It’s the last day of the year and my favorite post to create. I love looking back on a year of reading. This year, I read 141 books, with a good mix of fiction and nonfiction, as well as more poetry and plays. My top 15 in the fiction and nonfiction categories are below, followed — Read More
Category: Reading
Books I read in 2022
Another year of reading in the books (ha)! You know how I say that reading is a stress reliever for me? Well, the fact that I read 136 books this year goes to show that I’ve had a stressful year. Usually, I barely break 100. I’ve picked some favorites, and included the full list of — Read More
Books I read in 2021
Here we are at the last day of 2021. It’s been a doozy of a year. Wishing you and your loved ones a calm, peaceful 2022. Now for my favorite post of the year–a look back at what I read over the past 12 months. I read a total of 104 books! The full list — Read More
Books I read in 2020
So, I usually read about 80-ish books a year. This year: 107. I think it’s safe to say that reading has been my pandemic coping mechanism. The 107 breaks down to 60 fiction, 46 nonfiction, and 1 graphic novel. I’m excited for a new reading year, but it’s probably a good sign if I don’t — Read More
12 must-read books by Black women
You may have seen this going around social media: I’ve heard a lot of people express a desire for something tangible they can do to support the movement, and this is something that’s easy and fulfilling. I’ve been focusing on supporting more Black businesses, in general, and each Black author is a small business. I — Read More
Books to take your mind off everything
It’s a good time to read (if you can manage the time between homeschooling your children and/or checking CNN every 5 minutes). Reading offers much-needed escape. That’s why I’ve always loved it. It transports us elsewhere, broadens our perspective, helps grow our compassion as human beings. I had a few friends ask me for reading — Read More
Writing (and reading) in the time of COVID-19
The other day, I got my first shipment of ARCs (advance reader copies) for my new novel, All the Acorns on the Forest Floor (releases September 15). My excitement was tainted with some worry about the fact that the mailman cleared his throat upon presenting the box. Was it a cough? Had he washed his — Read More
The future of fiction
I was just reading my beloved Poets & Writers magazine, which includes a great section on the future of independent publishing. I’ve been with a “Big 5” publisher (St. Martin’s) and an indie publisher (Turner), so I’ve had a range of experience. What I’ve noticed is that, no matter the publisher, fiction books seem to be having — Read More
The importance of quiet time
I’ve had a Post-It in my day planner for at least 3 weeks that says, “Write blog post about quiet time.” Ironically, I have not had enough quiet time to actually write a blog post about quiet time. This is…troubling. And, according to Alan Lightman, a physicist and writer, it’s a sign of the times. — Read More
Books I read in 2018
This is always one of my favorite posts of the year because I get to look back on my year of reading and do a grand tally. This year, I read…drum roll, please…75 books! I’m a little surprised I read that many because this year was so hectic–a newborn, going back to my full-time job, — Read More