantic tales (3 of the above 4 are romances), this is a good old fashioned documentary--but the escapist, heartwarming, inspiring kind. The documentary follows, Opportunity -- affectionately dubbed Oppy -- the rover who traipsed all over Mars on an exploratory mission... In addition to being a history nerd, I am ALSO a space nerd, but guys, this one will thaw even the coldest of hearts... I never thought I could fall so deeply in love with a NASA rover ;) For that night when you need to escape into the stars, go on a journey with Oppy you will never forget.

That was my month of feel-good stories! Hope some of them help YOU when you need an escape. And remember, no matter how tough the times, never stop trying to bend the world toward beauty,

Stephanie
And the rest of Team Storey

For those of you who know me... you know. For those of you who don't, I didn't get this newsletter out during the last couple of months of 2022 because I was helping to take care of my dad...

He passed away early in the morning on January 17th
I was with him

If anyone missed the service, but wanted to attend, we have a video. I invite you attend if you'd like to remember or learn what a great guy Steve Storey was.

When my dad got to the end of his life, he said he had no regrets. To me, that is the ultimate inspiration. So, instead of my usual "Top 5 Stories I Loved This Month," I wanted to share the Top 5 Stories that Remind Me of Steve Storey... I hope they inspire YOU to live a life with no regrets, too.

Top 5 Steve Stories ;)

This is my exclusive content only for newsletter subscribers

#1 The Little Engine That Could
By Watty Piper

When I was a kid, I knew my dad didn't really read books. But this ONE book contained the guiding principle of his life: "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can..." My dad always approached every one of life's challenges with optimism and persistence. And that's the lesson he gave me for life in the way that he chose to face death--with optimism and persistence. If you or your family need a little inspiration, maybe this is the story for you...

#2: 14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible
Watch on Netflix

This movie came out when dad was first diagnosed with cancer -- and he LOVED it. To him it was the epitome of the life he wanted to live. Always dreaming up big dreams and looking at the impossible and saying, "but maybe, if I stick at it long enough and hard enough..." If you need a little UMPH in your life, Steve Storey style, you can't go wrong with this doc!

#3: Ultimate Collector Cars
From Taschen

You can't have a Steve Storey list and not mention old cars. He was a Ford dealer his whole life and when he retired he restored collector cars. I got him this set of books when he got sick, so he could still "travel" even while stuck at home... As he flipped through these books, I learned what REALLY drew my dad to old cars and it was both surprising and comforting: he loved the STORIES behind those cars. Ah, like father like daughter...

#4: Music of Bob Dylan

Something LESS known about my dad: he was a Bob Dylan fan. When I was a kid, I remember my dad lighting up when a Dylan song came on the radio when we were on one of our cross-country driving trips. I've gotten a lot of comfort from listening to Dylan over the last couple of weeks. He was a poet who sounds like the music of my dad's soul...

#5: All There Is
With Anderson Cooper

This one wasn't one of my dad's favorites -- he didn't even know it existed! -- but it has given ME so much comfort at this sad time. It's a podcast about grief, in which Anderson Cooper cleans out the apartment of his beloved mother Gloria Vanderbilt. If you're like me and grieving for someone you love, I hope THIS podcast gives you comfort and hope, too...

More book news coming later, but that's all for now. Remember, no matter how tough the times, never stop trying to bend the world toward beauty,

Stephanie
And the rest of Team Storey

Happy Halloween, 2022!

I dressed up this year as a person who ate fried rice on my couch for Halloween. Hope you had a fun costume, too ;)

My Top 5 Stories from October

This is my exclusive content only for newsletter subscribers -- a breakdown of the best stories I've read/watched/experienced over the past month

#1 Being Mortal
By Atul Gawande

For those of you who know me personally, you know that my family and I are on a medical journey these days. This book -- recommended to me by a dear friend -- has been one of the most powerful, life-changing reads of the year. As a culture, we don't talk about death enough, but Gawande makes it understandable, relatable, and frankly, not so scary. If you're in a place in life where you need to explore our mortality, do not miss this book. 

