• art,  creativity,  design,  fashion,  local,  madison,  style,  wisconsin

    Read(y) to Wear Benefit Fashion Show

    Most of the time, being a writer is decidedly NOT glamorous. I shudder to think how many hours I’ve spent sitting in front of my laptop, shoulders hunched over the keyboard, with coffee stains on my leggings. But every now and then, the author life opens the door to a “pinch me I’m dreaming” type of opportunity. The Read(y) to Wear fashion benefit was one of such opportunities. On April 29, 2017, I got to “model” a paper dress made by fellow writer Holly Tierney-Bedord, and walk the runway with several lovely literary and design-minded people from Madison and surrounding areas. Proceeds from ticket sales went to Madison Reading Project, a…

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  • blogging,  book launch,  books,  wisconsin,  writing

    I’m Baaaa-aaack, for a Blog Tour

    I can’t believe I haven’t blogged here in almost a year. It’s been a helluva year. Someday I’ll tell you about it or, more likely, I’ll write about it. But let’s just say that LIFE, with its highs and lows, has had me riding a pretty wild roller coaster since I last updated this blog. But I’m back this week to participate in the blog tour for the release of the LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER anthology, curated by my friend and fellow writing group member, Ann Imig! Stay tuned for more information later this week on the force that is Ann, the nationwide Listen to Your Mother show, and the…

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  • authors,  beauty,  debut author,  fashion,  local,  madison,  vintage,  wisconsin

    Check “Cover Girl” Off the Bucket List

    BRAVA magazine chose VINTAGE as its literary salon selection for October 2014. In addition to holding an lovely vintage-themed author event at A La Crate Vintage Rentals, they interviewed me and did a photo shoot. It was a dream come true to show up and see racks of lovely vintage clothes and accessories laid out for me in my size! To read the interview on books, writing, and all things vintage, click here.

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  • coffee,  family,  kids,  neuroses,  seasonal,  wisconsin

    The Real March Madness

    My husband says that waking up on the first day of the NCAA tournament is like Christmas morning for him. But I’m familiar with the real March madness, and basketball has nothing to do with it. The real March madness is the feeling you get when you watch the thermometer on your car dashboard drop from fourteen to eleven to five degrees Fahrenheit. It’s the first day of spring getting bitch-slapped by winter, year after year. It’s devouring gallons of coffee and carb-loading with baked goods because winter will never end and you’ll never need to wear a bathing suit again. It’s straitjacketing your toddler into his parka and boots…

  • books,  dogs,  literature,  madison,  pets,  publishing,  storytelling,  wisconsin,  writing

    Q&A with Author Erin Celello

    Today I’m thrilled to be featuring an interview with Madison author Erin Celello about her latest novel, Learning to Stay (NAL/Penguin 2013), which, as Erin describes it, explores “the question of what happens when one person in a marriage becomes someone fundamentally different.” In Learning to Stay, what triggers the change is a traumatic brain injury that the husband, Brad, suffers while serving in the Iraq war. The injury dramatically alters his personality, transforming him from a thoughtful and patient man into someone who requires much more care than his wife, Elise, can provide while also keeping up with the demands of her career as a lawyer.  I’m not yet finished with the book–so…

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