Heartbeat Newsletter

When I tell people I’ve published eight novels, the reaction is almost always the same: How? And honestly, when I look at the list of previously published titles in the front matter of my own book, my bewilderment matches theirs. I’ve long maintained that the secret to creative success isn’t talent — although ofc it’s a factor — or luck, which plays a larger role than most people imagine. It’s perseverance. Determination. Grit. Stubbornness, even.

My Novel Year is how someday becomes this year. Twelve months, blank page to finished draft, with me beside you the whole way — monthly one-on-ones, a small cohort of fellow writers, craft masterclasses, and a pitch session with a literary agent and an editor when you’re ready. If you’ve been hovering over this one — reading these emails, nodding along, telling yourself maybe next time — Monday is your last chance to make it this time. Need proof it works?

Plus My Novel Year applications are open, some go-to summer skincare, and a very good hat 👒 Hello, my dudes! The sun is out, the beer is cold, — come over?☀️ May has given me my first real reprieve since the year started. I’m in a calm-before-the-storm moment: June is absolutely stacked — book launch, My Novel Year cohort opening and closing, a close friend’s wedding at the Greenwich Hotel, end of school year — so I’m savoring this window while I have it.

This month, my little family spent a week in Montana visiting friends and taking in buckets of sun and sky. We even glimpsed the last dusting of snow from a gondola up in Big Sky. Back in New York, I also got to record my authorā€™s note for the Play It Again audiobook. A very fun experience at Penguin Random House HQ. But thatā€™s not whatā€™s on my mind right now. Hereā€™s what Iā€™m chewing on: My business is thriving.

March was a bit of a ride, largely ruled by jet lag, followed by some lost days of a mystery illness I picked up from my in-house germ factories aka children. Between all that, I hosted our last writers retreat of the season up in Catskill, New York ā€” a life-affirming weekend of connection and community with a fabulous group of women writers. Itā€™s always so gratifying to see how thrilled everyone is when they give themselves the gift of time and focus to create new work.

Plus, meet the first book I edited for 831 Stories!🏳️‍🌈✨ I’m escaping the blizzardy New York winter with a quick trip to Australia for some Aussie summer sun. I’m celebrating my birthday this week in a beach house my wife and I rented right on the water on New South Wales’ glorious South Coast. We fall asleep to lapping waves under a spread of stars and spend quiet days swimming in the nearby rock pool and cove, eating good food, and hanging out with the kiddos.

Last month, I shared that I am going all in on creating offerings for writers and creative communities, and basically growing a creative empire beyond just my own books. And my dudes, I sure am. I’ve hired my new Ops & Program Manager, Alena Morrissey, who is already helping me get organized and think big. (Fun fact: over 80 people applied for that job! Way more than I expected.) I’m transforming in realtime in not just my identity, but also my own sense of control and power over my own life.

Itā€™s sweater weather in Brooklyn, and the leaves arenā€™t the only things changingā€¦ Iā€™m in production for my soon-to-be-revealed Summer 2026 rom-com which means the book is done and now weā€™re into copy edits and gearing up for all things publicity and marketing. I just sent feedback on the EXTREMELY cute cover design. Think small-town magic, quirky lovable locals, A LOT of gay kissing, and a special sorta world youā€™ll never want to leave. More details coming soon.

If you’ve been following my work for a while, you know that storytelling—in all its forms—is the heartbeat of what I do. From writing novels to hosting Generation Women, I’ve always been fascinated by how stories connect us, heal us, and help us understand who we are.

If you’re new here:Most Wonderful is my queer Christmas romcom about three adult siblings, one glamorous mother, and one unforgettable Catskills Christmas. Today she officially turns one! 🥂 When I dreamed up this chaotic, sparkly, big-hearted family, I had no idea how deeply the Belvederes would burrow into my heart, or how much readers like you would embrace them. Writing this book was like wearing a glittery Santa hat 24/7 and realizing I never wanted to take it off.