#2: Raphael - The Power of Renaissance Images
At the Columbus Museum of Art

Earlier this month, I gave a talk in conjunction with an exhibition of the tapestries designed by Raphael (at the Columbus Museum of Art, on until Jan 8, 2023). For the exhibit, the famed tapestries were flown in from Dresden and shown alongside large-scale, photographic reproductions of Raphael's designs for those tapestries. I MAY have wept, thinking of Raphael's tapestries hanging in the Sistine Chapel -- beneath Michelangelo's ceiling. In early 2020 (pre-pandemic), Raphael's tapestries were once again displayed in the Sistine. Oh how I wish I'd been there... but, the next best thing was seeing the Dresden tapestries in Columbus this year! If you're near Ohio, go. It's a beautiful exhibit. And while you're there, check out the fabulous Where the Wild Things Are exhibit of Maurice Sendak's art!

#3: Vermeer's Secrets
National Gallery of Art in DC

While in DC, I had the chance to see the fabulous new Vermeer exhibit at the National Gallery of Art (on through Jan 8, 2023). Using fascinating imaging technology, this exhibit explores Vermeer's painting techniques and reveals some secrets hiding under the paint... I learned some things that I didn't know about this mysterious Dutch painter... AND had a few hunches of mine confirmed. If you have a chance to get to DC this year, don't miss Vermeer!

#4: The Notebook
The Musical

While in Chicago, we caught a special showing of The Notebook: A Musical at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater (music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson). I've seen the movie and read the book, so I was very skeptical about this musical... and I'm NOT convinced it was the greatest thing ever. BUT, I WEPT -- a lot -- in a wonderfully, cathartic way. Yes, it's sappy and a total tear-jerker, but if you're looking for a musical about life and hope and time and things we love and the things we lose, well, you might just want to catch this new musical when it comes your way.

#5: I Exaggerate: My Brushes with Fame
by Kevin Nealon

Guys, I'm biased here. A long time ago, I was a producer on a TV show hosted by Kevin Nealon -- of SNL fame -- and he was one of my favorite hosts ever. Really funny and an all around great guy. He's now a fabulous caricature artist -- scroll down his Instagram @kevinnealon to check out some drawings of his famous friends. He's out with a new book of portraits and stories and it's warm and funny and as much of a delight as Kevin himself! So if you're in the market for a fun escape, I can't recommend this one enough.

I'm working away on the new novel... more on that soon. But in the meantime, no matter how tough the times, never stop trying to bend the world toward beauty.

Stephanie
And the rest of Team Storey

Me n' Rafa together in Columbus, Ohio on October 20!

Calling all readers in Columbus, Ohio! On October 20th -- from 7-8 PM -- I'll be at the Columbus Museum of Art for a talk about one of my favorite artists in conjunction with the CMA's exhibition, "Raphael -- The Power of Renaissance Images: The Dresden Tapestries and their Impact," featuring Raphael's famed tapestry cartoons, traveling to the United States all the way from Dresden. So come out and join me for a very special event featuring some of my favorite stories about my dear friend, Raphael!

For anyone who checked out The Color Storm from last month's list (a thriller set in Renaissance Venice centered around the great painter, Giorgione), here's my interview with the author, Damian Dibben. We talked art and Venice AND whether "historical fiction" is a compliment or an insult

Tune in, and if you do watch the show, let me know! I'm in the middle of deciding how often I'm going to tape new shows, so I'd love to hear from you if you're a fan!

