Suswati Basu (巴苏) :verified:

Head of Audience / Dep. Editor @NationalWorld Ex-Dataminr, ITV and Channel 4 News journalist. Expertise:

📰 Breaking and world news
🌐 Tech and internet trends
ℹ OSINT and conflict
✊🏾 Feminism
♻️ Climate change
🇨🇳🇮🇳 China and India watcher, analyst
♿🧠 Disabled, mental health advocate
📚 Book nerd
🎙🎧 Podcaster
🎸 Guitarist
🎨 Painter
🎞 Movies and TV (horror, true crime, docs)
🌎 Traveller

Podcast: www.howtobe247.com. My views. (She/her)

Got a story? suswati.basu@nationalworld.com

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suswatibasu_at_mstdn.social@mostr.pub

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Publishing to

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Last Notes

2024-07-11 20:46:13

Tilly Fitzgerald, who runs Tilly Loves Books, thanked more than 500 open letter signatories after being fired by Waterstones
"[It] really and truly has meant everything - not just to me, but to the #LGBTQIA+ community," she told How To Be Books
https://howtobe247.com/tilly-loves-books-thanks-open-letter-authors-waterstones-gender-critical-sacking/

2024-06-10 23:03:00

World’s oldest Christian book on sale: what is the Crosby-Schøyen Codex?
Written in Coptic and dating back to 250-350 AD, this ancient manuscript is expected to fetch up to $3.8 million.
#history #books #Christianity
https://howtobe247.com/worlds-oldest-christian-book-sale-crosby-schoyen-codex/

2024-04-26 10:26:49

📣 Calling all writers, translators, illustrators...
If you’ve published a book OR an equivalent number of articles, you are eligible to join the Society of Authors & vote to support a ceasefire in #Gaza.
Deadline is MIDDAY TODAY (Fri 26th).
Please share!
www2.societyofauthors.org/join/
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/112/337/039/569/793/273/original/5d358342e0eadfe5.jpg

2024-04-16 23:21:33

Society of Authors survey shows generative AI threatens a third of translators and a quarter of illustrators
"It is not too late to ensure that it is developed and used ethically," says SoA's CEO
#AI #tech #publishing #translation #illustrations
https://howtobe247.com/society-of-authors-survey-shows-generative-ai-threatens-translators-illustrators/

2024-04-16 21:49:13

A quarter of Spotify Premium users now engage with its audiobooks
"We’re continuing to see strong signs that Spotify’s Audiobooks offering is a value add that listeners want and care about," they told us.
#Spotify #audiobooks
https://howtobe247.com/a-quarter-of-spotify-premium-users-engages-with-its-audiobooks/

2024-03-28 23:50:03

Queen’s Reading Room neuroscience study finds reading helps mental wellbeing
As little as five minutes of reading can reduce stress by nearly 20%.
#reading #stress #neuroscience #MentalHealth
#bookstodon
https://howtobe247.com/queens-reading-room-study-finds-reading-helps-wellbeing/

2024-03-28 00:44:16

Society of Authors to vote on fossil fuels and #Gaza resolutions in Extraordinary Meeting
"We bring these two motions together because cross-movement solidarity makes us stronger and because #climate justice and freedom for #Palestine are intertwined."
https://howtobe247.com/society-of-authors-to-vote-on-fossil-fuels-and-gaza-resolutions-in-extraordinary-meeting/

2024-03-26 00:40:27

UN expresses alarm over imprisonment of Thai poet Arnon Nampa
"The prison sentences and repeated criminalisation of Mr. Nampa’s work are completely disproportionate"
#Thailand #HumanRights #WritingCommunity
https://howtobe247.com/un-expresses-alarm-over-imprisonment-of-thai-poet-arnon-nampa/

2024-03-15 01:15:29

Naomi Klein and Michelle Alexander among writers boycotting PEN World Voices Festival over Gaza
"We have decided not to participate. This letter explains why our conscience leaves us no other choice."
#Palestine #Gaza #bookFair #writers
https://howtobe247.com/naomi-klein-among-writers-boycotting-pen-world-voices-festival-over-gaza/

2024-03-10 10:18:56

Mother's Day can be difficult for a number of reasons for some. Here's a variety of books that addresses a handful if these issues.
mothersday #books #bookstodon
https://howtobe247.com/books-for-those-not-celebrating-mothers-day/

2024-03-08 18:47:29

📚 Women of colour still underrepresented in publishing - FRIDAY OPINION
"The only way to make substantive change is to just have women of color in every other department."
#diversity #publishing #iwd #InternationalWomensDay #books #WorldBookDay #bookstodon
https://howtobe247.com/women-of-colour-still-underrepresented-in-publishing/

