Penn and Paper

As a writer, one thing I’ve struggled with is knowing when something I’ve written is completely done. During the drafting and revision phases, I can usually tell when something isn’t working and needs to be revised. And that’s normal during those stages. But I’m at a point where I’ve finished copy edits for my book that’s releasing next year, and there have been several small moments of panic. Because it’s one step closer to being done. Because I’ll soon have to fully let it go.

It’s almost time! Right Where We Belong releases 10/28, and I’d love to invite you to join me for the official launch celebration at The Ripped Bodice in Los Angeles! I’ll be in conversation with the wonderful Alanna Bennett, who released her outstanding debut The Education of Kia Greerearlier this year! You can also find her on Substack at Those Papers Cut.

Many of you know I have a book coming out this month. It’s a young adult contemporary novel I started back in 2020 called Cancelled, and the intention for this newsletter is to invite you to my Los Angeles launch. (We’ll get back to the writing newsletters soon, I promise.) Where: Annabelle’s Book Club When: 3/19/24 Address: 12200 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604 Time: 6:30 What if I can’t make it and still wanted a signed copy?

Hi! It’s been a second. I was hoping to give you a first look at some preorder goodies if you had time?

It sometimes surprises people when I say I’ve written more books than I’ve sold. If I had to guess, I’d say that’s true for most writers. We all start somewhere. Most of us have books that died in the query trenches or on submission (RIP, loved but not forgotten). And when we decide it’s time to start on a new project, it almost always feels daunting. Yes, we’ve written books before. But can we do it again? Can we do it better than before?

I hope you’re not sick of me popping into your inbox. This is a special bonus newsletter for writers participating in NaNoWriMo this year. Not to freak you out, but November 1st is 10 days away. To ease a bit of Nanxiety (lol, I tried) I’ve created a list of top tips and tricks that you may find useful as you tackle NaNo. If you’re looking for a little more guidance, check out my prior newsletter! Penn and Paper is a reader-supported publication.

It’s been a second longer than I’d have liked but here we are now! The first six months of this year were more stressful than I like admitting to myself, and the best way I can explain it is that I felt like I could juggle ten eggs at once and then I looked around and the floor was covered in yolk and I was cleaning everything up with a single paper towel. So I stopping trying to juggle so much. The release of Cancelled was good stress, and I am so grateful to readers who have picked up the book.

This is Penn and Paper, a newsletter for writer types and book enthusiasts written by your writer BFF. I get it. In a world bloated with content, you’re probably not overeager to subscribe to another newsletter. Who’s got the time? And why, you may be asking yourself, you? I want to be candid with you. When I first dipped my toe into the writing world, it was overwhelming. There wasn’t as much advice as there is now, and I often felt alone.

I have some news! RIGHT WHERE WE BELONG is my next YA romance novel releasing next fall. And here is the cover! This image is protected by The Glaze Project Cover Illustration: Leni Kauffman Cover Design: Kelley Brady Past and present collide in this swoony romance when a girl searching for a sense of belonging may have found it in an unexpected—and undeniably charming—visitor from the nineteenth century. Delaney Carmichael’s final year of boarding school at Ivernia is not off to a great start.

Hi, it’s been a minute. I’ve missed you. I’ve been writing on a deadline for the very first time in my life and while I’m eternally grateful to be here, it’s been a bit stressful. My next novel releases into the world in 20 days and my mind is a chaotic mess to-do lists and edits and self-promotion (a dreaded word even for me, I fear!!!), so I hope you’ll forgive me. To be honest with you, I’ve been hit hard with imposter syndrome. The anxiety is real. I wish I could shake it.