My Top 5 Stories from September

This is my exclusive content only for newsletter subscribers -- a breakdown of the best stories I've read/watched/experienced over the past month

#1 The Works of Hilary Mantel

I was legitimately sad when I woke on the morning of Sept 23rd to the news of Hilary Mantel's passing -- because it means no more new Hilary Mantel books. I immediately went to my collection to begin re-reading her Wolf Hall series, some of the most brilliant historical fiction I've ever read, chronicling the rise and fall of Thomas Cromwell during the reign of King Henry VIII. If you still haven't read Hilary Mantel yet, honor her life and legacy by starting your Wolf Hall adventures today! (She's written other brilliant novels as well, but her Wolf Hall series is her most famous, so I figured that's where you'd want to start).

#2: Elvis
Watch Now on HBO Max

ELVIS IS IN THE BUILDING! This new biopic features an amazing performance by Austin Butler as the King (do I smell Oscar nomination?) and Tom Hanks playing his famous manager, Col. Tom Parker, with appropriate creepiness. The movie was directed by Biz Lurhmann (Mouin Rouge, Gatsby, etc) so it is definitely an eccentric spectacle -- don't expect some scrubbed clean version of Elvis; the movie is a little odd, which, in my mind, perfectly captures the man and the era. If you like this sort of thing, you'll LOVE this.

#3: Walter Mosley
On Masterclass

I think I've mentioned this here before, but I'm a BIG fan of Masterclass. I learn something new, no matter the class -- but this Walter Mosley class was BEYOND. I was so inspired while listening, and I even picked up a new way of thinking about creativity that really helped me: he's a big advocate, especially when you create art for a living, of doing something creative JUST FOR YOU, with no thought of selling it or giving it to the world. And this made me feel so much better about my very personal, very private creations that I will never share with anyone... anyway, if you have any interest in living a creative life or telling stories, I can't recommend this one enough.

#4: Hamnet
By Maggie O'Farrell

This novel has been all the rage since it came out in 2018, but I finally got around to reading it... and it was worth all the hype. It's full of death/loss -- the plague features heavily -- but it's also the story behind the Shakespeare's Hamlet and really brings a new vision to the play -- and I didn't think ANYONE could make me see or feel Hamlet in a new way. I finished this one just in time to grab O'Farrell's newest -- The Marriage Portrait -- set in Renaissance Italy. I have high hopes. I'll keep you posted on how I like it.

#5: I Used to be Famous
Watch on Netflix

This is a sweet, uplifting indie film about a former famous boy bander who teams up with an autistic drummer for a second chance at a music career. I WANTED it to be as good as Whiplash or CODA -- it's NOT as good as either of those stellar movies -- but it has similar qualities, and I'm still thinking about it a couple of weeks after watching it, which is usually a good sign for a movie. If you're looking for an uplifting music flick with an indie edge, this is your jam.

We're traveling a bit in October, so perhaps we'll see some of you on the road. In the meantime, no matter how tough the times, never stop trying to bend the world toward beauty.

Stephanie
And the rest of Team Storey

Hello friends! Well, once again, life interrupted, well, my LIFE, so I didn't get to put out a newsletter at the end of July...

I did, however, appreciate hearing from so many of you who missed my "Top 5 Storie." I'm glad to know that so many people out there look forward to it!

So, below is a LONGER list than usual -- to make up for the one I missed in July. It includes my favorite stories from this summer.
Happy reading and watching :)

My Favorite Stories of Summer

This is my exclusive content only for newsletter subscribers -- a breakdown of the best stories I've read/watched/experienced over the past month

#1 The Color Storm: A Novel of Renaissance Venice
by Damien Dibben

This one doesn't come out until SEPTEMBER 6th, so you'll have to pre-order your copy, but I was lucky enough to read an advance copy, and I loved it so much that I provided a blurb for the jacket cover! It's a thrilling, page-turning, murderous story set in Renaissance Venice revolving around one of the most under-appreciated Italian Masters, Giorgione (one of MY favorite artists of the entire era). If you're interested in art, Italy, and especially the magic of COLOR, you will not want to miss this suspenseful and illuminating read. OH -- and keep an eye out on my YouTube channel. I just finished an interview with Damien and I'll post it soon.

