November Endnotes
A monthly roundup of writing and publishing reads
Welcome to the November edition of Endnotes—the part of the show where I share my favorite writing/publishing reads, plus sundry updates on events, life, and other happenings. Enjoy!
But First, A Note of Gratitude
I’m in Lake Tahoe (Nevada side) enjoying a snowy holiday with my family - likely the last flight here I’ll be able to take for a while, thanks to now having three kids in carseats! This is the first time my entire extended family has been together in several years, and it’s been a much-needed reprieve and opportunity to be grateful for where I am right now.
It’s been a tough year, but things are ending on a high note. My husband and I both got new jobs that have provided us with a level of stability we hadn’t had in the previous two years. We took a break from fostering for a while and then, somewhat begrudgingly, started fostering again… only to find ourselves welcoming the three absolute sweetest little ones into our lives. They’ve turned things upside down in the best way possible! I’m grateful for the friends and family who have been here for us through all of that. And to my ghostwriting/book coaching clients who were so gracious and understanding as I made the transition back to corporate life.
And in the midst of all this, Liz and I published a book—and the welcome from everyone in our community has been nothing short of humbling. WOW. What a year!! Thank you to everyone who has bought and reviewed our book. You are making our dreams come true, and helping other Hungry Authors at the same time. You’re the best!
We’ve had some of my favorite guests on the Hungry Authors podcast and have built new friendships and connections that we cherish. Plus, I really can’t say enough what an amazing partner Liz has been. She continues to challenge me, welcome my ideas, cover for me when I need it, and be a great friend, too.
Finally, this newsletter has grown quite a bit this year. I think the move to Substack last year was the right one—not because of the growth, but because the platform is so much more user-friendly and engaging. I have felt invigorated and motivated to write because I look forward to seeing all of your reactions. I know that I’m not writing into the void; I imagine many of your faces and emails as I’m writing. This community means so much to me. Thank you for being here, and I hope that you’re enjoying your holiday.
With that… on to the Endnotes!
Hungry Authors Updates
We had so much fun at WriterFest!
This was my second year at WriterFest—and first time as a speaker! Although we could only be there one day, I was just as impressed by the networking and high caliber of other speakers as I was last year. (It was a little intimidating, to be honest!) I also got to meet Anne Bogel (and did not fangirl. Also did not get a picture—sad day.) and prolific children’s book author Marianne Richmond, whose first memoir about motherhood and daughterhood is publishing next March! Both ladies were incredibly kind and gracious. Author/speaker goals for sure.
Our session had probably about 20-30 people in it, and the Parnassus table sold out of copies of our book!! We feel so fortunate and honored to be able to serve authors. And if you’re here for the first time because you found me at WriterFest, welcome!
Listen to us on the Writing Your Resilience Podcast with Lisa Cooper Ellison!
Lisa Cooper Ellison is a wonderful book coach and writer specializing in trauma recovery. She’s so thoughtful, and I always feel better after having a conversation with her. Lisa welcomed Liz and me on her podcast, and we had a delightful chat about Hungry Authors. Listen in here!
Catch up on what you missed
On the Hungry Authors podcast, we finished a short series on building your self-efficacy to write a book. These are short, encouraging listens—perfect for a quick walk or while you do the dishes. Here are all of the episodes in that series:
“I did that, so I can do this”: Building Your Self-Efficacy Through Mastery Experiences
“If they can do it, I can do it, too”: Building Your Self-Efficacy Through Vicarious Experiences
“The People I Believe In Believe In Me”: Building Your Self-Efficacy Through Verbal Persuasion
Building Your Self-Efficacy By Reducing Stress Around the Task
On Reading
Do you want to look like a reader—or do you actually love reading?
I love this post from Kern Carter about when reading becomes performative. I have definitely felt this before; it’s why I no longer post about what I’m reading on Instagram, and why I no longer even track my reads on Goodreads. I do have a spreadsheet that I keep, just for my own edification—but I’ve stopped treating (and judging) my reading life as bragging rights. Something to consider for yourself? Read his post here.
Human or AI? A poetry test
Curious to see if you can tell the difference between human-written poetry and AI-generated poetry? A recent study found that most people can’t tell the difference. And in fact, they preferred the AI-generated poetry!! Yikes. If you want to test yourself, you can take the test here.
I’m proud to say I got a score of 8/10… although I can’t believe I missed the other two!
Narrative Nonfiction Books You Should Probably Read
This list from Modern Mrs. Darcy’s Anne Bogel looks fantastic! Most of these are going on my Christmas list. :) Especially the book on eyeliner! Who knew such a book was needed? (Side note: this is one of the many reasons I love being an editor—I get pitched all kinds of things I would never have known the world needed!)
On Writing
What is your memoir really about?
My friend Mara Eller (whom Liz and I have presented with before, and who’s been on the Hungry Authors pod!) has written about how important the reader is in the writing of your memoir. Something I wish more aspiring memoir authors would keep in mind!
Is ghostwriting your next job?
I know a lot of writers feel that ghostwriting is selling out. Or they feel, “I could never embody someone else’s voice.” But for an extremely lucrative career… maybe you’d be willing to try it? I tried it, I made good money (even as a newbie collaborator), and I enjoyed it way more than I thought I would! Plus, I learned a ton about writing and grew my own confidence to write more of my own stuff. Anyway, a recent survey revealed that experienced ghostwriters make great money.
On Publishing
A Clear Breakdown of the Paths to Publishing
Every year, publishing industry expert Jane Friedman updates her paths to publishing spreadsheet. I’ve shared it in years past, so I wanted to share it again. Here’s the updated spreadsheet for 2024!
The Most Coveted Screenshot in the World
Despite the hyperbolic title of this article, I can verify that the Publishers Marketplace screenshot is valuable social capital. Here’s mine, and I’m still proud of it. It’s exciting!! If you want to post your screenshot someday, I am in full support.
On Life
Not So Random Thoughts About Anger
After my recent piece “Tips for Writing About the Election,” Dan Ehrenkrantz was inspired to write this thoughtful reflection on the value and use of public expressions of anger. He much more conscientiously and comprehensively discussed my advice to “cut the rage, please” and offered a more nuanced approach that I think we all can learn from. Please read!
Why Sweet Potatoes Are the Best Food
Sweet potatoes are officially our family’s favorite food. We like them savory, usually roasted with olive oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary—yumm!! Our kids are pretty picky, so I’ve been happy to find something we all enjoy. And good news: they’re incredibly healthy.
Something you need to listen to right now
In “Notes on Erasing a History of Toxic Motherhood,” writer Starr Davis narrates the story of how she was separated from her daughter - and her own mother’s toxic patterns that contributed to that grief. This one will make you cry, but it’s the kind of story we need to bear witness to. Please read.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!!
Ariel
First let me say I got a 10 out of 10 on the AI poetry quiz. Yes, it's hard to spot but AI doesn't necessarily pick up unusual connections that a human mind will think up--it sticks with 'average' from what I can tell. And I also love sweet potato too, but not a fav of my kids so I'm not making it this year. :(
I love sweet potato, too! My favorite vegetable. I loved your interview with Lisa Cooper Ellison. It's how I found your Substack. She always has such really insightful and encouraging guests on. I don't often check the show notes, but there was something you said that made me want to check your website out. I'm looking forward to learning from you and your experiences! Hope you have a nice Thanksgiving too!