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Elizabeth Droppers

Elizabeth Droppers

I'm a therapist who writes contemporary fiction about neurodivergence, entrepreneurship, friendship, and motherhood.

Words are powerful. The stories we tell ourselves, the ones we consume in the media, the books we read. My hope as a writer is to add more positive female neurodiversity representation to bookshelves. And celebrate female entrepreneurship. All grounded within the rich, complex communities women share.

Take a sneak peek at the opening pages of Hazel Davies’s Good Goodbye 🎉☕️✨Thanks to @nicolefrailedits and @reviseresub 25 for the opportunity to participate in the showcase.

Sharing (even just a few pages) of my novel after spending so much time (YEARS) writing on my own feels sureal. 🥹🥳 Thanks for reading!

#RevPit #RevPitClassof25 #writer #writersoninstagram

Take a sneak peek at the opening pages of Hazel Davies’s Good Goodbye 🎉☕️✨Thanks to @nicolefrailedits and @reviseresub 25 for the opportunity to participate in the showcase.

Sharing (even just a few pages) of my novel after spending so much time (YEARS) writing on my own feels sureal. 🥹🥳 Thanks for reading!

#RevPit #RevPitClassof25 #writer #writersoninstagram

I’m sort of thrilled to have an opportunity to share my writing space. It’s not pretty, don’t get me wrong, these cords are nothing to brag about, BUT over the past few years as my physical needs have shifted, I’ve been playing around with making my office as ergonomically friendly as possible & I’d love to pass these tips and tricks along to whoever else might benefit from them.

Exercise ball — Best seat I’ve ever sat in. If you try this, make sure to get the right size! The first one I bought was way too small, but this XL Trideer is a gem.

Body Braid — If you have postural issues, I would HIGHLY recommend trying the Body Braid Core. It helps with shoulder and hip alignment and has significantly reduced my pain while writing. I can’t recommend it more ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Keyboard tray — Getting the keyboard bellow the actual desk helps keep my elbows at ninety degrees which decreases pain.

Adjustable desk — I have a 2015 manually adjustable standing desk from Ikea. I’ve loved being able to shift the height as needed.

Split keyboard — Getting a fully split keyboard has helped improve shoulder alignment while writing.

Touchpad mouse — This has been way easier on my hand/arm/shoulder because it doesn’t require clicking.

Computer stand — Raising the computer to eye level helps with neck alignment.

Book stand — Allows me to read edited pages with greater ease.

#ergonomics #RevPit #RevPitClassof25 #writer #writingspace #writersofinstagram #disability

I’m sort of thrilled to have an opportunity to share my writing space. It’s not pretty, don’t get me wrong, these cords are nothing to brag about, BUT over the past few years as my physical needs have shifted, I’ve been playing around with making my office as ergonomically friendly as possible & I’d love to pass these tips and tricks along to whoever else might benefit from them.

Exercise ball — Best seat I’ve ever sat in. If you try this, make sure to get the right size! The first one I bought was way too small, but this XL Trideer is a gem.

Body Braid — If you have postural issues, I would HIGHLY recommend trying the Body Braid Core. It helps with shoulder and hip alignment and has significantly reduced my pain while writing. I can’t recommend it more ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Keyboard tray — Getting the keyboard bellow the actual desk helps keep my elbows at ninety degrees which decreases pain.

Adjustable desk — I have a 2015 manually adjustable standing desk from Ikea. I’ve loved being able to shift the height as needed.

Split keyboard — Getting a fully split keyboard has helped improve shoulder alignment while writing.

Touchpad mouse — This has been way easier on my hand/arm/shoulder because it doesn’t require clicking.

Computer stand — Raising the computer to eye level helps with neck alignment.

Book stand — Allows me to read edited pages with greater ease.

#ergonomics #RevPit #RevPitClassof25 #writer #writingspace #writersofinstagram #disability

During our call, @nicolefrailedits asked if I’d ever worked at a coffee shop, saying she believed the coffee shop scenes and trusted me as the author while reading them. Returning to my coffee shop days to write the choreography of making lattes was a delight while drafting Hazel Davies’s Good Goodbye, and I suspect my joy in writing those scenes came through.

One of my #RevPit takeaways is that this novel resonates with readers because of its overlap with my lived experiences.

Here’s a glimpse into the coffee shop that fueled the setting for Hazel Davies’s Good Goodbye.

Coffee by the Books — I worked as a barista at CBB in grad school. With no prior experience, I remember point blank telling @dylongo and @davidpfrere_acting during my interview that I was a fast learner 😂😅 Talk about guts. But I’m so grateful for the chance they took on me and how those years of pulling shots laid the foundation for my latest novel.

Goodbye Tip Jar — Despite putting in years behind the counter, I have no real pictures of my barista tenure, but I was able to find a picture of the tip jar they put out the week I left. 🤷‍♀️

#revpit #revpitclassof25 RevPitClassof25 #writer #writersofinstagram

During our call, @nicolefrailedits asked if I’d ever worked at a coffee shop, saying she believed the coffee shop scenes and trusted me as the author while reading them. Returning to my coffee shop days to write the choreography of making lattes was a delight while drafting Hazel Davies’s Good Goodbye, and I suspect my joy in writing those scenes came through.

One of my #RevPit takeaways is that this novel resonates with readers because of its overlap with my lived experiences.

Here’s a glimpse into the coffee shop that fueled the setting for Hazel Davies’s Good Goodbye.

Coffee by the Books — I worked as a barista at CBB in grad school. With no prior experience, I remember point blank telling @dylongo and @davidpfrere_acting during my interview that I was a fast learner 😂😅 Talk about guts. But I’m so grateful for the chance they took on me and how those years of pulling shots laid the foundation for my latest novel.

Goodbye Tip Jar — Despite putting in years behind the counter, I have no real pictures of my barista tenure, but I was able to find a picture of the tip jar they put out the week I left. 🤷‍♀️

#revpit #revpitclassof25 RevPitClassof25 #writer #writersofinstagram

Today’s #RevPitClassof25 prompt is to share snippets of our manuscripts, so here are a few Hazel Davies’s Good Goodbye teasers. 🙈

Check out the RevPit showcase on June 9th to read the opening pages of my novel! 🥳 📚

#RevPit #writer #writersofinstagram

Today’s #RevPitClassof25 prompt is to share snippets of our manuscripts, so here are a few Hazel Davies’s Good Goodbye teasers. 🙈

Check out the RevPit showcase on June 9th to read the opening pages of my novel! 🥳 📚

#RevPit #writer #writersofinstagram

Day 3 #RevPitClassof25: Main Character Introductions for Hazel Davies’s Good Goodbye

Hazel Davies — 🎨 creative, ❤️ loyal, 🧠neurodivergent, ☕️ entrepreneur, 🙊reserved

As the proud owner of Margo’s brew, Hazel Davies goes all in on decorating for the shop’s annual Halloween party every year, but this year has to outshine the rest because Seamus, her college best friend and coffee shop employee, is about to move. Adverse to change and deeply loyal, Hazel grapples with saying goodbye. She won’t stand in Seamus’s way, but she also doesn’t want him to go. Convinced her feelings aren’t mutual, Hazel tries to show Seamus with her actions what she can’t bear to put into words.

Seamus Quinn — 🎶 musician, 🙃 playful, 🎉 enthusiastic, 🔒withholding

After his band of five years broke up in July, Seamus sets his sights on Nashville to start a new chapter. He’s sad to leave Grand Rapids, but if he doesn’t take his shot now, he knows he never will. The worst part of leaving is saying goodbye to Hazel, who acts like moving is equivalent to dying. If only she’d listen when he tries to reassure her that Nashville is just an eight-hour car ride away, one he’s planning to make in a month for a show. This is goodbye, but not for forever.

📷 The Venn diagram overlap between @jackdroppers & me and Seamus & Hazel is notable. So these 2014 eye-less portraits feels like a decent representation of my characters.

I recently went to On the Same Page event with @kentdistrictlibrary and author @kavehakbar.kavehakbar said his father worked on a chicken farm and the protagonist of Martyr’s father worked on a duck farm “and that’s how you know it’s fiction!” 😂😅 Very relatable.

#RevPit #writer #writersofinstagram

Day 3 #RevPitClassof25: Main Character Introductions for Hazel Davies’s Good Goodbye

Hazel Davies — 🎨 creative, ❤️ loyal, 🧠neurodivergent, ☕️ entrepreneur, 🙊reserved

As the proud owner of Margo’s brew, Hazel Davies goes all in on decorating for the shop’s annual Halloween party every year, but this year has to outshine the rest because Seamus, her college best friend and coffee shop employee, is about to move. Adverse to change and deeply loyal, Hazel grapples with saying goodbye. She won’t stand in Seamus’s way, but she also doesn’t want him to go. Convinced her feelings aren’t mutual, Hazel tries to show Seamus with her actions what she can’t bear to put into words.

Seamus Quinn — 🎶 musician, 🙃 playful, 🎉 enthusiastic, 🔒withholding

After his band of five years broke up in July, Seamus sets his sights on Nashville to start a new chapter. He’s sad to leave Grand Rapids, but if he doesn’t take his shot now, he knows he never will. The worst part of leaving is saying goodbye to Hazel, who acts like moving is equivalent to dying. If only she’d listen when he tries to reassure her that Nashville is just an eight-hour car ride away, one he’s planning to make in a month for a show. This is goodbye, but not for forever.

📷 The Venn diagram overlap between @jackdroppers & me and Seamus & Hazel is notable. So these 2014 eye-less portraits feels like a decent representation of my characters.

I recently went to On the Same Page event with @kentdistrictlibrary and author @kavehakbar.kavehakbar said his father worked on a chicken farm and the protagonist of Martyr’s father worked on a duck farm “and that’s how you know it’s fiction!” 😂😅 Very relatable.

#RevPit #writer #writersofinstagram

Listen to a playlist for Margo’s Brew on Spotify 🎧 Thanks @jackdroppers for putting this together.