#2: Persuasion
Watch on Netflix

NEW FABULOUS JANE AUSTEN ALERT! Guys! If you are 1/10th of a Jane Austen fan that I am -- or even if you're not, as husband liked this one, too -- you cannot miss the new version of Persuasion starring Dakota Johnson. It's smart, modern, funny, and everything a Jane Austen adaptation should be. Did you like my recommendation of Dickinson a few months back? This one is in the same vein. It makes my heart happy.

#3: The Diamond Eye and Never Coming Home
By Kate Quinn and Hannah Mary McKinnon

Both brilliant thrillers. Both mega-bestselling authors on my YouTube talk show last month. (Here's Kate. Here's Hannah. I SO enjoyed both conversations; I hope you tune in). Both well-worth your time. The Diamond Eye is about a WWII female sniper from the Ukraine; Never Coming Home is about a husband who took a hit out on his wife--only to find out that now, someone is after him. If you like reading books that won't let you go to sleep without reading "just one more chapter" both of these high-intensity reads could be for you!

#4: Submission
By Michel Houellebecq

This is NOT some easy to flip through beach read, people. This one is smart, funny, biting and oh-so-relevant. From the moment I picked it up that VOICE burrowed itself in my brain and wouldn't let go. It's one of those books that I will read over and over again this lifetime. This one isn't for everyone, but if you like biting satires of higher education and religious fanaticism, then add this one to your "READ IMMEDIATELY" pile.

#5: Maggie
Watch on Hulu

This one is just CUTE. Maggie is about a psychic who can see the future but is having a very hard time living in the present. It's a fun rom-com kind of series with an uplifting, almost goofy vibe. Nothing too serious here, but if you're in need of an escape from the strife of life, this one fits the bill!

#6 Green Planet
Watch on PBS

There are a lot of nature shows out there these days (Patagonia on CNN is another good one right now), but GREEN PLANET is my favorite. The filmmaking in this one is positively GORGEOUS and makes our whole natural world come to life on your TV screen. If you do tune in, definitely watch to the end, as they often include these little shorts about the FILMING of each episode, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the miraculous artists who brought these images to life. If you like nature or plants or bugs or gardens or hikes TUNE IN and your perspective will no doubt be changed.

#7 I Love That For You
Watch on Showtime

Ridiculous. Heartfelt. Surprising. Laugh-out-loud funny. I Love That For You -- featuring SNL alum Vanessa Bayer and Molly Shannon -- is just a delight. Vanessa Bayer pretends to have cancer to get her dream job as a host on a home-shopping network... Yeah, that's the longline and it only gets weirder from there. But I have to say, we looked forward to every episode and we were sad when it ended.

#8 Only Murders in the Building
Watch on Hulu

I really only include this in case you still need SOMEONE ELSE to tell you to watch it because I presume you're already watching it or someone has already told you to watch it. But in case you need just one more nudge... it's just a good show. And Martin Short, Steve Martin, & Selena Gomez are a rock-solid comedy grouping. So if you haven't already given in... oh just give in and binge it. (Spoiler: I liked Season 2 better than Season 1, but you should watch Season 1 first or else Season 2 will be hard to follow at times).

Okay, apparently husband and I watch a lot of TV. But hey, we both worked in TV for a combined -- what? -- sixty years now, so I guess that's to be expected!

I'm off. See you next month. And in the meantime, no matter how tough the times, never stop trying to bend the world toward beauty.

Stephanie
And the rest of Team Storey

My top 5 stories of June

This is my exclusive content only for newsletter subscribers -- a breakdown of the best stories I've read/watched/experienced over the past month

#1 BOUNDARIES
by Sally M. Walker

I'm working on a new historical TV show (more info about that when it hits the airwaves), but as part of my research I've been reading a LOT about 18th century America these days and one of my favorite finds is this book about the two astronomers/scientists who surveyed the famed Mason-Dixon Line. Other surveyors had failed to survey the IMPOSSIBLE territory (swamps, rocky terrain, bad weather), but these two brilliant scientists solved all kinds of crazy difficult problems to get the job done... and then, that line became one of the most famous in American history. If you're a geeky scientist type, this one is for you!

