Much has been written about the soul-crushing, trauma-inducing terror of the blank page. How does one stare it down and get through the first draft? Here are some things that have worked for me: 1. Start with an outline. I know that dedicated pantsers may vehemently disagree. But for me, one of the things I love about an outline is its inherently imperfect format that removes the need for flawless…
The Chaptr is an exciting new monthly book subscription box and book club rolled into one that is launching this week! Today, we talk to The Chapter’s co-founder, Antoinette Walker about where the idea came from, how The Chaptr works, and what else we can expect from this new venture. THE INTERVIEW Tell us about your self. I was the kid who read everything in sight. Cereal boxes were some…
In honor of National Independent Bookstore day, I am thrilled to talk about some amazing bookstores that I love. First up is Books, Inc. with a genealogy going back to 1851, making it the oldest independent bookstore in the West. Books, Inc. currently has 10 branches throughout the Bay Area. The Campbell branch was incredibly supportive of A DOOR BETWEEN US, providing books, folding chairs and other items for an…
This week’s interview is with dear friend and author Amanda Skenandore, whose award-winning historical fiction explores painful episodes in the American experience with great sensitivity and insight. Her forthcoming book, THE SECOND LIFE OF MIRIELLE WEST will be out in July and was inspired by the true story of a Louisiana leprosy hospital where patients were forcibly quarantined. Below, Amanda talks about the research she did at the national leprosarium,…
I’m so excited for this week’s interview with Pamela Skjolsvik whose debut novel, FOREVER 51 is the delightful story of an eternally menopausal vampire on a quest to become mortal. Below, Pamela talks about the strangest job she’s ever had, the remaining items on her bucket list, and the story behind the title of her book. Enjoy! ABOUT PAMELA Pamela Skjolsvik has been published in Creative Nonfiction, Witness, Ten…
This week’s interview is with J.S. Dewes whose debut novel, THE LAST WATCH (available 4/20!) is a fast-paced sci-fi adventure that has been described as The Expanse meets Game of Thrones. Below, Dewes talks about some of the strangest jobs she’s had, the books she read as a child, and what she’s most looking forward to with the release of her book (hint: get your painting sets ready!). Enjoy! J.S. DEWES…
I’m so excited about this week’s interview with Leila Rafei because I simply loved the real, flawed, and beautiful characters and storylines in her debut, SPRING that came out in August 2020. Below, Leila talks about the research she did for the book, how she’s dealing with writer’s block, and her next big project. Enjoy! LEILA Leila Rafei is an Iranian American author who was born and raised in…
If you’re looking for some real pro tips on author branding and promotion, I’m going to point you to Lainey Cameron who has some of the best advice out there. I especially recommend the panel she moderated at AWP 2021 called Debuting During a Disaster with four other incredible authors and marketing geniuses including Lisa Braxton (a Former Debutante!), Eddy Boudel Tan, Barbara Conrey, and Linda Rosen. As for me,…
This week’s interview is with Liv Arnold whose romance, ETCHED IN STONE came out in February 2020. Below, Liv talks about her dreams of flying, her job promoting shavers, the time she called the cops on herself, and a special skill she’s never learned. Enjoy! ABOUT LIV Liv Arnold has worked as a copywriter for several global companies and now runs her own freelance business. She grew up in…
I’m so excited about this week’s interview with David Heska Wanbli Weiden. I got to read an advance copy of his book, WINTER COUNTS, last summer and immediately fell in love with this story about Virgil, a Native American vigilante fighting to keep heroin off his reservation. Below, David talks about the meaning behind his book’s title, the people his characters are based on, and his next big project. Enjoy!…