Also, please note the phrase “good goodbye” comes from the ever brilliant @laurahobsonartist of @phabiesband. My unsolicited advice for creatives is to find friends who are as, if not more, into making things than you and hold them close. 💚

#RevPit #RevPitClassOf25 #writer #writersofinstagram

Listen to a playlist for Margo’s Brew on Spotify 🎧 Thanks @jackdroppers for putting this together.

Also, please note the phrase “good goodbye” comes from the ever brilliant @laurahobsonartist of @phabiesband. My unsolicited advice for creatives is to find friends who are as, if not more, into making things than you and hold them close. 💚

#RevPit #RevPitClassOf25 #writer #writersofinstagram

Here’s my elevator pitch for Hazel Davies’s Good Goodbye! ✨🎬✨

#RevPit #RevPitClassof25 #writer #writersofinstagram

Here’s my elevator pitch for Hazel Davies’s Good Goodbye! ✨🎬✨

#RevPit #RevPitClassof25 #writer #writersofinstagram

I’m still pinch-me-happy that Hazel Davies’s Good Goodbye was one of the manuscripts that won #RevPit 25. The contest paired me with the lovely @nicolefrailedits who provided a developmental edit of the novel. On June 9, RevPit will post the opening pages for all the 2025 winners, so keep your eyes out if you want a sneak peek at my novel-in-progress.

Leading up to the showcase, I’ll be participating in #RevPitClassOf25 following the prompts above!

I’m still pinch-me-happy that Hazel Davies’s Good Goodbye was one of the manuscripts that won #RevPit 25. The contest paired me with the lovely @nicolefrailedits who provided a developmental edit of the novel. On June 9, RevPit will post the opening pages for all the 2025 winners, so keep your eyes out if you want a sneak peek at my novel-in-progress.

Leading up to the showcase, I’ll be participating in #RevPitClassOf25 following the prompts above!

One of the most surprising things about motherhood is it prompted my writing life to flourish. There’s a lot of messaging in our culture that tells women we have to pick between motherhood and our careers, and sometimes it even feels like the messages go further, proclaiming women must pick between motherhood and personhood as if the ideal mom lives so fully into the role she forgets having existed as an individual beforehand.

For a long time part of my ambivalence toward parenthood was imagining my life being swallowed by the role, everything else about me falling away. Parts of me were terrified writing would be relegated to the past, but I didn’t understand how motherhood would clarify my priorities, inviting me to say no to things that were no longer lifegiving and yes to a new me with newfound capacities and limits.

Since pregnancy (5 years ago), I’ve drafted three books. None are published, so I’m not here to outright flex, but still, the act of writing grew alongside my girl, sending roots deep and branches high, expanding to take up space in my life. I never, never, never thought this would be the case, but it’s almost as if motherhood forced my hand, demanding commitment to my other loves because it required so much.

All this to say, it was fitting to receive notes from my #RevPit developmental editor @nicolefrailedits the week after Mother’s Day. Hazel Davies’s Good Goodbye won a whole (free!) developmental edit through RevPit, and I’m going to spend the next however-long absorbing these editorial notes and rewriting my book.

Here’s to moms being full people and chasing their dreams, whatever they are. Some days a nap. Some days a chapter.

📷 Annual Mother’s Day hike in Saugatuck. I love my girl.

#amwriting #revpit2025 #writer #writing

One of the most surprising things about motherhood is it prompted my writing life to flourish. There’s a lot of messaging in our culture that tells women we have to pick between motherhood and our careers, and sometimes it even feels like the messages go further, proclaiming women must pick between motherhood and personhood as if the ideal mom lives so fully into the role she forgets having existed as an individual beforehand.

For a long time part of my ambivalence toward parenthood was imagining my life being swallowed by the role, everything else about me falling away. Parts of me were terrified writing would be relegated to the past, but I didn’t understand how motherhood would clarify my priorities, inviting me to say no to things that were no longer lifegiving and yes to a new me with newfound capacities and limits.

Since pregnancy (5 years ago), I’ve drafted three books. None are published, so I’m not here to outright flex, but still, the act of writing grew alongside my girl, sending roots deep and branches high, expanding to take up space in my life. I never, never, never thought this would be the case, but it’s almost as if motherhood forced my hand, demanding commitment to my other loves because it required so much.

All this to say, it was fitting to receive notes from my #RevPit developmental editor @nicolefrailedits the week after Mother’s Day. Hazel Davies’s Good Goodbye won a whole (free!) developmental edit through RevPit, and I’m going to spend the next however-long absorbing these editorial notes and rewriting my book.

Here’s to moms being full people and chasing their dreams, whatever they are. Some days a nap. Some days a chapter.

📷 Annual Mother’s Day hike in Saugatuck. I love my girl.

#amwriting #revpit2025 #writer #writing

I don’t know how ten years have gone by. Sure, that’s cliche to say, but the lived experience of time has been like sticking my head out a car window and blinking into the wind as the trees rush past. Mind boggling. I’m grateful to the twenty-five-year-old kids that we were, their courage to say yes and jump into building a life together. And day by day, we have. We’ve built a home I want to live in. Moment by moment. Brick by brick. Thank you for loving me so well, for caring about me and showing up in the ways that I need. I don’t know where we’re heading, but it doesn’t matter because I’d go anywhere with you.

#anniversary #wedding #writer

I don’t know how ten years have gone by. Sure, that’s cliche to say, but the lived experience of time has been like sticking my head out a car window and blinking into the wind as the trees rush past. Mind boggling. I’m grateful to the twenty-five-year-old kids that we were, their courage to say yes and jump into building a life together. And day by day, we have. We’ve built a home I want to live in. Moment by moment. Brick by brick. Thank you for loving me so well, for caring about me and showing up in the ways that I need. I don’t know where we’re heading, but it doesn’t matter because I’d go anywhere with you.

#anniversary #wedding #writer

As an unpublished novelist, I almost never get to see my writing out in the world. For all anyone knows, I’ve spent the last decade holed up in my office playing solitaire (I promise I haven’t!). So it feels extra special to get an article published in the PARTS & SELF magazine.

Contemplating my multiplicity and tending to my Parts played a major role in building my writing practice. IFS has support to offer creatives, especially around becoming unstuck when the inevitable block arrives.

If you’ve ever wondered how IFS might apply to everyday life, I’d encourage browsing the PARTS & SELF website. The magazine recently published an excellent piece on motherhood and the challenges of navigating the medical system on behalf of children. Good stuff. I’m proud to have a byline 🥰

#amwriting #amreading #creativity #creativeblocks #creativeprocess #writersblock #writer #writing

As an unpublished novelist, I almost never get to see my writing out in the world. For all anyone knows, I’ve spent the last decade holed up in my office playing solitaire (I promise I haven’t!). So it feels extra special to get an article published in the PARTS & SELF magazine.

Contemplating my multiplicity and tending to my Parts played a major role in building my writing practice. IFS has support to offer creatives, especially around becoming unstuck when the inevitable block arrives.

If you’ve ever wondered how IFS might apply to everyday life, I’d encourage browsing the PARTS & SELF website. The magazine recently published an excellent piece on motherhood and the challenges of navigating the medical system on behalf of children. Good stuff. I’m proud to have a byline 🥰

#amwriting #amreading #creativity #creativeblocks #creativeprocess #writersblock #writer #writing

“And that’s fine, goodness knows you’ve fallen in love with books that didn’t grab you in the first paragraph. But that doesn’t stop you from wishing they would, from wishing they would come right up to you in the dark of your mind and kiss you on the throat.”

@rufithorpe captures the closeness I feel to authors when I read their work. I know in reality I don’t know the authors, but through the words they’ve written, I feel like we have a real interaction and I’m able to receive the best of their humanity, interacting with their core, within the dark of my mind. Novels leave me feeling more connected. To authors, the wider world, and myself.

Margo’s Got Money Troubles was one of my favorite 2024 reads, so I bought a physical copy with the fantasy of marking it up. The actual marking process proved beyond my physical capacity in this season, but slowly rereading the book let me soak in Thorpe’s skill. Her humor, deep compassion and curiosity. Her ability to write full, immersive scenes that effortlessly tip the plot forward. The playful yet masterful use of POV. It’s a book worth revisiting.

Also, you may notice a second head in the first photo 😂 Naomi loves to slip into pictures.

#amreading #amwriting #writer #writing

“And that’s fine, goodness knows you’ve fallen in love with books that didn’t grab you in the first paragraph. But that doesn’t stop you from wishing they would, from wishing they would come right up to you in the dark of your mind and kiss you on the throat.”

@rufithorpe captures the closeness I feel to authors when I read their work. I know in reality I don’t know the authors, but through the words they’ve written, I feel like we have a real interaction and I’m able to receive the best of their humanity, interacting with their core, within the dark of my mind. Novels leave me feeling more connected. To authors, the wider world, and myself.

Margo’s Got Money Troubles was one of my favorite 2024 reads, so I bought a physical copy with the fantasy of marking it up. The actual marking process proved beyond my physical capacity in this season, but slowly rereading the book let me soak in Thorpe’s skill. Her humor, deep compassion and curiosity. Her ability to write full, immersive scenes that effortlessly tip the plot forward. The playful yet masterful use of POV. It’s a book worth revisiting.

Also, you may notice a second head in the first photo 😂 Naomi loves to slip into pictures.

#amreading #amwriting #writer #writing

I’m excited to share that Richard Schwartz recently published an IFS Workbook. It’s an interactive text that guides the process of getting to know Parts. I can imagine this being a great fit for anyone who is curious about IFS therapy but isn’t ready to jump in or isn’t able to because of barriers. I also think it’s a great fit for seasoned IFS participants who want another way to deepen integration between guided sessions. I bought multiple copies for myself and loved one!