#2: Hustle
Watch on Netflix

I'm here to recommend an Adam Sandler movie that is NOT a comedy (not that you never laugh... you do sneak a chuckle in here or there). Hustle is about a down-and-out NBA talent scout who finds a diamond in the rough ball player in Spain and brings the kid over to America to see if they can both make their mark on the NBA. It's inspiring and heartfelt and a really good performance by Adam Sandler! If you're a sports movie fan at all, this one should be high on your list.

#3: Song Exploder
Podcast OR watch on Netflix

Do you care about music? Or the creative process? Or being human? Honestly, you must tune into this podcast. It's a TOTALLY GEEKY line-by-line deep dive into songs and how they are created. The podcast has a wealth of artists -- from the most obscure to the most revered -- and there's also a Netflix series with a few famous highlights. If you're a music or creativity geek like I am, this will be your new obsession.

#4 Good Luck to you Leo Grande
Watch on Hulu

This is NOT for everyone. Emma Thompson plays a widow who wants to spice up her life so hires a young sex worker named Leo Grande... Almost the entire film takes place inside a single hotel room. For a show about a sex worker there's not a lot of sex. It's mainly awkward banter and some honest confessions. There IS some nudity and a couple of brief sex scenes and certainly LOTS of references to sex... so if you're rather Victorian in your sexual sensibilities this one might not be for you, but if you don't mind a little sex talk, this was one of my favorite flicks of the year so far.

#5 Tiffany Yates Martin's Newsletter
Subscribe at Fox Print Editorial

Is it weird for one newsletter to recommend a DIFFERENT newsletter? It's weird, isn't it? I don't care. If you're a WRITER looking for friendly and honest advice about the creative process and the publishing business, you should sign up for Tiffany's newsletter. She's a brilliant editor and novelist and . Writers of all levels will love this bit of weekly, heartfelt advice. 

I hope this list inspires you to go out and find some great stories of your own! 

And remember: no matter how tough the times, never stop trying to bend the world toward beauty,

Stephanie
And the rest of Team Storey

I missed putting out this newsletter in April because sometimes life intervenes.

But before we get on with my favorite stories -- let me first assure you that, despite a mad vandal smearing cake all over her in some deranged attempt to protest climate change, the Mona Lisa is okay! (Don't forget, she's covered by serious protective glass).

You can read a full version of the story here, from Hyperallergic.

One good thing in my world since you've heard from me:
I've virtually joined lots of book clubs over the last couple of months from coast to coast talking about both Oil & Marble and Raphael

I wished I could've joined ALL of these recent book clubs in person -- but virtual will have to do for now.

If you have a book club or have friends with one, don't be afraid to reach out (by responding to this email or heading to my book club page on my website) to invite me to join in! I love tuning in virtually when I can.

My top 5 stories of May

This is my exclusive content only for newsletter subscribers -- a breakdown of the best stories I've read/watched/experienced over the past month

#1 The Collector's Apprentice
by B.A. Shapiro

I was revisiting this B.A. Shapiro gem-- in preparation for her latest coming out THIS MONTH called Metropolis -- and it made me realize that I've never had a chance to share B.A. Shapiro's work (because I'd read all of her books before I started putting out this list). But that's a real shame because besides Irving Stone, B.A. Shapiro is positively my FAVORITE art historical novelist. Her work is filled with art and creativity and page-turning mysteries! If you haven't read her yet, I can't recommend her books enough.

#2: 14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible
Watch on Hulu

One of my favorite documentaries I've seen in a long time, this one is WELL worth your time, especially if you are in need -- like I am -- of a little inspiration in conquering the most impossible mountains of a lifetime. Follow a mountaineer on his death-defying journey to try to summit all 14 of the world's tallest mountains in seven months. It will make you hold your breath, cheer, and believe that the impossible might just be possible.