2024-03-02 09:58:22

1. This week in #music, I went down a rabbit hole with baroque and choral music again. (My taste is very eclectic if you haven't gathered already). First of all, here is Hymn to the Dawn from the Rig Veda by Gustav Holst.
Any new music you've heard recently?
#Saturday #SaturdayVibes #JukeboxSaturday
https://youtu.be/TgJ_c0qk6Jk?si=dUlpsSyqD-6BCbED

2024-02-27 17:48:24

Los Angeles literary tour: self-guided itinerary of the best sights
From Bukowski to Chandler, LA loves its noir.
WATCH: https://youtu.be/nHgApZgUQY4
#literature #travel #losAngeles
https://howtobe247.com/los-angeles-literary-tour-self-guided-itinerary-of-the-best-sights/

2024-02-27 00:48:22

Self-published authors and celeb picks shaped 2023 #ebook sales
Bonnie Garmus' "Lessons in Chemistry" clinched the top spot with a staggering 148,774 copies sold, according to Bookstat.
#books
https://howtobe247.com/self-published-authors-shaped-2023-ebook-sales/

2024-02-26 22:16:32

Findaway Voices: Society of Authors calls for clearer terms from #Spotify
"We urge Spotify to make it explicitly clear in their Terms of Use that no works will be used [for a] generative Artificial Intelligence model"
#audiobooks #books
https://howtobe247.com/findaway-voices-society-of-authors-calls-for-clearer-terms-from-spotify/

2024-02-23 10:40:35

First of some new #music discoveries. Loving Belgian-based dance duo Charlotte Adigéry and Bolis Pupul. It's social justice music with beats.
Adigéry has roots in the French colonies of Martinique and Guadeloupe, while Pupul is of European and Chinese descent.
Any new listens your end?
#FridayVibes #Jukebox
https://youtu.be/_ccmFd3wE_8?si=HA2F4CZ5_pdD-m_j

2024-02-15 11:46:11

Florida school asks for parents' consent over Black History Month reading
"I had to give permission for this or else my child would not participate???"
#BlackHistoryMonth #Florida #BannedBooks
https://howtobe247.com/florida-school-asks-for-parents-consent-over-black-history-month-reading/

2024-02-05 05:39:37

Yang Hengjun: Australian writer sentenced to death in China
"All Australians want to see Dr Yang reunited with his family. We will not relent in our advocacy."
#YangHengjun #Australia #China #WritingCommunity
https://howtobe247.com/yang-hengjun-australian-writer-sentenced-to-death-in-china/

2024-02-02 00:22:03

WIP leaders resign following Hugo Awards censorship controversy
"Public comments that have led to harm of the goodwill and value of our marks"
#HugoAwards #ScienceFiction #WritingCommunity
https://howtobe247.com/wip-leaders-resign-after-hugo-awards-censorship-controversy/

2024-01-23 13:41:01

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@npub1vl8…7xf2 oh gosh I'm so sorry he has to go through that! Night shifts are really hard, and I can sympathise as I used to do them. It feels completely unnatural sleeping in the daylight. I really recommend find ways to manage this during the winter as it can be a real struggle.

2024-01-23 00:04:07

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with a reporter from Yahoo about living with decades of SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder, amongst many other health issues. This condition often leads to the cancellation of plans at the peak of winter, introducing a level of moroseness into one's psyche that can be challenging to dispel.
#MentalHealth
https://uk.style.yahoo.com/barely-get-out-bed-cure-for-sad-080051554.html

2024-01-17 18:15:21

Children’s Laureates, including Sir Michael Morpurgo, call for national investment in early years reading amid #CostOfLivingCrisis as part of BookTrust campaign
"Children from poorer backgrounds are deprived of a life that is rich in #reading"
https://howtobe247.com/childrens-laureates-call-for-national-investment-in-early-years-reading/

2024-01-15 22:43:00

T.S. Eliot Prize: Jason Allen-Paisant wins top award, addresses #Gaza in speech
“Self-Portrait as Othello is a book with large ambitions that are met with great imaginative capacity"
#poetry #awards #TSEliot #EliotPrize
https://howtobe247.com/t-s-eliot-prize-jason-allen-paisant-wins-top-award-addresses-gaza/

2024-01-15 12:25:36

Ex-Fox News host Bill O'Reilly angry as Florida ban hits own books
Previously, the commentator was a vocal proponent of such measures.
#Florida #BannedBooks #DeSantis #censorship #books
https://howtobe247.com/ex-fox-news-host-angry-as-florida-ban-hits-own-books-bill-oreilly/

2024-01-07 01:14:47

Authors launch new lawsuit against Microsoft and OpenAI over alleged copyright infringement
"They’re no different than any other thief," plaintiff claims.
#ai #tech #books #OpenAI #Microsoft
https://howtobe247.com/authors-launch-new-lawsuit-against-microsoft-and-openai/

2024-01-06 16:01:56

Anyone adding new #music to their playlist for #NewYears?
Thanks to @npub17hj…7a0r for the suggestion: Fallen Angel by King Crimson is added to my list, great song.

