What I Did Last Week
No, DOGE isn't asking. But *I* am.
I don’t work for the federal government (my sympathies if you do), and no one really cares what I do every day. Even my husband (bless him and his 9-to-5 job) knows that freelancing means my days are sometimes all-out deadline-driven and sometimes pretty loosey-goosey.
But I’ve been focusing lately on accountability—not to anyone else, but to myself. Specifically, in addition to my extensive “To Do” list, I strive to accomplish these 3 daily tasks:
Get my heart rate up for 15-plus minutes
Focus on my creative work for 15-plus minutes
Do something to stand up to the current federal administration for 15-plus minutes
Task 1 is pretty easy for me. I love to run, lift, swim, bike, hike, and ski. I work out hard 4x a week, and on the other days I count steps and walk our dog.
Task 2 is improving. In a recent Substack note, I talked about Andi Buchanan’s brilliant “no zero” advice: each day, do something (“no zero”) to support your creative work.
My recent shift to writing short stories rather than long-form fiction helps. Most days, my writing time is longer than 15 minutes, but that’s my minimum daily goal. Since mid-February, I’ve drafted 4 stories—and counting.
Task 3 is a new goal—and posting on social media or liking/commenting on others’ political posts doesn’t count. I’m focusing on Task 3 because it helps me feel less helpless. I can’t change everything, but perhaps I can contribute to changing something.
What If We Show Up?
Last Friday, I stood with 34,000 others in Denver’s Civic Center Park to listen to Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. I was inspired by their words and by the size of the crowd.
Bernie said:
“In the hundreds of rallies that I have done, we have never, ever had a rally as large as this. And Denver, your presence here today is not just significant for Colorado. You are sending a profound message all over the world.”
As for AOC, I was moved by these words of hers:
“I don’t believe in health care, labor, and human dignity because I’m an extremist. I believe these things because I don’t want us to live like this anymore. We deserve better.”
Does the fact that 34,000 people showed up in Denver—and 11,000 in right-leaning Greeley, Colorado earlier that day—mean we’re out of the woods?
No. But it does mean people care. We’re making phone calls, sending emails, making speeches—and showing up. For that, I’m grateful.
A Reintroduction
Lately, many new subscribers have signed up for The What If Journal. Welcome! For those who don’t know me, I’m the NYT and USA Today bestselling author of the psychological suspense novels The Bookseller, The Glass Forest, and Anyone But Her. I’m also the editor of the award-winning anthology Denver Noir.
As a writer, I’m drawn to moral ambiguity. You’ll find few straight-up good guys and bad guys in my stories. Instead, you’ll find complex characters and situations that mirror real people and real life.
In addition to my own writing, I offer developmental editing to novelists and memoirists, as well as ghostwriting and content editing for those who need storytelling assistance.
I live in Denver with my husband, our high schooler, a dog, an indoor cat, a badass barn cat, and a flock of chickens. We also have 2 college-aged sons. I spend a lot of time in Grand County, Colorado, both with my family and on writing retreats.
In The What If Journal, I focus on what drives us creatively, whether that’s writing or other art forms. I often include book recommendations, and I let you know where we can connect in person.
I don’t shy away from discussing my political views, because I believe art is values-driven (what some would call “political”). I’ve lost subscribers over this, which is okay. I’d rather my words resonate with my audience than attempt to please everyone.
I’m glad you’re here! What brings you, and what do you hope to get from subscribing?
What If We Read?
Recent advice for short story writers in my Tuesday morning online writing group is to read a story every day. I’m embracing that advice via the brilliant, newly-released story collection Save Me, Stranger by Erika Krouse.
Other recent reads include Go As a River by Shelley Read—every bit worth the hype it’s received—and my book club’s March pick, the historical novel The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin.
What about you? What’s on your list? What have you read lately that you loved?
What If We Step Out?
The Left Coast Crime: Rocky Mountain High Jinks conference was every bit as fun as I’d expected. I loved connecting with readers, catching up with author friends, and spending 3 days talking mysteries and thrillers!
Highlights were the 3 guest of honor interviews, including that of Manuel Ramos by David Heska Wanbli Weiden (both of them Denver Noir contributors); author speed dating with another Denver Noir contributor, Francelia Belton; wonderful panels including the one I was on, “Crime in Colorado;” and hosting a banquet table with Helen Starbuck.
Coming up:
I’m presenting “Indie Publishing After Being Traditionally Published” for Mystery Writers of America, Rocky Mountain chapter, on Thursday, April 10. This event is open to the public. More info is here.
I’ll be at the Grown Up Book Fair hosted by Second Star to the Right Bookstore on Sunday, April 27. Details coming soon—check my website.
I’m teaching “Identify Your Voice & Find Your Audience” at Douglas County Libraries on Monday, May 5th. This is a free in-person seminar. Registration opens April 5th, and more info is here.
It’s a busy spring—many more events are listed on my website!
We’re in This Together
As the weather warms up, I’m doing my best to retain my optimism despite the never-ending blows from Washington, DC. This administration does not represent us. We have power—creative, spiritual, and political—and we have each other.
Do your art, embrace your loved ones, and stay committed. I’m with you all the way.
Guess I need to get the hang of Substack. I came because you posted on Facebook that you were going to be here and I want to keep up with one of my favourite authors and friends!
You are very busy. Being a novelist takes incredible discipline. I like your 3 tasks and that your goals are as little as 15 minutes. Keep up the good political work.