#3: Donatello, The Renaissance
At Palazzo Strozzi & Bargello in Florence Through July 31

I'm not going to make it to Florence to catch this exhibit, but I hope some of you get there for me! If you're like me, and you're not going to make it to Florence before the end of July, you can check out Sebastian Smee's great review of the exhibit -- which captures just how important Donatello was to the explosion that was the Italian Renaissance. As many of you have pointed out, he's the last of the Teenaged Mutant Ninja Turtles whom I haven't dedicated a whole book to -- but it doesn't mean I love him any less. My book 3 won't get to him, but maybe one day? In the meantime, we are lucky to have exhibitions like this one.

#4: Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy
Watch on CNN

If you love Italy -- or are even REMOTELY interested in it -- and you haven't watched any of this series (which just wrapped up its second season) you are missing out! This is one of my favorite mental and emotional escapes these days. Dive deep into the regions and food of Italy.

#5: Minx
Watch on HBO Max
WARNING: David Rating! (brilliant, but lots of male frontal nudity)

I give this one my "David rating" -- one of my absolute FAVORITE things, but also only advisable if you can handle male frontal nudity. Like a lot of it. It's about a young feminist who finally gets her dream of putting out her own feminist magazine -- but the publisher is a SF Valley porn mag publisher. It's SMART, funny, and one of the most endearing shows I've seen in a long time. 

I hope this list inspires you to go out and find some great stories of your own! 

And remember: no matter how tough the times, never stop trying to bend the world toward beauty,

Stephanie
And the rest of Team Storey

I'm jumping straight into my top 5 stories this week because I'm so excited about the first one, I can't wait...

My top 5 stories of March

This is my exclusive content only for newsletter subscribers -- a breakdown of the best stories I've read/watched/experienced over the past month

#1 The Next Ship Home: A Novel of Ellis Island
by Heather Webb

This is my favorite historical fiction of 2022 so far! Written by Heather Webb, the author of Rodin's Lover, Meet Me in Monaco and many others, this beautiful book takes you right into the heart of what it meant for immigrants -- especially women -- to pass through Ellis Island on their journey to America in the early 20th century. It's heartbreaking at times, but also triumphant and, especially if you're a historical fiction fan, a "don't miss"! (Oh and if you want to check out Heather and I in conversation, watch her on my show from last year!)

#2: The DropOut
Watch on Hulu

This series about Theranos founder and world-class con artist Elizabeth Holmes is utterly compelling. Maybe it's set in this century, but it still has the feel of great historical fiction  -- a real life story from our past playing out in compelling drama. And perhaps most importantly, I can't look away from Amanda Seyfried's performance -- capturing the tormented and manipulative enigma that is Elizabeth Holmes. The series isn't quite finished yet (new episodes are still going up each week on Hulu), but if you're at all fascinated by why human beings do what they do, you'll want to tune into this one.

#3: Free Guy
Watch on Disney+ or HBO Max

This month was the Oscars, and ("The Slap" aside), there was a lot to celebrate this year. I've already mentioned my fav CODA and Jessica Chastain's performance here, but Free Guy -- nominated for Best Visual Effects -- is one of my favorite movies I've seen all year. I'm not usually a super hero movie person, but Ryan Reynolds is utterly adorable (of course) and the whole world and the plot was engaging from start to finish. This one will leave a smile on your face!

#4: Spencer
Watch on Hulu

KRISTEN STEWART AS LADY DI IS TRULY REMARKABLE!!! Yes, that was in all-caps and screamed at you. I put off watching this film, but after seeing Stewart at the Oscars (she was nominated for best Actress in a Leading Role), I was reminded of how compelling she can be, so we dialed it up the next day. And I must say, even though it's an ODD film, I could NOT look away from Stewart as Lady Diana. If you love great acting performances or want to try to get to know the REAL woman behind the image of Lady Diana, you do NOT want to miss this one.

