Right, Like a Man: On the Power of Gender in an Author’s Name

I prefer the way I write when, while writing, I imagine being read as a man. There’s an immediate freedom to not be apologetic. To do as we were taught in high school English and eliminate the self-conscious “I think…” from the writing. I’m not sure when it happened, the shift into having to pretend. … Read more

Society and a Middle-Aged Woman Meet at a Diner (and have an honest conversation)

SOCIETY is already seated when MIDDLE-AGED WOMAN (MAW) enters the diner. Society watches as MAW approaches and sits down. SOCIETY: I’m pleased we’re doing this. I know you’ve been wanting to get something off your chest, and —Oh, yes, it is a bit of a crepey situation, isn’t it. MAW: Sorry? SOCIETY: (reaching across the table to … Read more

When pro-choice means not only “right to choose” but also “Think of the damn kids for a second.”

I think it’s natural that people will see a book cover heading this post and assume, “This chick’s trying to sell her book again.” It’s a safe assumption, because I am. But for a reason. The whole thing was written for a reason. (Please indulge me.) “I would never want a book’s autograph. I am … Read more

A cliche story told in cliches

Ah, to be young and foolish. In one fell swoop, Jenny had learned that history repeats itself, and she was therefore resolved to never again put her cart before the horse and to always look before she leaped… When she was a little less long in the tooth and still a babe in the woods—before … Read more

Interview with “Haunted” author Reggie Lutz

Reggie Lutz is one of those people whose feed you look forward to when scrolling absently through Facebook. Her updates are engaging and off the wall, and seemingly effortless in a social media world that I’ve learned requires a certain kind of savvy that doesn’t come naturally to everyone. She also writes beautifully – her … Read more

kristen j. tsetsi