Perfectly Cromulent

Embracing inconvenience

It strikes me that so much of modern life is about the search for convenience.

Nov 17 • 

Leslie Kern

2

1

Every item is a "bucket list" item

Last week a friend mentioned that she and her family were going on a “bucket list” trip over the holidays this year.

Nov 10 • 

Leslie Kern

2

1

Generous but not boundary-less

Like most of us, I get asked to do, or participate in, a lot of different things.

Nov 3 • 

Leslie Kern

5

1

October 2025

50 is the new 50

This week I turn 50. I like birthdays, and to be honest, I’ve never met one I couldn’t turn into a milestone of some kind.

Oct 27 • 

Leslie Kern

4

3

1

Newsletters: Should You Have One?

Four nonfiction writers weigh in

Published on Truly Important by Becky Blake • Oct 20

Productive ignorance

A few weeks ago I wrote about how having too much information can lead to anxiety, because you can be either overwhelmed by unnecessary detail or…

Oct 13 • 

Leslie Kern

1

September 2025

Rehashing and rehearsing

Or, how to waste your precious life

Sep 29 • 

Leslie Kern

1

It's ok to play in easy mode

There are a couple of TV shows I’ve been watching where I notice that I feel anxious ahead of starting the next episode.

Sep 22 • 

Leslie Kern

1

1

A book recommendation is an act of love

Sometimes it feels like we’re constantly being told what to read, watch, and listen to.

Sep 15 • 

Leslie Kern

2

1

In praise of the acquaintance zone

During the pandemic, people noticed a strange thing: not only did they miss their family and friends, they missed a host of other people they had only…

Sep 8 • 

Leslie Kern

4

How to take feedback

Last week I sent two pieces of writing out for feedback from editors - always a nerve-wracking moment!

Sep 1 • 

Leslie Kern

2

1

August 2025

No one wants "productive" in their obituary

It’s fair to say that for at least the last century and a half, the world has been obsessed with productivity.

Aug 25 • 

Leslie Kern

1

1