🐥Meet my new daughter!🐥
Welcome to my January author newsletter.
Greetings from yr friendly neighborhood novelist.
Monthly writing tips, pop culture recs, and secret peeks into the publishing process. Let’s go!
Surprise! We had another kid!
It’s my great honor to introduce you to my brand-new babe, Lulette “Lulu” Mae Ratowsky-Clark. My warrior wife gave birth to little Lulu on her due date—Wednesday, January 22nd—here in New York City. We’re back home now in Williamsburg, adjusting to our new normal of sleepy baby snuggles and tender moments.
Baby girl’s name is a riff on the family name Louise. My wife and I both loved Lulu and created Lulette as an elegant, original first name for her to use if she wishes. I love that Lulette is structurally similar to our firstborn’s full name, Rozella, and that she’ll also go by a nickname, just like Rozie (rhymes with cozy) does. Rozie and Lulu—sounds like a fun pair to me.
So, this is why I was working so hard last year to finish the first draft of my new book by January! I wanted a polished draft ready for editors and beta readers by my maternity leave, which is what’s happening now. As a self-employed creative, I don’t have paid leave or benefits, so—like last time—my leave is self-funded and self-organized, which is my preference. I really value my freedom and being able to dictate my own time and schedule.
Truthfully, I hadn’t envisioned we’d have a second kid—my mantra was “one, and we’ll see”, feeling certain that one child would be more than enough to juggle. But when Rozie was almost two, I realized I loved her so much that I wanted even more: more wobbly first steps, more kitchen dance parties. I also felt that having a sister in this mad, bad world would be the best thing for our firstborn. Double the joy and the love (and the chaos and craziness).
So, here we are—a family of four. Outside, cold winds blow, but in our small cocoon, life is simple and sweet.
Are you a writer working in fiction, memoir, essay, screenplay, stage play, poetry, or academia—or looking to take the first step in that direction? Do you crave dedicated time and space to write, along with the opportunity to form a supportive writers’ community?
🚨 Only TWO shared rooms left! This is my last Writers’ Retreat until November, so if you've been considering it, now's the time to join. Use code HEARTBEAT10 for 10% off either shared room! Offer ends 2/10/25.
Join me and a cohort of talented female and non-binary writers from Friday, March 7th to Monday, March 10th for a luxurious long weekend of creativity and connection. My Catskills-based retreat takes place in a jaw-dropping hilltop estate overlooking the Hudson River.
What to Expect:
✨ Dedicated Writing Time – Focus, break through creative blocks, and refine your craft.
✨ Supportive Community – Connect with like-minded writers, share your work, and gain fresh perspectives.
✨ All-Inclusive Comfort – Three nights’ accommodation, all meals & drinks (including wine), and a customized 1:1 with me.
Past Writers Say:
💬 "A space to write, reflect, and connect with brilliant women. I left inspired and creatively recharged." — Samantha Z.
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Imagine… waking up to stunning Hudson River views, spending your days writing in cozy sunlit nooks, enjoying chef-prepared meals, and ending the night with a glass of wine, alongside a community of passionate writers.
Ready to Join Us?
Spots are filling fast—apply now before the last two rooms are gone! Don’t forget to quote code HEARTBEAT10 for 10% off any room when applying!
I’m reading: The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
I’m completely obsessed with this debut novel from British-Cambodian writer Kaliane Bradley. The Ministry of Time is a wildly original, genre-blending story about a civil servant assigned to "bridge" a time-traveling Arctic explorer plucked from 1847 into near future London. What starts as an awkward roommate situation— confusion over Spotify, joints, and the collapse of the British Empire—evolves into something much deeper. Sharp, funny, and totally unforgettable, this smart, readable book explores love, history, and asks vital questions about rewriting the past.
I’m watching: Slow Horses (AppleTV)
My wife and I tore through Black Doves over Christmas then, hungry for more offbeat British spy thrillers, discovered Slow Horses, and we👏are👏 addicted. (Did we watch an episode in the hospital, during Lulu’s induction, while waiting for contractions to kick in? Yes, yes we did). Slow Horses follows a team of disgraced MI5 agents—banished to a career dead-end known as Slough House—led by the brilliantly foul-mouthed, whiskey-soaked Jackson Lamb (a free-farting Gary Oldman). These "slow horses” may be f*ck-ups plagued with personal issues, but they’re loyal, layered and occasionally brilliant. I love that this show twists what we know spies to be, while still delivering everything you want in the genre. Smart, gripping, and laced with biting humor, this is spy TV at its absolute best.
Please do rate and review Most Wonderful on Goodreads and Amazon! It really helps other readers discover the book, and allows me to keep publishing queer romance. Every star helps!
That’s it for this month! If you’ve read this far, let me know by clicking the “like” button below. Chat with me in the comments—I reply to every message and I’d love to hear from you!
Such a beautiful family! Congratulations!
Congrats, Georgia!!