I’ve been thinking recently about how much writing has helped me cope during the pandemic, when so much feels out of control. Putting thoughts on paper, where I can see them, makes them feel more manageable. When they stay in my head too long, colliding with other thoughts, I start to go a little batty. — Read More
Category: Writing Process
Why We Write: Pandemic Edition
A few weeks ago, I did something very strange. I started writing a new novel. I say “strange” because we are in the midst of a pandemic and I have felt completely consumed by working a full-time job (now from home), managing the stress of hearing my husband’s booming voice on his work calls every — Read More
Careful, or you’ll end up in my novel
You’ve probably seen this meme before. And apparently there is merchandise too! I’ve always laughed at this, but it became somewhat of a more serious discussion in my life recently when two friends expressed their concerns that I would write about them (wait, does the fact that I’m writing this blog post mean I’m writing about — 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 writer’s plight
One of my best friends sent me this screenshot the other day and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. I’ve been in a bit of a funk lately. It’s not that I have writer’s block (I don’t really believe in “writer’s block”–a post on this coming soon); it’s that I have so — Read More
What’s Next: An Update
Back in July, I posted about my plan to write 5,000 words a week in order to complete a first draft of a new novel by my 40th birthday. Well, that birthday is upon me and I’m happy to say I HAVE A DRAFT DONE (nothing like pushing up against a deadline, right?). I know — Read More
Would I want my daughter to be a writer?
A couple weeks ago, a friend texted me this tweet by Rebecca Makkai, Pulitzer and National Book Award Finalist: I had a laugh. Then I thought: How would I feel about my daughter becoming a writer? I can say with 100% sincerity that I just want my daughter to be a content, fulfilled person, no — Read More
What’s Next
Now that TINY is out in the world, I’m looking ahead to what’s next. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in novel-writing mode. All 3 of my published books were written before 2017. I had my daughter in October 2017 and, since then, I’ve been adjusting to motherhood, working full-time (at an ad — Read More
Catching up
Here’s a glimpse into some recent (and upcoming) happenings! This past weekend, I was honored to be a speaker at the AAUW Author Luncheon in Seal Beach. These types of events are always great because I get to 1) meet other authors (Hollie Overton and Matt Coyle were also there), and 2) interact with readers. — Read More
A Room of One’s Own
Two weeks ago, my little family moved into a new house. Actually, it was a construction zone at the time we moved in, but it’s starting to feel like a home. One of my first priorities after setting up my daughter’s room was my office. Yes, my very own office! In our previous house, my — Read More