The Big Idea: The Weight We Carry

Many authors practice literary citizenship in one way or another. Some lead a class for their local library, others, like me, run author interviews. John Scalzi, acclaimed science fiction and fantasy author of a plethora of books, runs a post called The Big Idea on his website (Whatever  Scalzi) for guest bloggers. There, authors give…

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It’s Release Day for The Weight We Carry!

That’s right, today is launch day for The Weight We Carry. The book is inspired by my own experience with my parents and a health crisis, and it feels great to have it out in the world. Synopsis: Marissa Raffaelo-Moretta is used to shouldering the burden. As the middle child, she’s played the mediator role…

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Standing Up and Speaking Out: An Interview with Paula Dáil

Author Paula Dáil came to me via Warren Publishing, which released her novel Fearless last year. The book won the Literary Titan Gold Star Award and the Reader’s Choice Silver Star Award, and it’s been called a “must-read” and “strong-willed, feminist novel.” One reviewer wrote, “You will be entertained, inspired, and then you will think,…

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Who’s Publishing What?

Many, many thanks to Teri Rizvi and Erma Bombeck Writers Workshop for the support and encouragement over the years. The writing life is arduous at times, but knowing that you have people on your side makes all the difference. The Weight We Carry is featured in today’s Who’s Publishing What series over on the University…

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The Great Barometer

Mom didn’t like talking about menstruation, but she did tell me at least one thing: If you’re lucky enough to have a regular cycle, chart it so you won’t be taken unawares. I’m sure she didn’t specifically use those words (Mom would never say “taken unawares,” but that’s what came to mind when I sat…

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See You at the Library!

I am so pleased to say I’ll be speaking at Wright Memorial Library in Oakwood, Ohio, on Thursday, September 21. That’s two weeks from today and World Alzheimer’s Day. On that night, I’ll give a behind-the-scenes look at my second novel, The Weight We Carry, which showcases the toll that navigating parents’ health crises can…

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Baby Birds

Tim and I have never had just one child at home. We went from two adults and two cats to two adults, two cats, and two children in (what seemed like) the blink of an eye. As the years went by, the number of cats changed (and a dog was added and subtracted and added…

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