#internalfamilysystems #ifs #therapy #therapist #counselling #counselor #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalwellness #mindfulness

I’m excited to share that Richard Schwartz recently published an IFS Workbook. It’s an interactive text that guides the process of getting to know Parts. I can imagine this being a great fit for anyone who is curious about IFS therapy but isn’t ready to jump in or isn’t able to because of barriers. I also think it’s a great fit for seasoned IFS participants who want another way to deepen integration between guided sessions. I bought multiple copies for myself and loved one!

#internalfamilysystems #ifs #therapy #therapist #counselling #counselor #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalwellness #mindfulness

Celebrating spring and contemplating the abundant generosity of plants. Their perseverance in pushing through dark soil to reach sunlight. Their faithfulness in budding and blooming. Their kindness in offering sustenance to the world.

In Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World, Robin Wall Kimmerer invites readers to observe the natural world and allow it to provide inspiration for living well: “[Indigenous science] embraces the reality that there are intelligences other than our own, from whom we might learn.”

This spring, what can I learn from the oak trees in my backyard or the yellow shock of daffodils in bloom?

A lot.

At this moment their generosity stands out the most, the fact that we humans exist because of plants. This might sound dramatic but a world without plants is a world without oxygen and food.

“This abundance of berries feels like a pure gift from the land. I have not earned, paid for, nor labored for them. There is no mathematics of worthiness that reckons I deserve them in any way. And yet here they are—along with the sun and the air and the birds and the rain, gathering in towers of cumulonimbi, a distant storm building. You could call them natural resources or ecosystem services, but the Robins and I know them as gifts. We both sing gratitude with our mouths full.”

I’m grateful, and this gratitude leads me to ask how might I pass the gift forward.

P.S. Serviceberry is beautifully illustrated and deeply accessible. Poetic yet clear. Grounded in science but not dry. Short enough to read in a weekend.

#amreading #spring #writer #writing

Celebrating spring and contemplating the abundant generosity of plants. Their perseverance in pushing through dark soil to reach sunlight. Their faithfulness in budding and blooming. Their kindness in offering sustenance to the world.

In Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World, Robin Wall Kimmerer invites readers to observe the natural world and allow it to provide inspiration for living well: “[Indigenous science] embraces the reality that there are intelligences other than our own, from whom we might learn.”

This spring, what can I learn from the oak trees in my backyard or the yellow shock of daffodils in bloom?

A lot.

At this moment their generosity stands out the most, the fact that we humans exist because of plants. This might sound dramatic but a world without plants is a world without oxygen and food.

“This abundance of berries feels like a pure gift from the land. I have not earned, paid for, nor labored for them. There is no mathematics of worthiness that reckons I deserve them in any way. And yet here they are—along with the sun and the air and the birds and the rain, gathering in towers of cumulonimbi, a distant storm building. You could call them natural resources or ecosystem services, but the Robins and I know them as gifts. We both sing gratitude with our mouths full.”

I’m grateful, and this gratitude leads me to ask how might I pass the gift forward.

P.S. Serviceberry is beautifully illustrated and deeply accessible. Poetic yet clear. Grounded in science but not dry. Short enough to read in a weekend.

#amreading #spring #writer #writing

Wow, I’m so grateful @nicolefrailedits chose Hazel Davies’s Good Goodbye for #revpit 2025.

If you aren’t familiar, RevPit is a contest in which authors submit query letters and opening pages with the hopes of being selected by an editor. Winners get a manuscript evaluation along with a critique of their query letter and opening pages. In June, the revised letters and pages are showcased on the RevPit website. The showcase has an agent request process, so let’s keep our fingers crossed the stars align and I don’t have to jump back into the query trenches ✨🌈✨ One can dream!

For all who entered and didn’t get the hoped for response, keep trying! I submitted The House Wife to RevPit in 2023 and wasn’t featured in any capacity. It seems like so much of writing is about having enough persistence to keep going until a little luck comes along. Let me be someone who says your luck is on its way!

#amwriting #amrevising #revpit #revpit2025 #writer #writersofinstagram

Wow, I’m so grateful @nicolefrailedits chose Hazel Davies’s Good Goodbye for #revpit 2025.

If you aren’t familiar, RevPit is a contest in which authors submit query letters and opening pages with the hopes of being selected by an editor. Winners get a manuscript evaluation along with a critique of their query letter and opening pages. In June, the revised letters and pages are showcased on the RevPit website. The showcase has an agent request process, so let’s keep our fingers crossed the stars align and I don’t have to jump back into the query trenches ✨🌈✨ One can dream!

For all who entered and didn’t get the hoped for response, keep trying! I submitted The House Wife to RevPit in 2023 and wasn’t featured in any capacity. It seems like so much of writing is about having enough persistence to keep going until a little luck comes along. Let me be someone who says your luck is on its way!

#amwriting #amrevising #revpit #revpit2025 #writer #writersofinstagram

I became a Certified IFS Clinician in 2020 but came to the model as a client in 2015. IFS has given me so much as a therapist and person. If you have questions about IFS, please ask!

#counseling #counselor #internalfamilysystems #ifs #ifstherapy #therapy #therapist

I became a Certified IFS Clinician in 2020 but came to the model as a client in 2015. IFS has given me so much as a therapist and person. If you have questions about IFS, please ask!

#counseling #counselor #internalfamilysystems #ifs #ifstherapy #therapy #therapist

Printing day! I’m gearing up for a round of significant revisions based off feedback from a manuscript consultant. The depth of the revision feels in line with @mdbell79 ‘s Refuse to Be Done process, so:

1️⃣ I’ve printed the manuscript

2️⃣ I’ll invest time in rewriting the synopsis, envisioning where the book needs to go to make the most of the next draft

3️⃣ I’ll open a new Word document to begin again, plucking parts of the old draft as feels useful

Though I’ve gotten to a point where I feel pretty confident with sentences, I’m still learning a lot about narrative structure, how to build nice sentences into a satisfying book. ✨Wish me luck with this draft?✨ I need it!

#amwriting #fiction #revision #writer #writing

Printing day! I’m gearing up for a round of significant revisions based off feedback from a manuscript consultant. The depth of the revision feels in line with @mdbell79 ‘s Refuse to Be Done process, so:

1️⃣ I’ve printed the manuscript

2️⃣ I’ll invest time in rewriting the synopsis, envisioning where the book needs to go to make the most of the next draft

3️⃣ I’ll open a new Word document to begin again, plucking parts of the old draft as feels useful

Though I’ve gotten to a point where I feel pretty confident with sentences, I’m still learning a lot about narrative structure, how to build nice sentences into a satisfying book. ✨Wish me luck with this draft?✨ I need it!

#amwriting #fiction #revision #writer #writing

“Richard Schwartz, the founder of @internalfamilysystems (IFS), has been making his rounds on podcasts. From @nprlifekit to We Can Do Hard Things @glennondoyle @abbywambach and most recently the @hubermanlab

As an IFS Clinician, it’s a lot of fun to witness IFS making a foray into popular culture. I came to IFS as a client in 2015 through lucky happenstance. I moved to a remote town in Michigan at the same time as a Certified IFS Clinician. I was looking for a therapist. She was building an in-person caseload.

People sometimes talk about near misses with romantic partners. What if I took an earlier flight and we never sat together in that row? What if I accepted another job and never moved to your town?

I get a similar whiff of existential anxiety about IFS. What if the model hadn’t come into my life when I was so young, open, and in need? I’m happy I don’t have to [...]” continued on Substack

#amwriting #ifs #internalfamilysystems #therapy #writer

“Richard Schwartz, the founder of @internalfamilysystems (IFS), has been making his rounds on podcasts. From @nprlifekit to We Can Do Hard Things @glennondoyle @abbywambach and most recently the @hubermanlab

As an IFS Clinician, it’s a lot of fun to witness IFS making a foray into popular culture. I came to IFS as a client in 2015 through lucky happenstance. I moved to a remote town in Michigan at the same time as a Certified IFS Clinician. I was looking for a therapist. She was building an in-person caseload.

People sometimes talk about near misses with romantic partners. What if I took an earlier flight and we never sat together in that row? What if I accepted another job and never moved to your town?

I get a similar whiff of existential anxiety about IFS. What if the model hadn’t come into my life when I was so young, open, and in need? I’m happy I don’t have to [...]” continued on Substack

#amwriting #ifs #internalfamilysystems #therapy #writer

I’m surprised to confess I’ve fallen in love. With a newsletter. Not even an exclusive one with a paywall and subscription fee but a free newsletter about the publishing industry that lifts my heart every other week. It may sound silly, but the shot of joy I feel every time @janefriedman ‘s Electric Speed shows up in my inbox inspired me to reconsider the value of newsletters. That they can be a way to connect and offer goodness. Build and invest in community.

I spend most of my time writing fiction, providing Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, and doing physical therapy exercises. So, will this newsletter be a fictional self help guide with bonus resistance stretches? Probably not. But it’ll be something offered from my heart to yours.

On another note, did anyone else love First Discovery books as a kid? I was THRILLED to find a couple to add to my daughter’s collection.

#amwriting #amreading #writer

I’m surprised to confess I’ve fallen in love. With a newsletter. Not even an exclusive one with a paywall and subscription fee but a free newsletter about the publishing industry that lifts my heart every other week. It may sound silly, but the shot of joy I feel every time @janefriedman ‘s Electric Speed shows up in my inbox inspired me to reconsider the value of newsletters. That they can be a way to connect and offer goodness. Build and invest in community.

I spend most of my time writing fiction, providing Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, and doing physical therapy exercises. So, will this newsletter be a fictional self help guide with bonus resistance stretches? Probably not. But it’ll be something offered from my heart to yours.

On another note, did anyone else love First Discovery books as a kid? I was THRILLED to find a couple to add to my daughter’s collection.

#amwriting #amreading #writer

I’m celebrating completing a revision of HAZEL DAVIES’ GOOD GOODBYE. The novel is off to a manuscript consultant. This is my first time hiring someone to help with a book, and I’m hopeful it’ll have a positive impact. At the very least it’s slowing down my querying process. A part of me tends to jump the gun and send projects out before they’re quite ready, and I sense learning to let the novels solidify is an important next step for me. Thank you to my beta readers and The Great Beta Reader Match Up @the_shit_about_writing 😘😘😘 that made this revision possible.

