When I googled synonyms for “Spring, the season”, the phrase Blackberry Winter appeared, and now I officially will never be the same. I love it. This photo is one I took last week while driving around town. I took a detour and found the street I grew up on, and my book screeched from the passenger seat, where she always is—“Pull over. I want a photo near the sign. I deserve the sunlight. Now b*tch!” And since she can be a salty gal who you don’t want to ignore, I indulged her, and held her up in the sunlight of NJ. I’ve had an amazing month since its publication date, and I’m hearing all kinds of feedback about her essays and poems. I am so grateful for all of your support and kindness over this debut. Danielle Boska, Jennifer Armstrong, and Ella Greene–you guys have been my rockstar supporters in ways that truly melt my heart. Thank you. 

What’s been happening in book land? Lots of writing has been happening. Italian Bonesis approximately 27,000 words. I’m already 55,000 words into writing her snarky sister of a memoir. I’m writing about growing up as a kid with sensory issues before they were talked about and labeled. It leans very much into Tina Fey and Jerry Seinfeld energy, and I love it. It breaks down experiences of the nose, skin, and everything in between. I’d like to shine some light and humor on how my issues with smell and temperature got so out of control during my life, and if I knew how to manage it earlier, maybe I would’ve avoided some literal headaches. Or maybe not? I’ll never know. I’m so relieved for kids who have resources like therapy dough and fidget spinners, and cord bracelets to pull. 

Black Licorice, my YA with Inked in Gray Press, is getting her cover designed as we speak!! More details on her release next newsletter. 

I’m enjoying the heck out of Dave Grohl’s StoryTeller audiobook. I listen to him tell his story every chance I get in the car or on a powerwalk. It’s fantastic. He’s the boy I always had a crush on in elementary school, but knew he was sort of a bad boy too, so I never said anything about it. I’m also in the last couple of weeks of my writing class with Kathy Curto: Writing it Real. She’s been the most nurturing and enjoyable of instructors. I look forward to it every Wednesday evening in the comfort of my den. At the end of this mail, be sure to check out the exciting new releases or new discoveries (to me) I’ve made in my arty-creativity-driven life. In addition to all of this, I’ve been doing some freelance social media work for small presses and lit mags. No complaints. 

I bought my first deck of tarot cards. I never practiced tarot before, but I’ve been drawn to their history lately, and thanks to my very talented friend, Phyllis (Insta: @readingsbyphyliis), I went ahead and bought my first tarot deck at Tina’s This and That in Toms River. I’m getting to know the suits and trying to navigate their meanings. Eventually I will seek proper training from my friend. 

Before signing off, I have to comment on the world for a moment. observations that can’t be ignored: 

people do care, even if they aren’t loud about it. 

if you can help others, do it. The world is on fire right now, and whatever we can do to help each other, we should. Whatever resources we have to offer, we should. 

protect trans kids and adults. that’s not political, it’s human. 

eat the ice cream. unless your body produces cholesterol like it’s its job, like mine does. Then eat the vegan version. (crying emoji)

buy reusable bags if you live in NJ because the no-plastic bag rule kicks in May 4!!

if you’re free on 3/24  at 7pm EDT I’ll be with three other published authors, giving a panel on Memoir (check Vineleavespress.com for the link!) SMOL FAIR! 

if you’re in NJ, come say hi with your copy of Italian Bones–Thunder Road Books in Spring Lake: Sat 3/26 1030am

Thank you. See you in summer. 

Good finds: 

1. Storyteller by Dave Grohl

2. From Cradle to Stage on Paramount Channel (more Dave Grohl and his mother)

3. Is it Cake? (Netflix)

4. Write it Real by Melanie Faith

5. MFA Thesis Novel by Ian M. Rogers (Amazon)

5. Clampdown (The Clash, 1979)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQ82BX0hGBM

6. My first author interview with the amazing novelist, Roz Morris, author of Ever Rest and many others. https://nailyournovel.wordpress.com

Thank you….EBP