#5: Love, Tom
Watch on Paramount+

Artists: anytime you need a hint of inspiration, tune into Love, Tom. This 56-minute movie featuring Nashville songwriting legend Tom Douglas is like a spoken word poem dedicated to creativity. It is honest, heartbreaking, and inspiring -- just like the creative process itself. I close on this one because in my book, nothing can follow this superb act. 

I hope this list inspires you to go out and find some great stories of your own! Again, I can't thank you all enough for your responses to my email favor last time. I will be using your words to inspire me in the future...

And remember: no matter how tough the times, never stop trying to bend the world toward beauty,

Stephanie
And the rest of Team Storey

Hello family, friends, and fans!

I'm working on my website StephanieStorey.com

And I need your input

If you can, I'd love it if you would REPLY TO THIS EMAIL with a reason or two of why you subscribe to this newsletter or check out my website.

Some examples. Are you interested in:
 

My tips on museums to visit or art to see?
Recommendations of other books to read?
My new lists of my top five stories of the month?
More insight into the history behind my novels and the characters?
Writing advice for your own career?
General news on what's going on with me and the author life?
Just a way to stay in touch generally?
All of the above?

OR anything else you'd like to tell me!

I'm trying to tailor my website to best serve YOU, my existing followers, so your advice would really help! Thank you!
 

Now for my top 5 stories of February!

This is my exclusive content only for newsletter subscribers -- a breakdown of the best stories I've read/watched/experienced over the past month

#1: Keep it Moving
by Twyla Tharp

This is one of my favorite "life hack" books, and I'm revisiting it since this is my birthday month, so I'm feeling, well, older! Twyla Tharp is one of the most renowned choreographers in the world, and the way she applies her knowledge to creativity AND aging is really inspiring. Her advice always helps ME tackle the world with more optimism, and I hope she helps you, too!

#2: I Want You Back
Watch on Amazon Prime

"I Want You Back" is an entertaining, heartfelt, old-fashioned rom-com for a new age! I LOVE rom-coms, but I'm skeptical of them these days, as it's been a long time since I've seen a good one, but I found this one to be quirky and funny, with really enjoyable characters...

The basic plot: Peter and Emma both get dumped and hatch an outrageous plan to win both of their ex's back. Okay, maybe THAT seems like something you've seen before, but the execution of this story is quite enjoyable!

#3: Anxious People
By Frekrik Backman

Anxious People came out in 2021, but I just now got to it, and I COULD NOT HAVE LOVED IT MORE. It's quirky and weird and unexpected and SUPER voice-y (and if you've read my Raphael, you know I love that). As others have noted, it's a LITTLE chaotic at the top, but I was weeping by the end.

There's something beautiful about this robbery gone wrong and the WORST group of hostages you can ever imagine coming together to change each other's lives...

#4: National Civil Rights Museum
At the Lorraine Motel in Memphis

I'm sorry to say that, before this month, I'd never visited the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. I should've gone sooner, as it's an extraordinary museum with room after room of magnificent storytelling about the Civil Rights Movement.  Be prepared: both my husband and I were emotionally spent after a few hours -- but it was well worth the exhaustion to have such a profound experience. If you haven't been, make a special trip. It's worth it.

#5: Indoctrination in the Dark
From artist Deana Title

If you care about images of women in art, then you DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS VIDEO. This painter explores how images in film have perpetuated violence against women. It's disturbing, powerful, and may change your perspective forever. Trigger warning: there is some political discussion here (her work was inspired by the Kavanaugh hearings) and images of violence against women (but nothing that you don't see in your favorite movies). I'm obsessed with this stuff and this was REALLY well done.

Hope this list inspires YOU to check out some new stories! Please do find me on social and share with me the great things you find out there, too.

Hope everyone is staying safe out there in our wild world and remember: no matter how tough the times, never stop trying to bend the world toward beauty,

Stephanie
And the rest of Team Storey