Now the big question is what to do with all my free time?! Just kidding. I’m one of many moms who writes at night after my child’s bedtime. I’ll watch my weekly allotment of Severance and sleep. I’m also contemplating Substack. We’ll see!

#amwriting #coffee #revision #writer

I’m celebrating completing a revision of HAZEL DAVIES’ GOOD GOODBYE. The novel is off to a manuscript consultant. This is my first time hiring someone to help with a book, and I’m hopeful it’ll have a positive impact. At the very least it’s slowing down my querying process. A part of me tends to jump the gun and send projects out before they’re quite ready, and I sense learning to let the novels solidify is an important next step for me. Thank you to my beta readers and The Great Beta Reader Match Up @the_shit_about_writing 😘😘😘 that made this revision possible.

Now the big question is what to do with all my free time?! Just kidding. I’m one of many moms who writes at night after my child’s bedtime. I’ll watch my weekly allotment of Severance and sleep. I’m also contemplating Substack. We’ll see!

#amwriting #coffee #revision #writer

Over time I’ve come to think of the creative process as having seasons for sowing seeds, tending growth, harvesting fruit, and lying dormant. Holding within itself the cyclical ebb and flow of nature. And through that I’ve come to believe writer’s block doesn’t exist in the way I once thought. That a “block” might be a tired mind signaling a need for rest and sustenance or a weary heart communicating a need for connection. That each of these mini winters holds a gift, inviting us away from constant output toward a practice as alive and dynamic as the oak trees in my backyard.

We had to check out @writersblockbookstorefl while in FL. They have an adorable kids section upstairs! Thank you to all the independent bookstores keeping literary whimsy alive.

And yes, there’s a second set of legs in this picture 😂

#amwriting #amreading #writer

Over time I’ve come to think of the creative process as having seasons for sowing seeds, tending growth, harvesting fruit, and lying dormant. Holding within itself the cyclical ebb and flow of nature. And through that I’ve come to believe writer’s block doesn’t exist in the way I once thought. That a “block” might be a tired mind signaling a need for rest and sustenance or a weary heart communicating a need for connection. That each of these mini winters holds a gift, inviting us away from constant output toward a practice as alive and dynamic as the oak trees in my backyard.

We had to check out @writersblockbookstorefl while in FL. They have an adorable kids section upstairs! Thank you to all the independent bookstores keeping literary whimsy alive.

And yes, there’s a second set of legs in this picture 😂

#amwriting #amreading #writer

In 2025, I hope to:

🕑 Slow down – I have a gut sense that I need to read less, which might sound like blasphemy, but this year, I want to aim for depth over quantity, being selective about my reads and trying to digest the inner workings of each novel.

🌳 Seek support – After much hemming and hawing and years of querying without securing an agent, I’ve decided to bring a developmental editor onto my team for a manuscript consultation in March. I’m sure I’ll have more to share as this unfolds!

⛰️ Stay the course – Keep writing. Keep reading. Keep engaging with other writers. Take risks. Query. Rest. Success means showing up.

My 2024 writing intentions were to keep track of the books I read, keep going, and keep posting. I miraculously managed to track books consumed (see my 2024 READS highlight), kept writing (moving on from THE HOUSE WIFE to HAZEL DAVIES’ GOOD GOODBYE), and kept posting (albeit sporadically).

It’s probably no surprise that as a therapist I’m a sucker for holidays that prompt self reflection. 😂 What are your writing aspirations for the next year?

#amreading #amwriting #writer #2025 #newyeargoals

In 2025, I hope to:

🕑 Slow down – I have a gut sense that I need to read less, which might sound like blasphemy, but this year, I want to aim for depth over quantity, being selective about my reads and trying to digest the inner workings of each novel.

🌳 Seek support – After much hemming and hawing and years of querying without securing an agent, I’ve decided to bring a developmental editor onto my team for a manuscript consultation in March. I’m sure I’ll have more to share as this unfolds!

⛰️ Stay the course – Keep writing. Keep reading. Keep engaging with other writers. Take risks. Query. Rest. Success means showing up.

My 2024 writing intentions were to keep track of the books I read, keep going, and keep posting. I miraculously managed to track books consumed (see my 2024 READS highlight), kept writing (moving on from THE HOUSE WIFE to HAZEL DAVIES’ GOOD GOODBYE), and kept posting (albeit sporadically).

It’s probably no surprise that as a therapist I’m a sucker for holidays that prompt self reflection. 😂 What are your writing aspirations for the next year?

#amreading #amwriting #writer #2025 #newyeargoals

2024 had its challenges, but coffee wasn’t one of them.

Here’s to celebrating the ✨goodness✨ of the past year!
☕ Drinking cortados.
😴 Realizing decaf isn’t that bad (❔) and sleeping better is fantastic.
📝 Completing a draft of HAZEL DAVIES’ GOOD GOODBYE.
📚 Reading excellent books.
🌱 Being the front row witness to a lovely, silly, and creative child turning three and starting pre-school.
🆘 Learning to ask for help and @jackdroppers so consistently, graciously, and without reserve saying yes.
🤓 Improving my desk ergonomics.

#amreading #amwriting #coffee #chemex #writer #newyear #reflection

2024 had its challenges, but coffee wasn’t one of them.

Here’s to celebrating the ✨goodness✨ of the past year!
☕ Drinking cortados.
😴 Realizing decaf isn’t that bad (❔) and sleeping better is fantastic.
📝 Completing a draft of HAZEL DAVIES’ GOOD GOODBYE.
📚 Reading excellent books.
🌱 Being the front row witness to a lovely, silly, and creative child turning three and starting pre-school.
🆘 Learning to ask for help and @jackdroppers so consistently, graciously, and without reserve saying yes.
🤓 Improving my desk ergonomics.

#amreading #amwriting #coffee #chemex #writer #newyear #reflection

A couple years ago, in a dark-night-of-the-soul moment, I realized my understanding of narrative structure was lacking. I didn’t know how to craft a satisfying plot. This might be hard to believe. I have an MFA. I’ve read thousands of books. By that point, I’d turned out hundreds of pages, but the evidence was in the writing itself. My stories just weren’t working. I’d latched full heartedly onto pantsing (writer speak for writing by the seat of your pants), and the practice wasn’t serving me.

The good thing is that amazing resources on crafting narrative structure and character arcs exist.

I read (and reread) both STORY GENIUS by Lisa Cron and SAVE THE CAT! WRITES A NOVEL by @jessicabrody while drafting HAZEL DAVIES’ GOOD GOODBYE.

A recent post by @cece_lyra_agent dug into the difference between storytelling and writing at a line level. How it’s important to know which is your strength as a writer. I’m team line level for sure and need to keep building my storytelling muscles.

If any fellow writers have other resources you’d recommend, let me know! Also, commiseration is always welcome. Why is writing so hard? 😅 and is that what makes it fun? 🧐

Disclaimer: Save the Cat! Writes a Novel is an excellent resource, but I wish they’d publish an updated edition with references/examples that reflect our evolving collective conscience and less isms.

📷: @jess_brinks beautiful library with a real rolling ladder & Laura “Fire Inspector” Hobson lol

#amreading #amwriting #writer

A couple years ago, in a dark-night-of-the-soul moment, I realized my understanding of narrative structure was lacking. I didn’t know how to craft a satisfying plot. This might be hard to believe. I have an MFA. I’ve read thousands of books. By that point, I’d turned out hundreds of pages, but the evidence was in the writing itself. My stories just weren’t working. I’d latched full heartedly onto pantsing (writer speak for writing by the seat of your pants), and the practice wasn’t serving me.

The good thing is that amazing resources on crafting narrative structure and character arcs exist.

I read (and reread) both STORY GENIUS by Lisa Cron and SAVE THE CAT! WRITES A NOVEL by @jessicabrody while drafting HAZEL DAVIES’ GOOD GOODBYE.

A recent post by @cece_lyra_agent dug into the difference between storytelling and writing at a line level. How it’s important to know which is your strength as a writer. I’m team line level for sure and need to keep building my storytelling muscles.

If any fellow writers have other resources you’d recommend, let me know! Also, commiseration is always welcome. Why is writing so hard? 😅 and is that what makes it fun? 🧐

Disclaimer: Save the Cat! Writes a Novel is an excellent resource, but I wish they’d publish an updated edition with references/examples that reflect our evolving collective conscience and less isms.

📷: @jess_brinks beautiful library with a real rolling ladder & Laura “Fire Inspector” Hobson lol

#amreading #amwriting #writer

As a writer, I’ve spent the last six years searching for my voice, not intellectually but through process. I attempted: a YA portal fantasy, a crossover monster-among-us fantasy, a MG portal fantasy, and a speculative adult novel. All multi POV (ranging from 2-4 POVs).

HAZEL DAVIES’ GOOD GOODBYE is single POV, cozy contemporary adult fiction. Night and day different.

I’m still not totally confident I found my voice or niche as a writer (will I ever be?), but it was a delight to spend time in a sunny, caffeine-infused creative headspace. I wouldn’t mind doing it again.

#amreading #amwriting #writer

As a writer, I’ve spent the last six years searching for my voice, not intellectually but through process. I attempted: a YA portal fantasy, a crossover monster-among-us fantasy, a MG portal fantasy, and a speculative adult novel. All multi POV (ranging from 2-4 POVs).

HAZEL DAVIES’ GOOD GOODBYE is single POV, cozy contemporary adult fiction. Night and day different.

I’m still not totally confident I found my voice or niche as a writer (will I ever be?), but it was a delight to spend time in a sunny, caffeine-infused creative headspace. I wouldn’t mind doing it again.

#amreading #amwriting #writer

My comps request for HAZEL DAVIES’ GOOD GOODBYE was recently featured in the November @the_shit_about_writing comp segment, and the ever fabulous @emiliegsommer recommended FLYING SOLO by @lindaholmes97 . What a fantastic book and accurate comparative title for my novel! If you’re needing support finding comps, I can’t recommend TSNOTYAW more. Not an ad. With so many books coming out every day, the podcast’s comp segment has truly been a gift.