2023-12-30 15:10:33

Massachusetts police sorry for 'Gender Queer' school book search
The search has been described as "unwarranted" and having a "chilling effect.
#BannedBooks #censorship #books #LGBTQ
https://howtobe247.com/massachusetts-police-sorry-for-gender-queer-school-book-search-maia-kobabe/

2023-12-23 12:15:47

3. Saturday #music jukebox:
Focus - Hocus Pocus
The best name ever, and was featured in one of the most notable guitar riff openings of all time. Also, great to hear random yodels in a rock tune.
#Saturday #saturdayVibes #SaturdayMusic
What are you listening to?
https://youtu.be/MV0F_XiR48Q?si=mVxFSTAP2iNYexXE

2023-12-21 23:55:31

PEN America to tell authors when their books are being banned under a new initiative
"It's vital that we continue to raise public awareness, support the authors targeted, and protect the freedom to read and write for all."
#books #BannedBooks
https://howtobe247.com/pen-america-to-tell-authors-when-books-are-banned/

2023-12-15 13:30:42

Regifting books: the art of giving away used mementos
Explore the etiquette and ethics of regifting books, from sustainability to insights from authors and readers.
"By sharing not only the book but also the story behind it, you are providing the recipient with more than just literature"
Thanks for your participation!
#christmas #books #bookstodon #gifts
https://howtobe247.com/regifting-books-the-art-of-giving-away-used-mementos/

2023-12-08 12:06:53

Refaat Alareer: books by prominent Palestinian author and scholar killed in Gaza
Before he died he said: “I’m an academic. Probably the toughest thing I have at home is an Expo marker"
#RefaatAlareer #Gaza #Israel #books
https://howtobe247.com/refaat-alareer-books-by-palestinian-author-killed-in-gaza/

2023-11-23 11:20:17

Missouri library to ban porn star book after waitlist clears, despite being on adult section
"It contains important information about health, safety and consent that are not contained elsewhere in our collection."
#books #censorship #FreeSpeech #LGBTQIA
https://howtobe247.com/missouri-library-to-ban-porn-star-book-after-waitlist-clears/

2023-11-03 00:28:44

#Goodreads review bombing: action taken to preserve trust
"Goodreads has an obligation to defend the freedom to read," says PEN America, who welcomed the move.
#books #review
https://howtobe247.com/goodreads-review-bombing-action-taken-to-preserve-trust/

2023-11-02 13:56:00

Who Wrote This? author Naomi Baron: AI’s threat to language
Who Wrote This? author Professor Naomi S. Baron discusses AI's impact on writing, language, and professions in an exclusive interview.
https://howtobe247.com/who-wrote-this-author-naomi-baron-ais-threat-to-language/

2023-10-25 13:28:56

📚 US prisons books censorship: tens of thousands of works banned and restricted
"It’s a form of control […] That’s how totalitarian systems operate.”
#books #prison #prisons #BannedBooks
https://howtobe247.com/us-prisons-books-censorship-thousands-banned-and-restricted/

2023-10-19 20:03:36

📚 Holocaust memoirs among 450 books removed from Iowa schools
#books #BannedBooks #FreeSpeech #censorship #FreedomOfSpeech #Iowa
https://howtobe247.com/holocaust-memoirs-among-450-books-removed-from-iowa-schools/

2023-10-18 11:19:04

📚 Scholastic under fire for alleged exclusion of diverse books
"To see Scholastic bow to the culture wars is reprehensible and shows how little you value the minds of children."
#books #BannedBooks #lgbt #lgbtq #lgbtqia #bookstodon #BookBans
https://howtobe247.com/scholastic-under-fire-for-alleged-exclusion-of-diverse-books/

2023-10-13 11:20:05

"Gomorrah" author #RobertoSaviano fined for defaming #Italy PM in a blow to #FreeSpeech
"This sentence is dangerous because it bears traces of intimidation and suggests that those who do my job observe religious silence to protect their projects," he said.
#books #bookstodon #Censorship #FarRight
https://howtobe247.com/roberto-saviano-defamation-verdict-against-italy-pm-a-blow-to-free-speech/

