I’ve done a handful of radio and newspaper interviews since my book came out (I have one tonight, actually), and every single person has asked me if the book (or its characters) are based on real life. The truth is simple: No. The core of PEOPLE WHO KNEW ME is fiction, in the truest sense. — Read More
The writer’s fraudulence complex
In the April issue of Poets & Writers, Leigh Stein wrote a piece called “Poet, Writer, Imposter” that had me nodding along vigorously. She starts: “To begin with, my credentials are worthless. I’m no expert. A better writer should have gotten this assignment. My editor is ignoring my e-mails because my work is unpublishable and — Read More
Since we last talked
As I type this, dinner is in the oven and my husband is on the phone with Barnes & Noble. He likes to call different stores around the country to see if they have my book. We get very excited when they do. Speaking of my adorable husband (he will hate that I used the word — Read More
About last night
Last night was my very first book event at Pages in Manhattan Beach. It was a small, intimate affair with a very supportive and enthusiastic audience. I don’t love to be the center of attention (which is why I’m the introverted writer that I am), but I was comfortable last night. It was fun to talk — Read More
Exciting things on publication day
Today, People Who Knew Me is officially out in the world. Today is also my second wedding anniversary. How’s that for good juju? The one word I would use to describe today is SURREAL. So surreal. I cannot believe my book is in stores, but here’s proof: I also found out today that the book is on — Read More
Publishing Journey: T minus 1 week
It is incredibly hard to believe, but my launch date is ONE WEEK FROM TODAY! It all became real when I came home from work yesterday to a box of 20 books from St. Martin’s. It’s very surreal to see my name on the cover of a book. My husband and I drank champagne while we — Read More
Why we write: Finding meaning
In the most recent issue of Poets & Writers magazine, the feature article (“The Deepest Place” by Kevin Nance) is about Adam Haslett and his new novel, Imagine Me Gone. The novel is based largely on events and losses in Haslett’s own life, centering around the mental illnesses that infiltrated his family. Haslett says, “The — Read More
On (not) caring what people think, taking reviews in stride, and defending flawed characters
I’m a sensitive person. My mom said once, “Your radar is always up.” I used to see it as a problem, this pesky radar. I don’t now. The radar is what makes me a good writer. I’m hyper aware of everything around me. I feel things deeply. It can be painful at times, but it — Read More
Publishing Journey: T minus 1 month
When I got my book deal at the end of 2014, a writer friend told me, “Your pub day will be here before you know it.” I did not believe her. At that time, 2016 seemed SO FAR AWAY. And now, here we are, a month out from my book launch. It’s kind of surreal, as most — Read More
Writing as therapy
Nora Ephron was one of the great screenwriters. If you don’t know her name, you know her movies: When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, You’ve Got Mail, Julie & Julia, to name a few. The other day, I stumbled upon the documentary, “Everything is Copy: Nora Ephron, Scripted and Unscripted” and found myself taking notes — Read More