In more ways than one.

Writing about getting comps for my latest novel is reminding me of the first time I submitted a comps request to TSNOTYAW years ago. Back then, I was querying a YA novel. The podcast allows listeners to submit a minute-long audio recording describing their book. My first red flag was how hard it was to keep my description under a minute. I spoke at warp speed to jam in all the relevant info. When Emilie’s recommendations came through, I read every title. The novels were lovely but not really in the ballpark of what I’d written. Which helped me realize that maybe my book wasn’t a fit for the current publishing market. I’d been experiencing crickets with querying, so a lot of other factors fed into this aha moment. But the comps segment was definitely part of my breakthrough. Clarity is a gift in and of itself.

#amreading #amwriting #writer

My comps request for HAZEL DAVIES’ GOOD GOODBYE was recently featured in the November @the_shit_about_writing comp segment, and the ever fabulous @emiliegsommer recommended FLYING SOLO by @lindaholmes97 . What a fantastic book and accurate comparative title for my novel! If you’re needing support finding comps, I can’t recommend TSNOTYAW more. Not an ad. With so many books coming out every day, the podcast’s comp segment has truly been a gift.

In more ways than one.

Writing about getting comps for my latest novel is reminding me of the first time I submitted a comps request to TSNOTYAW years ago. Back then, I was querying a YA novel. The podcast allows listeners to submit a minute-long audio recording describing their book. My first red flag was how hard it was to keep my description under a minute. I spoke at warp speed to jam in all the relevant info. When Emilie’s recommendations came through, I read every title. The novels were lovely but not really in the ballpark of what I’d written. Which helped me realize that maybe my book wasn’t a fit for the current publishing market. I’d been experiencing crickets with querying, so a lot of other factors fed into this aha moment. But the comps segment was definitely part of my breakthrough. Clarity is a gift in and of itself.

#amreading #amwriting #writer

After writing THE HOUSE WIFE (a bleak tale about a chronically ill woman literally becoming her house during early motherhood, ahem, a little close to home), I was in a bit of a slump. Emotionally, creatively. All the —lys that matter.

As life support, I devoured TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW, then went on to read part of @gabriellezevin ‘s backlist (a practice I recommend for encouragement; watching authors expand their capacities feels like evidence mine can grow too). The cozy bookstore setting of THE STORIED LIFE OF A.J. FIKRY was like a portal into a better world. I lay on my couch excited to hop on a ferry to go browse books.

Thus the mantra for my next book was born: Write something charming that makes you want to stay a while.

HAZEL DAVIES’ GOOD GOODBYE took more than a while to reach a full draft, but spending time in a cozy coffee shop making lattes was the shot of joy my brain needed.

#amreading #amwriting #writer

After writing THE HOUSE WIFE (a bleak tale about a chronically ill woman literally becoming her house during early motherhood, ahem, a little close to home), I was in a bit of a slump. Emotionally, creatively. All the —lys that matter.

As life support, I devoured TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW, then went on to read part of @gabriellezevin ‘s backlist (a practice I recommend for encouragement; watching authors expand their capacities feels like evidence mine can grow too). The cozy bookstore setting of THE STORIED LIFE OF A.J. FIKRY was like a portal into a better world. I lay on my couch excited to hop on a ferry to go browse books.

Thus the mantra for my next book was born: Write something charming that makes you want to stay a while.

HAZEL DAVIES’ GOOD GOODBYE took more than a while to reach a full draft, but spending time in a cozy coffee shop making lattes was the shot of joy my brain needed.

#amreading #amwriting #writer

My latest book is set in a coffee shop, taking me back to my barista days. I never thought I’d join the decaf club. ☕️ But any coffee is better than no coffee & I’m decidedly sleeping better at night so that’s something to celebrate.

HAZEL DAVIES’ GOOD GOODBYE is going through a round of revisions before I send it to beta readers 🙈 always exciting and nerve-racking.

I’m also contemplating working with a developmental editor, so if any writer friends have an editor to recommend, I’d appreciate leads!

#amwriting #betareaders #coffee #coffeeshop #writer

My latest book is set in a coffee shop, taking me back to my barista days. I never thought I’d join the decaf club. ☕️ But any coffee is better than no coffee & I’m decidedly sleeping better at night so that’s something to celebrate.

HAZEL DAVIES’ GOOD GOODBYE is going through a round of revisions before I send it to beta readers ��🙈 always exciting and nerve-racking.

I’m also contemplating working with a developmental editor, so if any writer friends have an editor to recommend, I’d appreciate leads!

#amwriting #betareaders #coffee #coffeeshop #writer

I’ve been in a season of grieving my body’s limits—with movement, digestion, fatigue, & pain—believing that grief is a natural emotional process that’ll work itself through to whatever resolution exists on the other side.

Last week I did a Level 3 Internal Family Systems (IFS) training and learned more about legacy and cultural burdens, beliefs and energies we take on from our family as well as society at large. Cultural burdens include all the big isms. Legacy burdens are often connected to specific strategies for staying safe (for example “never speak up”) that fit somewhere along the family tree but no longer serve the individual.

As we got into the weeds, the trainer highlighted that grief can’t be unburdened (an IFS process for releasing negative beliefs/emotions). Grief has to be felt, honored, and walked through.

At the end of the day, I’m grateful for my quiet life, for walks around the neighborhood when there’s a break in the rain, for the companionship of Jack & Naomi. But parts of me are also incredibly sad not to be able to get things down from top shelves, eat my favorite foods, or pick up my daughter. Both/And all the way through. I’m learning to be gentler with myself, to be kind to this body I call home, lean into adaptation, and ask for help.

#amwriting #grief #ifs #internalfamilysystems #writer

I’ve been in a season of grieving my body’s limits—with movement, digestion, fatigue, & pain—believing that grief is a natural emotional process that’ll work itself through to whatever resolution exists on the other side.

Last week I did a Level 3 Internal Family Systems (IFS) training and learned more about legacy and cultural burdens, beliefs and energies we take on from our family as well as society at large. Cultural burdens include all the big isms. Legacy burdens are often connected to specific strategies for staying safe (for example “never speak up”) that fit somewhere along the family tree but no longer serve the individual.

As we got into the weeds, the trainer highlighted that grief can’t be unburdened (an IFS process for releasing negative beliefs/emotions). Grief has to be felt, honored, and walked through.

At the end of the day, I’m grateful for my quiet life, for walks around the neighborhood when there’s a break in the rain, for the companionship of Jack & Naomi. But parts of me are also incredibly sad not to be able to get things down from top shelves, eat my favorite foods, or pick up my daughter. Both/And all the way through. I’m learning to be gentler with myself, to be kind to this body I call home, lean into adaptation, and ask for help.

#amwriting #grief #ifs #internalfamilysystems #writer

I got to be Frankenstein’s monster last night!! I keep seeing Mary Shelley related books and feel like she’s having a moment in the zeitgeist, as is well deserved.

After reading Frankenstein earlier in the year, I read Reproduction by Louisa Hall, which includes information on Shelley’s life. Situating Frankenstein—written in the wake of the premature birth & death of Shelley’s firstborn—turned the monster tale on its head.

Thanks @phabiesband for throwing the type of Halloween party where I can trust with complete confidence there’s no such thing as too much face paint!

Some favorite Frankenstein quotes:

“There is love in me the likes of which you’ve never seen. There is rage in me the likes of which should never escape. If I am not satisfied in the one, I will indulge the other.”

“If the study to which you apply yourself has a tendency to weaken your affections and to destroy your taste for those simple pleasures in which no alloy can possibly mix, then that study is certainly unlawful, that is to say, not befitting the human mind.” ⬅️⬅️⬅️ lol Do any other writers relate to Victor’s state of obsession? Losing track of all else—including basic physical needs—while creating his manuscript, I mean monster?

#amwriting #amreading #frankenstein #halloween #writer

I got to be Frankenstein’s monster last night!! I keep seeing Mary Shelley related books and feel like she’s having a moment in the zeitgeist, as is well deserved.

After reading Frankenstein earlier in the year, I read Reproduction by Louisa Hall, which includes information on Shelley’s life. Situating Frankenstein—written in the wake of the premature birth & death of Shelley’s firstborn—turned the monster tale on its head.

Thanks @phabiesband for throwing the type of Halloween party where I can trust with complete confidence there’s no such thing as too much face paint!

Some favorite Frankenstein quotes:

“There is love in me the likes of which you’ve never seen. There is rage in me the likes of which should never escape. If I am not satisfied in the one, I will indulge the other.”

“If the study to which you apply yourself has a tendency to weaken your affections and to destroy your taste for those simple pleasures in which no alloy can possibly mix, then that study is certainly unlawful, that is to say, not befitting the human mind.” ⬅️⬅️⬅️ lol Do any other writers relate to Victor’s state of obsession? Losing track of all else—including basic physical needs—while creating his manuscript, I mean monster?

#amwriting #amreading #frankenstein #halloween #writer

Today marks the end of a first draft. Working title: Hazel Davies’ Good Goodbye. I’m sort of thrilled to say I’m not thrilled. In the past, completing a draft stirred up a lot of urgency. I had to get the manuscript to beta readers and research agents, needed to squeeze in a speed revision and blast out queries. All ASAP. But after said method failed on more occasions than I care to admit, I’ve come to realize completing a draft isn’t “the thing.” A draft is a nice heap of sentences that might one day be coaxed into a reader-ready novel.

So I’m channeling tortoise over hare but still not opposed to celebrating 🥳🥳🥳

📷: fall vibes courtesy of Saugatuck 2016

#amwriting #wip #writer

Today marks the end of a first draft. Working title: Hazel Davies’ Good Goodbye. I’m sort of thrilled to say I’m not thrilled. In the past, completing a draft stirred up a lot of urgency. I had to get the manuscript to beta readers and research agents, needed to squeeze in a speed revision and blast out queries. All ASAP. But after said method failed on more occasions than I care to admit, I’ve come to realize completing a draft isn’t “the thing.” A draft is a nice heap of sentences that might one day be coaxed into a reader-ready novel.