2023-10-12 17:59:37

Prominent author Michael Rosen unveils imprisoned #Uyghur scholar Rahile Dawut as PEN's Writer of Courage - WATCH
"I want to express admiration for what she has done, and I wish her all the mental and physical strength she needs"
#books #writing #China
https://howtobe247.com/michael-rosen-unveils-uyghur-scholar-rahile-dawut-as-pens-writer-of-courage/

2023-10-12 12:44:15

📚✍️ Excited to announce our new venture! Here are the guidelines to our new guest post initiative: how to submit an article to How To Be Books.
#writing #books #HowToBe247
https://howtobe247.com/guest-post-guidelines-how-to-submit-article-to-how-to-be-books/

2023-10-09 15:15:44

📚 Mongolian books face ban as part of China's 'cultural genocide'
"The goals of these genocides are the same: wipe out our nations and peoples and create a homogenous Chinese society."
#China #Mongolia #books #bookstodon
https://howtobe247.com/mongolian-books-face-ban-as-part-of-chinas-cultural-genocide/

2023-10-05 11:11:16

📚 Judy Blume and other bestselling authors unite to fight book bans - full list of names
This unprecedented collaboration, led by acclaimed author Michael Connelly, aims to safeguard the freedom to read.
#books #BannedBooks #BannedBooksWeek
https://howtobe247.com/judy-blume-and-other-bestselling-authors-unite-to-fight-book-bans/

2023-10-01 20:29:21

📚 US lawmakers' resolutions proposal against book bans welcomed
"The growing movement to ban books is eroding America’s proud history of celebrating – and defending – free expression as the hallmark of our democracy."
#BannedBooksWeek #BannedBooks #books #BookBans #bookstodon
https://howtobe247.com/us-lawmakers-resolutions-proposal-against-book-bans-welcomed-banned-books-week/

2023-09-23 11:51:18

School book bans: alarming rise as Florida takes lead
New report reveals a 33% spike in school book bans in the US, with Florida leading the way as this alarming trend continues.
https://howtobe247.com/school-book-bans-alarming-rise-as-florida-takes-lead/

2023-09-17 00:49:39

📚 Stephen Fry raises alarm over #AI identity theft using #HarryPotter audiobook at #CogX:
"I said not one word of that—it was a machine. Yes, it shocked me." #books #tech #Technology #bookstodon
https://howtobe247.com/stephen-fry-raises-alarm-over-ai-identity-theft-using-harry-potter-at-cogx/

2023-09-07 23:44:21

- reply

@npub1asa…n9sr I am sure they are aware why they want to return to those days. Power ie. racism is a drug to them.

2023-09-07 18:14:19

📚 Who are Moms for Liberty? Unveiling extremist ties behind book bans as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis appoints co-founder to state's ethics commission
"One of the organisation's primary objectives is to prevent what they term "inclusive curriculum" from entering schools."
#books #bookstodon #bookbans #florida #FreeSpeech #Censorship #RonDeSantis #lgbt
https://howtobe247.com/who-are-moms-for-liberty-unveiling-extremist-ties-behind-book-bans/

2023-08-25 01:10:56

What a moment in history to see Trump become the first former US president to get a mugshot, alongside former Mayor of New York City Rudy Giuliani, who took down the mafia in the 80s. Now they're one of them. #Trump #trumpcrimes
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/110/947/587/014/818/893/original/1f82c2571c42cf5b.jpg
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/110/947/587/249/671/138/original/cc1c26e32a1968a1.png

2023-08-25 01:10:56

2023-08-24 16:31:21

#Putin on #Prigozhin: "This was a person with a complicated fate, and he made serious mistakes in life, but also sought to achieve the necessary results - both for himself and at time when I asked him to, for the common cause, such as in these recent months."
In other words, he's been punished.
#Russia

2023-08-21 16:13:19

📚🇸🇾 Syrian civil war #books: ten years on after Ghouta chemical attack
Ten years ago, a poison gas attack killed hundreds of people in Ghouta. Many hold Syrian President Bashar Assad responsible, but time is playing into his hands.
#syria #war #bookstodon
https://howtobe247.com/syrian-civil-war-books-tens-years-on-after-ghouta-chemical-attack/

2023-08-19 00:57:01

📚🌺 Hawai'i fire: books to understand how climate affects state
"Neglected areas with flammable invasive grasses, inadequate wildfire-resistant building standards, and decommissioned dams left the state vulnerable. A number of books written highlight how a large fire in Hawai‘i could have happened."
#hawaii #hawaiinews #ClimateChange #Climate #Books #bookstodon
https://howtobe247.com/hawaii-fire-books-to-understand-how-climate-affects-state/

