Eventually, I realized I needed to find another writer or group of writers to work with. I needed to find a writing partner.

Entering summer session means I only have one thing on my mind. I am going to write a novel over summer break.

I have always said that juggling all my responsibilities works for me because the structure of a school year is the steady bassline to accompany the distorted guitars of my creative process. But that means that I have to maintain multiple tasks: writing, teaching, grading, coaching, editing, posting, promoting, selling, performing, and paying people.

Yesterday I hammered out 1,500 words and really deliberated over whether the strip club in my book would be named Bootylicious.

Listen to a sample from my new short story, recorded at the KSU Lecturer Showcase event.

I love being face-to-face with people who love books, and I love to chat with readers. And when I do, I usually end up answering questions about my novels and questions about my writing process. Here are the frequently asked questions that readers ask me when I meet them face to face.

I went to Left Coast Crime 2026 and here are all the things I learned while I was there.

I’m excited. Well, it’s excited while a running to do list is scrolling through my brain. I’m thinking about luggage, flights, travel-sized shampoos, books for the plane, and potentially books to sell. I’m heading out for another writing conference, and despite all the logistics, finagling, and long-flights where I watch two movies, I am so excited to be only a writer if only for a few days. Writers are rarely really “only writers”. I’m sure young, singles who freelance and l

Here is a short list of the writing moves in The Housemaid that I think worked for it.