So I’m channeling tortoise over hare but still not opposed to celebrating 🥳🥳🥳

📷: fall vibes courtesy of Saugatuck 2016

#amwriting #wip #writer

@outsidecoffeeco has held a special spot in our little trio’s life. A place push a stroller to on slow Saturdays. A place to watch our friends play music. With just enough gravel to entertain a one-year-old for ten minutes and a plethora of plants to marvel in throughout the seasons. Like watching their gardens burst into bloom every spring only for flowers to become fruits and leaves to drop in the fall, we say goodbye with gratitude, knowing this special place lives on inside of us and trusting Outside Coffee’s endeavors in Douglas will thrive.

Goodbyes—endings—can be bittersweet. At least this one included a cortado and donuts.

See you in Douglas ☕️✨💖

#outsidecoffeeco #cortado #amwriting

@outsidecoffeeco has held a special spot in our little trio’s life. A place push a stroller to on slow Saturdays. A place to watch our friends play music. With just enough gravel to entertain a one-year-old for ten minutes and a plethora of plants to marvel in throughout the seasons. Like watching their gardens burst into bloom every spring only for flowers to become fruits and leaves to drop in the fall, we say goodbye with gratitude, knowing this special place lives on inside of us and trusting Outside Coffee’s endeavors in Douglas will thrive.

Goodbyes—endings—can be bittersweet. At least this one included a cortado and donuts.

See you in Douglas ☕️✨💖

#outsidecoffeeco #cortado #amwriting

I’m gifting myself the word “content” for my birthday. Thirty-five is for soaking in the goodness of the present. The laughter of a three-year-old and the sleepy companionship of old dogs. Green leaves turning red and the world dropping into the stillness of winter. So much of my life has been in pursuit—of degrees, certifications, building a therapy practice, learning to write novels—and I’m grateful for where that drive has taken me. But I’m also tired. And so in love with my little slice of life I don’t want to miss today striving for tomorrow.

So content is the word I’m raising my mug of rooibos to this year. A word to contemplate, disregard, and come home to again.

📸: cortado, 🌻🌻🌻, 🚨NEW SONG🚨, 🍦🍦🍦

#birthday #amwriting #writer

I’m gifting myself the word “content” for my birthday. Thirty-five is for soaking in the goodness of the present. The laughter of a three-year-old and the sleepy companionship of old dogs. Green leaves turning red and the world dropping into the stillness of winter. So much of my life has been in pursuit—of degrees, certifications, building a therapy practice, learning to write novels—and I’m grateful for where that drive has taken me. But I’m also tired. And so in love with my little slice of life I don’t want to miss today striving for tomorrow.

So content is the word I’m raising my mug of rooibos to this year. A word to contemplate, disregard, and come home to again.

📸: cortado, 🌻🌻🌻, 🚨NEW SONG🚨, 🍦🍦🍦

#birthday #amwriting #writer

First kiss of fall in Grand Rapids & Naomi puddle jumping. I’m glad one of her parents doesn’t think twice about soaking sneakers. I’ll let you guess who. 😅

I’m over here wondering what it means if every writing session I have to google around for a word I want (for example, exude) using the semi-tangential word I’m thinking of (in this case, effusive) but know is wrong. My brain also offered up indistinguishable and the internet eventually helped me find unmistakable, the two of which are more distinguishable than not.

I’ve always resonated with the Ann Patchett quote about being a compost heap, but these days it feels like my mind is taking decomposing to a new level.

“You will take bits from books you’ve read and movies you’ve seen and conversations you’ve had and stories friends have told you, and half the time you won’t even realize you’re doing it. I am a compost heap, and everything I interact with, every experience I’ve had, gets shoveled onto the heap where it eventually mulches down, is digested and excreted by worms, and rots. It’s from that rich, dark humus, the combination of what you encountered, what you know and what you’ve forgotten, that ideas start to grow.” – Ann Patchett

#amreading #amwriting #amquerying #amwalking

First kiss of fall in Grand Rapids & Naomi puddle jumping. I’m glad one of her parents doesn’t think twice about soaking sneakers. I’ll let you guess who. 😅

I’m over here wondering what it means if every writing session I have to google around for a word I want (for example, exude) using the semi-tangential word I’m thinking of (in this case, effusive) but know is wrong. My brain also offered up indistinguishable and the internet eventually helped me find unmistakable, the two of which are more distinguishable than not.

I’ve always resonated with the Ann Patchett quote about being a compost heap, but these days it feels like my mind is taking decomposing to a new level.

“You will take bits from books you’ve read and movies you’ve seen and conversations you’ve had and stories friends have told you, and half the time you won’t even realize you’re doing it. I am a compost heap, and everything I interact with, every experience I’ve had, gets shoveled onto the heap where it eventually mulches down, is digested and excreted by worms, and rots. It’s from that rich, dark humus, the combination of what you encountered, what you know and what you’ve forgotten, that ideas start to grow.” – Ann Patchett

#amreading #amwriting #amquerying #amwalking

No better way to end the summer than visiting Mullett Lake and celebrating @gma.ann.burks ‘s 8️⃣9️⃣th birthday 🥳 @jackdroppers went back to work Monday. Naomi and I are missing him, but I’m mostly incredibly grateful that his job (in events at a college) grants him two months at home in the summer and that the flexibility of his presence allowed for umpteen physical therapy appoints (yes, my life is thrilling!). Childcare is mom care.

All the travel and gathering of summer was lifegiving, but my bookish soul is looking forward to settling back into the quiet rhythms of being home and writing. My goal for the fall: complete a draft of Hazel Davies’ Good Goodbye & share it with beta readers. We’ll see how it goes!

#amwriting #amquerying #writer #writing

No better way to end the summer than visiting Mullett Lake and celebrating @gma.ann.burks ‘s 8️⃣9️⃣th birthday 🥳 @jackdroppers went back to work Monday. Naomi and I are missing him, but I’m mostly incredibly grateful that his job (in events at a college) grants him two months at home in the summer and that the flexibility of his presence allowed for umpteen physical therapy appoints (yes, my life is thrilling!). Childcare is mom care.

All the travel and gathering of summer was lifegiving, but my bookish soul is looking forward to settling back into the quiet rhythms of being home and writing. My goal for the fall: complete a draft of Hazel Davies’ Good Goodbye & share it with beta readers. We’ll see how it goes!

#amwriting #amquerying #writer #writing

I’m finding a thousand gems in A SWIM IN A POND IN THE RAIN. Having the chance to “audit” George Saunders’ class on Russian short stories and glean his insights feels like a gift. Is a gift.

“A work of art moves us by being honest and that honesty is apparent in its language and its form and in its resistance to concealment.”

“[...] Stuart Cornfeld once told me that in a good screenplay, every structural unit needs to do two things: (1) be entertaining in its own right and (2) advance the story in a non-trivial way.”

“A story is not like real life; it’s like a table with just a few things on it. The “meaning” of the table is made by the choice of things and their relation to one another [...] That’s really all a story is: a limited set of elements that we read against one another.”

I don’t know if I’m allowed to admit I’ve never read Chekov before. I’ve read about him. Heard professors laud him. But never actually read his work (as an adult at least?). Until now. And having Saunders as a guide to track and unpack what Chekov was doing made IN THE CART all the more meaningful.

Sunset courtesy of Lake Michigan. The light reflecting off the strip of wet sand gets me every time ✨✨✨

#amreading #amwriting #writer #writing

I’m finding a thousand gems in A SWIM IN A POND IN THE RAIN. Having the chance to “audit” George Saunders’ class on Russian short stories and glean his insights feels like a gift. Is a gift.

“A work of art moves us by being honest and that honesty is apparent in its language and its form and in its resistance to concealment.”

“[...] Stuart Cornfeld once told me that in a good screenplay, every structural unit needs to do two things: (1) be entertaining in its own right and (2) advance the story in a non-trivial way.”

“A story is not like real life; it’s like a table with just a few things on it. The “meaning” of the table is made by the choice of things and their relation to one another [...] That’s really all a story is: a limited set of elements that we read against one another.”

I don’t know if I’m allowed to admit I’ve never read Chekov before. I’ve read about him. Heard professors laud him. But never actually read his work (as an adult at least?). Until now. And having Saunders as a guide to track and unpack what Chekov was doing made IN THE CART all the more meaningful.

Sunset courtesy of Lake Michigan. The light reflecting off the strip of wet sand gets me every time ✨✨✨

#amreading #amwriting #writer #writing

I got some fresh eyes on THE HOUSE WIFE thanks to the Beta Reader Match Up facilitated by @biancamarais_author from @the_shit_about_writing The insightful comments from readers have prompted a new round of editing. Revising the opening pages feels like taking another spin on the merry-go-round. I’ve heard writers say a book is never done. Because writers keep changing and growing, their books can change and grow alongside them indefinitely. At some point, they have to call it, stop editing, and move on. I’m not there yet with THE HOUSE WIFE, so here goes more revisions!

We made a friend in the woods today 🦌 Also, LOVE the moody clouds, though it certainly rained haha

#amwriting #amquerying #writer #writing

I got some fresh eyes on THE HOUSE WIFE thanks to the Beta Reader Match Up facilitated by @biancamarais_author from @the_shit_about_writing The insightful comments from readers have prompted a new round of editing. Revising the opening pages feels like taking another spin on the merry-go-round. I’ve heard writers say a book is never done. Because writers keep changing and growing, their books can change and grow alongside them indefinitely. At some point, they have to call it, stop editing, and move on. I’m not there yet with THE HOUSE WIFE, so here goes more revisions!

