So, I’m proud to say that in the past week, I’ve actually created a new folder on my laptop with the title of my work-in-progress. I then proceeded to type “Chapter One” and wrote an opening paragraph that I am totally in love with, plus a pretty decent first scene introducing my protagonist (and a […]
Trusting Your Gut
So, I’m still writing in my closet and convinced that this is definitely the place for me. This summer, when I have more time, I plan to turn this space into something fabulous. Even now, with badly scuffed walls, diaper boxes on the floor, and my husband’s shirts hanging over my shoulder, this space is […]
Claiming the Closet
I’m writing this morning with my laptop balanced on a nightstand stolen from my daughter’s room. A chair hauled up from the kitchen fits in front of it, with just half an inch to spare. The nightstand is so wide, I have to straddle it. My back is against the wall. My husband’s clothes are brushing […]
And the Book Club Winners Are…
The 10 ladies in my book club collectively nominated 22 books for our reading list this year. Here’s what we voted in: “White Teeth” by Zadie Smith “Big Girls Don’t Cry: The Election That Changed Everything for American Women” by Rebecca Traister “Room” by Emma Donoghue “The Furnace of Affliction” by Jennifer Graber “Number the […]
I’m a Writer. Any questions?
I surprised myself last weekend. I met someone new who asked what I did, and I said, with no hesitation, “I’m a writer.” She said “Wow!” and our conversation continued down other paths. Normally, there would be follow-up questions, such as: “Who do you write for? What do you write? Might I have read any […]
What Makes the Perfect Book Club Pick?
I’ve recently taken over as secretary of my book club and am in the process of gathering recommendations for our 2011 reading list. We’ll have a meeting soon to vote on our picks, but the list will be small this year, only five books. We’ll supplement with interesting articles from the New Yorker, Atlantic, etc. for […]
Please Don’t Call Me Pete
I’ve just been to a baby shower, which has me thinking of names. The mom-to-be knows she’s having a girl and knows the name, but isn’t telling anyone for fear of getting “the look.” Any parents out there know what I’m talking about. It’s the raised-eyebrow look that says, “Are you nuts?” But, once that […]
Don’t Buy Me Roses
I’m a cheap date. I don’t expect anything for V-day. When I see a big, glass vase full of red roses, I think two thoughts: 1) these things are absolutely doused in pesticides 2) how much of our grocery money did you piss away on this? I love chocolates, but considering I’m trying to lose […]