Most Wonderful launch debrief, how to do it all (sorta), and some fun upcoming events!
Welcome to my October author newsletter, pals!
Greetings from yr friendly neighborhood novelist.
Monthly writing tips, pop culture recs, and secret peeks into the publishing process. Let’s go!
What. A. Month. 🤪
I’m still recovering mentally/physically/spiritually from launching Most Wonderful into the publishing stratosphere. Look, there she is, bright as a shooting star!💫🌠
I celebrated with back-to-back live shows at my second home, Joe’s Pub (not actually a pub but a fabulous cabaret-style venue housed in NYC’s iconic Public Theater) on pub day itself, Oct 15—that’s one of two all-star casts pictured, including
and . Then I donned a gold dress and popped some bubbles at my book launch at The Ripped Bodice, in conversation with author/podcaster . I was also a guest of honor at ’ prestigious Most Anticipated event in her lovely home. I did five Insta-Lives (including one with Elin Hilderbrand!), recorded a few podcasts, whipped up written interviews, fed the social media beast including a BTS look at the making of the cover, and tried not to forget I’m also a mum and a wife! It was a lot, but you only get one pub day, and I wanted to give this sweet, funny, sexy story the best chance of getting noticed in a crowded bookish world.Thank you so much to everyone who supported me! You can do just that by buying a copy (I like shopping on Bookshop.org, which ships the book from your local indie, supporting brick-and-mortar bookstores); leaving a quick review on Goodreads or Amazon (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ is great, but I’ll take what I can get); and/or sharing a rec on social media (tag me!) or IRL.
As exciting as pub week is, this Barbie’s a homebody, so I’m happy to be sending my sparkly duds back to Nuuly, putting on my PGs (as my kid calls them), and settling in for a Buffy rewatch…
I’m a full-time creative hustling a living in NYC, so I always have many plates spinning (and a few broken ones at my feet). I don’t really “do it all”—I do some of it. And all without absurdly high energy levels, pulling all-nighters, or relying on things like family money or a partner who pays my way! Here’s how.
1. I ruthlessly prioritize. Right now, I’m getting back into my work-in-progress novel, so on an average workday, I start with that. It’s not always the easiest work, but it’s the most important to me, and I’m most awake and focused in the morning. So, after dropping my kid off at daycare, I use the app “Freedom” to turn off the internet and bang out a block of 2 hours from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m., then if I can, another block from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., then break for lunch. I’m back to a word goal of 5,000 words a week, and again, that’s a priority, so other things don’t get done until I hit that quota. Everything else I do in the afternoon: calls, admin, client work, etc.
2. I keep a detailed to-do list. It’s not fancy—it’s a Word doc—but I constantly arrange it in order of importance and use that to direct my time and attention. I also keep an inbox zero. I prefer immediately replying to emails that’ll take five minutes or less to respond to.
3. I do chores on my breaks. Yes, I really just said that.🫣 If I’ve written for two hours, I’ll need to stretch my legs and not use my brain for a bit. Instead of scrolling Insta or faffing about, I’ll do laundry or tidy up. I don’t do those things instead of writing, and I don’t like doing those things at night—I’ve always protected “my time” (code for “time to drink wine/smoke weed/watch TV”) from 7 p.m. or so onwards, so I’m strongly motivated to take care of chores in the day.
4. I rarely procrastinate. I mostly don’t have time. I don’t put off decisions; I make them and deal with the consequences. I don’t have TikTok or X as, even though it could help with readerships, I figure I already waste enough of my precious time on Insta. I don’t dither. I don’t dawdle. I do.
5. I sacrifice. Here’s the unvarnished truth: I have the career I have because I sacrifice things like working out (I could be in better shape!), enjoying NYC (when was the last time I went to a gallery?), a social life (I wish I could see my friends more), and hobbies (er, what are those?). I don’t want to sacrifice being a good mum, as you only get your kid’s childhood once, so I feel I do a good job there, but other aspects are definitely compromised. It’s not for everyone, but that, my friends, is how I do it.
Join me at the Generation Women Writers’ Retreat in Catskill, NY (Hudson Valley)
Apply now for Fri. Jan. 3rd - Mon. Jan. 6th, 2025
The Generation Women Writers’ Retreat offers a luxurious long weekend of time and space to create in community. Hosted by yours truly, this Catskill-based retreat takes place in a jaw-dropping hill-top estate, overlooking the Hudson River. Designed for female and non-binary creatives of all kinds, all you need to bring is a hunger to write (and for delicious meals prepared our private chef).
Applications close Thursday November 21st, 2024
Find out more and apply
❄️ Booked In at Scribner’s Lodge! ❄️
This December, I’m thrilled to be a special guest at an exclusive weekend at Scribner’s Lodge in the Catskills. Picture cozy fires, shared stories, and an unforgettable bookish retreat in the most scenic, wintery upstate setting—truly the dream weekend away!
For those staying at Scribner’s, the “Booked In” package includes bites and drinks, fabulous dinners, an author Q&A with yours truly, bookish panels, reading hours, and an amazing welcome bag featuring a signed copy of Most Wonderful. We’ll laugh, connect, and embrace all things holiday romance. I can’t wait to share this weekend with you. It’s 12/6—12/8: grab your spot now.
I’m watching: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Into every generation, a Buffy rewatch occurs, and mine is happening right now. With all the upsetting insanity of the election, I’m craving a comfort watch, and my beloved Scoobies are hitting the mark. The nineties nostalgia is so real—I love that they research by reading books. Too cute!
I’m also watching: Nobody Wants This
Great for the cause to see such a smart, funny, swoony romcom doing so well! I was/am a huge Seth Cohen fan, so it’s an absolute delight to have Adam Brody back in my life. Plus, who doesn’t love a hilarious, dysfunctional family? If you’ve read my books, you know I do!
I’m performing in: Generation Women’s “The Holiday Show”
Get ready to soak up/do shots of the holiday spirit! Join me at Joe’s Pub on 11/17 for our annual holiday show, a night filled with all the joy, chaos, and unforgettable holiday moments we love. Our talented, intergenerational storytellers will share tales that capture the full holiday spectrum—from wild family trips to much-needed breaks from real life. Tix for the live show are on-sale now, plus the livestream option.
I’m appearing at: Bubbles, Bites, & Holiday Delights
Hosted by Tarley Jordan and AWNY (Australian Women in New York), this superfun night will include a lively Q&A and a reading from Most Wonderful. Taking place on Thursday November 21st from 6-8pm at the American Australian Association in Manhattan, this cute event promises holiday cheer, engaging convo, and plenty of time to mingle over bubbles and bites. Grab a ticket here: you don’t need to be an Aussie to attend!
Other than that, storytellers and personal essayists can check out my Storyteller Groups. Writers of all kinds can check out my work as a Book Coach.
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!
love this insider info on your book pub (CONGRATS!!!) and what you need to sacrifice in order to be successful. Sharing the underbelly is so important!