2023-08-18 00:17:51

📚 Top librarian fired by Wyoming board as book ban compared with Nazi Germany
On member of public responded: "When you start outlawing books because of your personal, religious, and moral beliefs in this country, you're going against the Constitution". Library director Terri Lesley was fired after working there for 25 years for allegedly not enforcing a new strict book ban policy.
#Books #BookBans #bookstodon
https://howtobe247.com/top-librarian-fired-by-board-as-book-ban-compared-with-nazi-germany/

2023-08-10 00:35:15

Sixto Rodriguez, the musician and subject of the documentary Searching for Sugar Man, has died aged 81.
A must-watch, he’s a must-listen and he will be deeply missed.
This is from 2013 when I saw Sixto Rodriguez live at Eventim Apollo in London. He was an underrated wordsmith, absolutely magical melodies.
#music #musician #musicnews #musichistory
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/110/862/509/257/576/549/original/2d348c9902dd8b22.jpg

2023-08-09 09:59:53

📚🖊PEN America report warns publishers: avoid banning books over moral outrage
In Booklash: Literary Freedom, Online Outrage, and the Language of Harm, the organisation warns against the cancellation of books due to moral panic —and calls for a broad recommitment to the freedom to write and the freedom to read.
#books #bookstodon #bannedbooks
https://howtobe247.com/pen-america-warns-publishers-avoid-banning-books-over-moral-outrage/

2023-08-06 11:07:22

- reply

@npub1d7m…p4lp I'm so sorry Daniel, I'm in the UK following this and supporting you all the way. I've been reporting about this for national news too.

2023-08-06 11:07:22

- reply

@npub1d7m…p4lp I'm so sorry Daniel, I'm in the UK following this and supporting you all the way. I've been reporting about this for national news too.

2023-08-06 09:46:12

📚 ‘Criminalising librarians’: judge blocks controversial law
A federal judge issued a temporary injunction in Arkansas against a law that would criminalise librarians for providing "harmful" materials to kids. What a time to be alive in, unbelievable.
#Books #bookstodon #BookBans
https://howtobe247.com/criminalise-librarians-judge-blocks-controversial-law/

2023-08-06 09:46:12

2023-06-24 17:13:42

So far the latest is:
#Putin's plane took off from #Moscow and disappeared from radar. His special Il96-300PU (Point of Control) plane took off from #Moscow toward St. Petersburg at 14:16 Moscow time, FlightRadar data shows. The flight's destination was not specified, and it disappeared from the tracking system near Tver.
Moscow Mayor has essentially put the town on lockdown, no travel and work
#WagnerGroup is currently moving towards Moscow #wagner #Russia

2023-06-24 16:35:45

I'm actually travelling in Lithuania right now where I met a Russian political dissident running a bookshop. He escaped two years ago because of his views. What a dreadful situation for your average person. #Russia #Putin #Wagner #WagnerGroup #news

2023-05-21 21:18:37

📚🧘🏿‍♀️Six books for #WorldMeditationDay
There are plenty of books that are great at marking World Meditation Day, an annual event observed on May 21st. It is a day dedicated to the practice of meditation and raising awareness about its benefits. People from around the world come together to meditate, promoting inner peace, mindfulness, and overall well-being.
Read the books: https://howtobe247.com/2023/05/21/books-for-world-meditation-day/
Watch the video: https://youtube.com/shorts/SRTvCPo9Ybg?feature=share
#books #bookstodon #bookRecommendations #meditation

2023-04-22 12:21:02

📚 International Mother Earth Day nonfiction books: 6 reads on climate crisis
International Mother Earth Day is a great day to look at nonfiction books helping the planet. The day is celebrated every year on April 22nd to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the environment and promoting sustainable living.
Full list: https://howtobe247.com/2023/04/22/international-mother-earth-day-nonfiction-books/
Watch: https://youtube.com/shorts/36xGsYWBaOQ?feature=share
#[0] #[1] #[2] #[3] #[4] #[5] #[6]

2023-04-16 09:41:12

📚🎙 NEW PODCAST EPISODE
The representation of #[0]+ community in media, politics, and other areas of society can have both positive and negative impacts, which is why I spoke to #[1] Euphoria author and editor Laura Kate Dale this week in a bid to understand the importance of joyful representation.
Listen to the #[2] here: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/53543247
Watch the full interview here: https://howtobe247.com/2023/04/16/what-is-the-importance-of-gender-euphoria-author-laura-kate-dale/
#[3] #[4] #[5]
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/110/207/830/181/844/324/original/e7719e7a43e0dbcf.mp4