Navigating creative setbacks, queer pop culture recs, and how to introduce your main character.

Welcome to my February newsletter, babes!

Greetings from yr friendly neighborhood novelist.

Monthly writing tips, pop culture recs, and secret peeks into the publishing process. Let’s go!

When I was in my twenties, I started a new job at a magazine (in the olden days, such jobs were prolific). It was March, the month after my birthday. Jealous of someone’s else’s b’day celebrations, I joked to my closest friend on staff, the art director, that I should have a fake birthday. This was pre-social media—no one knew when anyone’s special day was. And reader, I did. The following week, I threw myself a fabulous fake birthday, complete with cake and an extra-long lunch at the pub. It was a glorious scam, and when the magazine was unceremoniously shuttered months later, I confessed the truth to my co-workers, again, at the pub. They laughed at my nerve, and I got the next round with my last paycheck.

Now, in my forties, I’m not as outrageous. These days I celebrate my birthday three days before my daughter’s—our tiny boss turns two toda…