T-5 Days!

Until my debut memoir is released into the world!

When I started writing my memoir, Mosaic, in 2019, I didn’t know what it would feel like to experience a lead-up to its release into the world. With pre-orders already landing in people’s mailboxes, I’m already a bit shaken. In a good way. And a scary way. What used to live solely on my computer (and the Google cloud, I suppose) was then shared with my MFA cohort where twelve other people read over most of my essays. Nine of those essays were read (and accepted) by literary journals. But Mosaic, as a complete manuscript, has never flown on its own into the hands of readers. Some of my audience I know. Some I don’t. And it’s a bit unnerving.

It feels a bit like the first day I dropped my daughter, Evelyn, off at her daycare when she was six months old. I was nervous. I don’t think I cried, but I do remember checking the app the daycare used frequently during the day awaiting anything. Pictures, notes, an encouraging message from her teacher saying Evelyn was doing great.

But this book doesn’t come with an app. No one will tell me to which houses it is going, whose eyes will scan over my words, whose emotions I will influence.

But this is what I’ve dreamed of, and it actually feel just like a dream. I’m continually asking myself: Is this for real? Will my words help others find hope in their own lives? Will I make some people laugh (or cry)?

If you are one of those readers out there—whether I know you or not—I’d love to hear from you. Mosaic, is after all, my gift to others. And it’s one that I’d love to follow.

I’m gearing up for the official book launch event, March 8, 2025 3-5:30pm at the Oxford Community Arts Center. If you are going to be near Oxford/Cincinnati, Ohio that day, stop on by! I’m looking forward to the celebration!

What I’m Reading:

My husband got Jason Mott’s The Crossing from the library, and I wanted to read it before he took it back. Apocalyptic in theme and approachable in writing style, so far it’s an enjoyable read. It helps that I worked with Jason at a writing conference last May and loved his approach to writing (and his other book, Hell of a Book).

What I’m Watching:

I just watched the first episode of The Baldwins which documents Alec and Hilaria Baldwin’s five bedroom Manhattan apartment. Crazy energy abounds with seven kids running around. But, unlike other reality shows that often feel gratuitous, this one tackles the darker side of their lives—the unfortunate death of the staffer on the movie set at the (unintentional) hands of Alec, his battle with OCD, and how he and his wife deal with the tabloids. They actually seem like the type of family I’d want to have dinner with (but maybe with a few fewer kiddos running around?).

What New Thing I’ve Tried:

This is a hard one this time around. My life has been a lot of the same on repeat—unless you count all the new social media stuff I’ve been posting (with my wonderful friend, Audrey, who continues to help create ideas and content for me). I have started a diamond painting that my husband gifted me for Christmas. Once I had finished the cover of Mosaic in diamond art, I was a little sad to not have that activity in my life. This new one is big (far bigger than any other I’ve done), very scattered, glittery, and is looking pretty good. Pictures to come soon.