Holy moly, I honestly can’t believe it, but my debut novel WHEN FRANNY STANDS UP is out today. Though if we’re keeping count, this is actually the 4th novel I’ve written, and I’ve been working toward this moment for over 10 years. (For more on this arduous journey, read the fun interview I did with Ines Bellina! And for an incredibly flattering and generous thread on the book to whet your whistle, here’s Cory Doctorow.)
I would be just the most grateful if you’d buy it, or get it from your library, read it, review it on Amazon or Goodreads, tell a friend, shout it from the rooftops. And in the meanwhile, if you need me, I’ll be mostly sobbing in disbelief. Send virtual tissues.
Here’s 5 other things you might like:
I’ve obviously been a bit obsessed with this whole process of publication, how weird it is, and how easy it is to get wrapped up in things you don’t necessarily value, so here’s a thread of my musings on having low expectations to stay sane. (I’m also mulling the idea of teaching a class on using the power of jealousy to set creative goals… let me know if that sounds interesting to you).
Let’s talk cozy, fancy espresso drinks for winter. I used to think the only way you could make one was with a big honkin gazillion dollar espresso machine. Au contraire, mes amies! All you need is a stovetop coffee pot and a hand-held frother (I got this one, as recommended by Serious Eats. It even works with nondairy milk!), and whoa! What are you, a famous barista?
I just finished the novel Human Blues by Elisa Albert and it knocked me sideways. If you’re looking for a funny, cranky, philosophical, feminist, Jewish novel about the lengths we will or won’t go to experience motherhood, the inescapable embodiedness of creativity, and the genius of Amy Winehouse, go get it immediately. It’s weird and brilliant and fun as hell.
I got it in my head to spend October watching witch movies from the ‘90s, and don’t hate me but most of them are terrible. I won’t name names but you know who you are, Hocus Pocus. However! The Witches with Anjelica Huston is just terrific. A Roald Dahl story produced by Jim Henson where witches turn little children into mice? Yes please. Here’s the trailer to whet your whistle:
And a little etymology aperitif for you… the origin of the word PENCIL:
From Latin penicillus "painter's brush, hair-pencil," literally "little tail," diminutive of peniculus "brush," itself a diminutive of penis "tail"
Who needs an eggplant emoji when you have ✏️? *eyebrow waggle*
And this is a perfect transition into our recurring segment…
Bonus Lewd Animal Fact: Opossum have a bifurcated vagina! As in, it’s partitioned like a duplex. But don’t worry, male opossum have a forked penis. Here’s more info if you’re curious, so you don’t have to do what I did and google “opossum vagina.”
Thanks for reading! If you’ve enjoyed the cut of my jib, please share and subscribe!
More like YESvember, amirite?
I just ordered it from my local independent book seller! I'm looking forward to it!