We made a friend in the woods today 🦌 Also, LOVE the moody clouds, though it certainly rained haha

#amwriting #amquerying #writer #writing

Drafting HAZEL DAVIES’ GOOD GOODBYE has me reminiscing about my barista days in grad school. I loved pulling shots and steaming milk, making something tangible while so much of life was tied up in the abstract pursuit of learning about therapy through books and lectures, not yet sitting across from clients.

Nothing beats a cortado, in my opinion. The crema. The 1:1 ratio of milk and espresso. Also, @madcapcoffee ‘s consistency is a work of art, how they manage to make every cortado a good cortado.

If anyone has recs for novels set in coffee shops, I’m on the lookout. LEGENDS & LATTES [MG Fantasy] is as delightful as the reviews had me anticipating but is a bit of a stretch as a comp for contemporary adult fiction.

#amwriting #amreading #amquerying #writer #writing

Drafting HAZEL DAVIES’ GOOD GOODBYE has me reminiscing about my barista days in grad school. I loved pulling shots and steaming milk, making something tangible while so much of life was tied up in the abstract pursuit of learning about therapy through books and lectures, not yet sitting across from clients.

Nothing beats a cortado, in my opinion. The crema. The 1:1 ratio of milk and espresso. Also, @madcapcoffee ‘s consistency is a work of art, how they manage to make every cortado a good cortado.

If anyone has recs for novels set in coffee shops, I’m on the lookout. LEGENDS & LATTES [MG Fantasy] is as delightful as the reviews had me anticipating but is a bit of a stretch as a comp for contemporary adult fiction.

#amwriting #amreading #amquerying #writer #writing

“Don’t assume [traditional publishing] is closed to you,” Emily St. John Mandel’s words of wisdom for writers hoping to one day be published. Also, “Be at peace with rejection.” Which resonates this week on the heels of a full request leading to a kind no. One of the best parts about receiving personalized rejections from agents is getting actionable feedback, but I found myself googling “what is voice?” and “what does it mean if an agent says the voice didn’t quite land for them?” From my best understanding, it means they aren’t the right champion for the manuscript (but if any writer friends have more insight into this feedback, I’m all ears!) 😅

Thanks @grandrapidspubliclibrary for hosting an Author Talk with @emilystjohnmandel and to @merylwilsner for their interviewing skills.

#amwriting #amquerying #writer #writing

“Don’t assume [traditional publishing] is closed to you,” Emily St. John Mandel’s words of wisdom for writers hoping to one day be published. Also, “Be at peace with rejection.” Which resonates this week on the heels of a full request leading to a kind no. One of the best parts about receiving personalized rejections from agents is getting actionable feedback, but I found myself googling “what is voice?” and “what does it mean if an agent says the voice didn’t quite land for them?” From my best understanding, it means they aren’t the right champion for the manuscript (but if any writer friends have more insight into this feedback, I’m all ears!) 😅

Thanks @grandrapidspubliclibrary for hosting an Author Talk with @emilystjohnmandel and to @merylwilsner for their interviewing skills.

#amwriting #amquerying #writer #writing

Writers & Lovers has been top of mind as a comp for my #wip HAZEL DAVIES’ GOOD GOODBYE, so I reread it, opting for a physical book instead of audio this time. The prose are silky smooth. The transitions flow. The novel is deeply grounded in character and place. Chapters end with hooks and I kept wanting to turn the page.

Reading at my writing desk, marked up pages of my WIP in the background, I felt all sorts of envy. Why is what seems so natural and easy for @lilykingbooks so incredibly difficult for me? And I know the answers, of course. It was anything but easy, good writing is hard work, comparing does no good.

But reframing emotions out of existence doesn’t work well for me and no longer strikes me as super healthy these days. Instead, getting curious seems to open interesting pathways to deeper self-understanding, regulation, and growth.

When clients speak for envy, I love on those parts. Envy is a compass, communicating what parts want, and I have a whole swath of parts who want to break into traditional publishing, so it makes sense that energy would flare like a blinking arrow saying, “This way!” and that those parts would evaluate me against writers who have already reached the goal. Comps are literally comparisons that help explain to agents (editors, readers) where a story fits in the current market.

In Writers & Lovers, the protagonist compares female and male author photos, which prompted me to flip to book flap to see Lily King. And suddenly she was a person to me, not the god who conjured the book in my hands.

The edge dropped from my envy and desire shone through. Desire to walk in the footsteps of the women who have come before me. Belief that at 34 I have not surpassed my publication expiration date. Hope for good things yet to come. And enjoyment, because, truly Writers & Lovers is wonderful and worth a read!

#amwriting #amquerying #writer #writing

Writers & Lovers has been top of mind as a comp for my #wip HAZEL DAVIES’ GOOD GOODBYE, so I reread it, opting for a physical book instead of audio this time. The prose are silky smooth. The transitions flow. The novel is deeply grounded in character and place. Chapters end with hooks and I kept wanting to turn the page.

Reading at my writing desk, marked up pages of my WIP in the background, I felt all sorts of envy. Why is what seems so natural and easy for @lilykingbooks so incredibly difficult for me? And I know the answers, of course. It was anything but easy, good writing is hard work, comparing does no good.

But reframing emotions out of existence doesn’t work well for me and no longer strikes me as super healthy these days. Instead, getting curious seems to open interesting pathways to deeper self-understanding, regulation, and growth.

When clients speak for envy, I love on those parts. Envy is a compass, communicating what parts want, and I have a whole swath of parts who want to break into traditional publishing, so it makes sense that energy would flare like a blinking arrow saying, “This way!” and that those parts would evaluate me against writers who have already reached the goal. Comps are literally comparisons that help explain to agents (editors, readers) where a story fits in the current market.

In Writers & Lovers, the protagonist compares female and male author photos, which prompted me to flip to book flap to see Lily King. And suddenly she was a person to me, not the god who conjured the book in my hands.

The edge dropped from my envy and desire shone through. Desire to walk in the footsteps of the women who have come before me. Belief that at 34 I have not surpassed my publication expiration date. Hope for good things yet to come. And enjoyment, because, truly Writers & Lovers is wonderful and worth a read!

#amwriting #amquerying #writer #writing

Our trio visited @mcleanandeakin bookseller in Petoskey based off a @parnassusbooks recommendation. I wanted to buy every book in the store but managed to walk away with only five 📚📚📚 A certain 3yo browsed for an hour before she started growling to go. Overall pretty fantastic time.
•
Petosky State Park
#pondhillfarm

Our trio visited @mcleanandeakin bookseller in Petoskey based off a @parnassusbooks recommendation. I wanted to buy every book in the store but managed to walk away with only five 📚📚📚 A certain 3yo browsed for an hour before she started growling to go. Overall pretty fantastic time.
•
Petosky State Park
#pondhillfarm

While pitching THE HOUSE WIFE [struggling with depression and chronic pain, a new mother morphs into her house—her head becoming the roof, her feet the foundation—and must face the internal forces that led to merging in order to come home], I’ve had a few agents say the market is oversaturated with books on motherhood. I can’t help but imagine the glut of Netflix shows and novels that would dig into the specificity of reproduction & childrearing if men were the ones consumed body, mind, and soul by ushering new humans into the world. Given the range of experiences women have with motherhood, let’s claim the topic a fathomless creative well that will never run dry.

THE HOUSE WIFE might not be my debut, but I hope it gets a chance to be in the world someday. 👩‍🍼

We frequent Saugatuck Dunes State Park for special occasions, mainly birthdays and now Mother’s Day, too. Walking through the woods, it was sweet to reminisce about times Naomi has visited this trail, including a maternity photoshoot while “swimming circles in your tummy.”

#amquerying #amwriting #motherhood #mothersday

While pitching THE HOUSE WIFE [struggling with depression and chronic pain, a new mother morphs into her house—her head becoming the roof, her feet the foundation—and must face the internal forces that led to merging in order to come home], I’ve had a few agents say the market is oversaturated with books on motherhood. I can’t help but imagine the glut of Netflix shows and novels that would dig into the specificity of reproduction & childrearing if men were the ones consumed body, mind, and soul by ushering new humans into the world. Given the range of experiences women have with motherhood, let’s claim the topic a fathomless creative well that will never run dry.

THE HOUSE WIFE might not be my debut, but I hope it gets a chance to be in the world someday. 👩‍🍼

We frequent Saugatuck Dunes State Park for special occasions, mainly birthdays and now Mother’s Day, too. Walking through the woods, it was sweet to reminisce about times Naomi has visited this trail, including a maternity photoshoot while “swimming circles in your tummy.”

#amquerying #amwriting #motherhood #mothersday

The past few years I’ve been falling in love with spring and the month of May. In particular, the light green of new leaves. Afternoon sunlight illuminating the canopy. Maybe it’s motherhood, being in my thirties, leveling with chronic illness, or simply being a human—probably all the above—but the sense of old seasons falling away and new growth within, greeting a new version of myself, creates a flicker of recognition with the translucent green leaves, a sense of reflection and belonging in the wider, natural world. Alongside loss new life continues to spring.

#amwriting #writer #writing

The past few years I’ve been falling in love with spring and the month of May. In particular, the light green of new leaves. Afternoon sunlight illuminating the canopy. Maybe it’s motherhood, being in my thirties, leveling with chronic illness, or simply being a human—probably all the above—but the sense of old seasons falling away and new growth within, greeting a new version of myself, creates a flicker of recognition with the translucent green leaves, a sense of reflection and belonging in the wider, natural world. Alongside loss new life continues to spring.

#amwriting #writer #writing

The next novel on my chopping block has a subplot exploring the horrors of leasing commercial spaces.

Last Tuesday, my work office smelled a little musty. I’ve only been in this space since October, so I dismissed the smell as spring in the new building. On Thursday the mustiness was overpowering. But the office looked fine. I checked the windows. Everything was all right. I wondered if my plants were being overwatered and if root rot had a smell.

Only after talking through the issue with a colleague did I press my hands into the carpet along the walls, not trusting sight alone. Lo and behold, one corner was wet.

