Readers! I couldn't quite let you go! I still think about you all the time, still write to you constantly in my head. But I confess, this isn't an ordinary post. It's an ask. I need a book review. An Amazon book review. Many of you have read me for years. You bought my first … Continue reading Book Publishing and the Amazon Review
I’ve decided to write another book. I know. This isn’t news. I’ve been working on a second novel since 2017, when I finished THE WOLF TONE and won the award from the incredible Elixir Press. In fact, I’m several drafts in. But this summer, I hit a wall. I labored from June through most of … Continue reading Sweet Sorrow of Good-bye
Last week, I “attended” the Vermont College of Fine Arts (VCFA) Novel Retreat, an event that was supposed to be held on campus but like so many summer events became an online retreat via Zoom. I’m better on Zoom than I am in real life. Many complain about the platform’s impersonality, and I certainly understand … Continue reading Zoom Bloom
We just passed the second anniversary of my brother's death. Those words still feel incomprehensible to me. This year I can finally admit that I miss him because I loved him. As difficult as our relationship was over the years, in spite of the ways we didn't understand each other, I loved my brother. Though … Continue reading Covid Letter, No. I Stopped Counting
Today's letter addresses the complex question: What are we supposed to tell our kids during this mess, especially little kids? Emily F. Popek is a communications specialist and freelance journalist based in upstate New York. Find her on Twitter at @EmilyPopek • * … Continue reading Covid Letters, No. 12
Not long ago my sister posted on Facebook some words from Indian author Arundhati Roy. I'm sharing them and reacting to them because they helped me focus the flood of feelings, images and thoughts about the current situation. And because I can't get them out of my head: (click here for the full article in … Continue reading Covid Letters, No. 11
Today's letter comes from Christchurch, New Zealand. Reuben Casey, CEO of Kathmandu, writes to remind us that even on the other side of the world, this virus has touched the human race. Kathmandu, a global company that also owns Oboz Footwear and Rip Curl, closed its New Zealand retail stores—over 150 of them. Thanks for … Continue reading Covid Letters, No. 10
A letter from Erika Veurink, resident of beleaguered New York City. I love this glimpse into Brooklyn and kids and domestic routines. And birds. Thank you for sharing. • • • … Continue reading Covid Letters, No. 9
From my husband's first cousin MacKenzie Cooper comes another letter from the west coast. I feel for everyone in quarantine with small children. Thanks MacKenzie. • • • … Continue reading Covid Letters, No. 8
Here's a letter from Sarah McColl, author of Joy Enough. More than once during the pandemic I have dreamt of a newborn, that I was nursing a newborn. That peculiar calm that descends when there is nothing in the world to be done except this .... • … Continue reading Covid Letters, No. 7