I’m very happy to say the landlord of our current space promptly responded to texts and is solving the issue, but our experience in a previous office was another story. Mice the first fall. An unending stream of spiders in winter. No heat in one office for an entire year. A hole in the seal of a ground level window that a colleague literally caulked. Endless emails, phone calls, and texts unanswered or given inadequate response. In our final stretch with the old office, it flooded. Not damp to the touch, can’t quite see it flooded but squelchy footsteps, warped floor boards flooded.

The novel doesn’t include flooding (yet?!) but centers around the power dynamics between lessor and lessee.

#amwriting #writer #writing

The next novel on my chopping block has a subplot exploring the horrors of leasing commercial spaces.

Last Tuesday, my work office smelled a little musty. I’ve only been in this space since October, so I dismissed the smell as spring in the new building. On Thursday the mustiness was overpowering. But the office looked fine. I checked the windows. Everything was all right. I wondered if my plants were being overwatered and if root rot had a smell.

Only after talking through the issue with a colleague did I press my hands into the carpet along the walls, not trusting sight alone. Lo and behold, one corner was wet.

I’m very happy to say the landlord of our current space promptly responded to texts and is solving the issue, but our experience in a previous office was another story. Mice the first fall. An unending stream of spiders in winter. No heat in one office for an entire year. A hole in the seal of a ground level window that a colleague literally caulked. Endless emails, phone calls, and texts unanswered or given inadequate response. In our final stretch with the old office, it flooded. Not damp to the touch, can’t quite see it flooded but squelchy footsteps, warped floor boards flooded.

The novel doesn’t include flooding (yet?!) but centers around the power dynamics between lessor and lessee.

#amwriting #writer #writing

Independent Bookstore Day ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 We love you, @booksandmortar

#amreading #amwriting #independentbookstore #indiebookstoreday

Independent Bookstore Day ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 We love you, @booksandmortar

#amreading #amwriting #independentbookstore #indiebookstoreday

I feel about TOM LAKE the way Ann Patchett depicts New Hampshire residents feeling about OUR TOWN. Seen. Valued. Though I’ve never lived on a cherry farm, lush is the perfect word to describe our backyard in summer. Plus, Meryl Streep reads the audiobook 💕 so I may have listened to it twice.

Banter between Patchett and @kevinwilsonauthor , writer of NOTHING TO SEE HERE (would recommend!), enveloped the evening in heartfelt friendship.

Thanks @kentdistrictlibrary for bringing them and @readwithkatelyn for the picture

#amreading #amwriting #annpatchett

I feel about TOM LAKE the way Ann Patchett depicts New Hampshire residents feeling about OUR TOWN. Seen. Valued. Though I’ve never lived on a cherry farm, lush is the perfect word to describe our backyard in summer. Plus, Meryl Streep reads the audiobook 💕 so I may have listened to it twice.

Banter between Patchett and @kevinwilsonauthor , writer of NOTHING TO SEE HERE (would recommend!), enveloped the evening in heartfelt friendship.

Thanks @kentdistrictlibrary for bringing them and @readwithkatelyn for the picture

#amreading #amwriting #annpatchett

I sent the House Wife into the query trenches a couple weeks ago. While nearing the end of the manuscript, I jotted a list of hopes to live into after the draft. Daily walks and physical therapy. Buying EMDR tappers for personal use. Sending a fan letter to @katherinemay_ 🥰 because who wouldn’t want to do that? At times writing becomes consuming in a not-cute, gives-me-sciatica way, and this list was a plea to my future self to take a break and go for a walk.

I’ve recently read a lot of health related audiobooks. Of the titles, Burnout by @enagoski might be my favorite because it centers women and participates in dismantling the reign of the BMI (though Outlive is in-depth and fascinating, and Calm Your Mind with Food illuminates the complexity and connection of gut and mental health).

My major takeaways aren’t surprising: exercise and eat more whole 🥦🍓🥬🍇🫑 The Standard American Diet is SAD. The version of exercise recommended is low level cardio, something that shortens breath but isn’t a complete struggle. Hence walks being at the top of my list.

At some point in life, I picked up the belief that exercising isn’t cool, that it’s dweeby to try so hard and be self-disciplined, but as I start another round of physical therapy specifically geared toward hypermobility, the tulips are coming into bloom and getting outside for a walk is working out just fine.

#writer #writing #amreading #amquerying

I sent the House Wife into the query trenches a couple weeks ago. While nearing the end of the manuscript, I jotted a list of hopes to live into after the draft. Daily walks and physical therapy. Buying EMDR tappers for personal use. Sending a fan letter to @katherinemay_ 🥰 because who wouldn’t want to do that? At times writing becomes consuming in a not-cute, gives-me-sciatica way, and this list was a plea to my future self to take a break and go for a walk.

I’ve recently read a lot of health related audiobooks. Of the titles, Burnout by @enagoski might be my favorite because it centers women and participates in dismantling the reign of the BMI (though Outlive is in-depth and fascinating, and Calm Your Mind with Food illuminates the complexity and connection of gut and mental health).

My major takeaways aren’t surprising: exercise and eat more whole 🥦🍓🥬🍇🫑 The Standard American Diet is SAD. The version of exercise recommended is low level cardio, something that shortens breath but isn’t a complete struggle. Hence walks being at the top of my list.

At some point in life, I picked up the belief that exercising isn’t cool, that it’s dweeby to try so hard and be self-disciplined, but as I start another round of physical therapy specifically geared toward hypermobility, the tulips are coming into bloom and getting outside for a walk is working out just fine.

#writer #writing #amreading #amquerying

This draft of THE HOUSE WIFE is my first manuscript to bypass 80,000 words. 86,000 to be exact. As a chronic underwriter, I can’t say I’m not pleased 🥳

I’m finding the magic of editing a hard copy includes:

✨ Words on a screen transforming into pages held in hand. I made a THING.

✨ Feeling more like a reader than the writer of the MS and having greater clarity about edits

✨ Getting to use cool, colorful pens

We’re in FL for the week, so I’m also loving the portability of writing. Anywhere, anytime.

#writer #writing #revision #editing

This draft of THE HOUSE WIFE is my first manuscript to bypass 80,000 words. 86,000 to be exact. As a chronic underwriter, I can’t say I’m not pleased 🥳

I’m finding the magic of editing a hard copy includes:

✨ Words on a screen transforming into pages held in hand. I made a THING.

✨ Feeling more like a reader than the writer of the MS and having greater clarity about edits

✨ Getting to use cool, colorful pens

We’re in FL for the week, so I’m also loving the portability of writing. Anywhere, anytime.

#writer #writing #revision #editing

When I read REFUSE TO BE DONE, I balked at the revision process described within. @mdbell79 recommends literally re-writing every sentence of a manuscript instead of editing the already typed document, or copy pasting sections into a new document. Every cell in my body said no. But I was also really struggling with revision, so I filed the idea away under Unappealing Revision Advice.

While working on a rewrite for an agent this summer, I ignored Bell’s input and diligently plugged away at revising a pre-existing document. The rewrite felt like trying to run a hairbrush through snarled knots. The sentences were confused and sticking, the snags constant.

After the first agent passed and another R&R came in, the latest feedback included comments on restructuring the novel. The feedback aligned with and tied together beta reader comments, so the changes felt like a step in the right direction.

My initial reaction to the second R&R was no way. Not to the feedback itself, but to the general task of diving back into and rewriting a book I’d already rewritten multiple times.

Ever level headed, Jack encouraged me to consider doing the revision. Of my many querying forays, this manuscript was getting the most positive traction, and the agent read the entire document, clearly putting a lot of time and care into providing feedback.

I gave myself a weekend to luxuriate in saying no, and I walked around in the contentment of refraining to jump in. Look at me. I can hold my horses. Then Monday came, and I printed the editorial notes, highlighted and marked them, taped a list of the main comments to the wall by my desk, and bought Scrivener.

Plugging my nose, I decided to try—just try—retyping the manuscript while revising, so I printed the whole 250 pages and began.

As I’m coming toward the end of the revision I can say the following:

Retyping the book felt like disassembling one robot to build another. The pieces are the same, but the robots are different. Version 2.0 vs 1.1.

Bell was right about it being painful to retype bad sentences. Copy pasting might be quicker, but retyping made me weigh each word.

#amquerying #amwriting #revision #writer #writing

When I read REFUSE TO BE DONE, I balked at the revision process described within. @mdbell79 recommends literally re-writing every sentence of a manuscript instead of editing the already typed document, or copy pasting sections into a new document. Every cell in my body said no. But I was also really struggling with revision, so I filed the idea away under Unappealing Revision Advice.

While working on a rewrite for an agent this summer, I ignored Bell’s input and diligently plugged away at revising a pre-existing document. The rewrite felt like trying to run a hairbrush through snarled knots. The sentences were confused and sticking, the snags constant.

After the first agent passed and another R&R came in, the latest feedback included comments on restructuring the novel. The feedback aligned with and tied together beta reader comments, so the changes felt like a step in the right direction.

My initial reaction to the second R&R was no way. Not to the feedback itself, but to the general task of diving back into and rewriting a book I’d already rewritten multiple times.

Ever level headed, Jack encouraged me to consider doing the revision. Of my many querying forays, this manuscript was getting the most positive traction, and the agent read the entire document, clearly putting a lot of time and care into providing feedback.

I gave myself a weekend to luxuriate in saying no, and I walked around in the contentment of refraining to jump in. Look at me. I can hold my horses. Then Monday came, and I printed the editorial notes, highlighted and marked them, taped a list of the main comments to the wall by my desk, and bought Scrivener.

Plugging my nose, I decided to try—just try—retyping the manuscript while revising, so I printed the whole 250 pages and began.

As I’m coming toward the end of the revision I can say the following:

Retyping the book felt like disassembling one robot to build another. The pieces are the same, but the robots are different. Version 2.0 vs 1.1.

Bell was right about it being painful to retype bad sentences. Copy pasting might be quicker, but retyping made me weigh each word.

#amquerying #amwriting #revision #writer #writing

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