A Writing Vacation
Hey folks, how are you doing? What’s new? Are you writing?
I have some exciting news to share with you. After a little bit of preparation, I am finally doing it. I am taking a mini writing vacation.
As you might remember from a previous post, it’s some thing I’ve been fantasizing for a while now. Writing that post in June about craving time and space for my writing practice must have kicked something into gear for me, because as soon as I hit “publish” I started researching writing retreats and writers residencies. Instead of going that route, though, I decided on just doing a little solo getaway. It was cheaper and didn’t require submitting a proposal, hoping to get picked, and waiting half a year or more for it to actually happen. Next week I am staying at a local hotel for two nights and will use this special time to work on my novel and submitting to agents. Despite only being two nights, it’ll be the most alone time I’ve had in nearly three years, and I definitely plan on savoring it and using every minute wisely. I will not be available, so please don’t call. Don’t text. Don’t expect me to do anything except write write write! Sounds good, am I right? I’ll let you know how it goes afterward!
If you want to read an excerpt from the novel for which I am currently seeking representation, you can read this lovely segment, called Cake Spell over at Misery Tourism. I so appreciate the folks over at Misery Tourism for believing in this excerpt and choosing to host it. The artwork they created for the piece is also so cute and perfect for the tone of the work.
Maybe I’ve said this before, I don’t remember, but this novel is the most ambitious project I’ve ever taken on, and it’s been so many years in the making. I really would love to see what’s possible with bring it to a larger audience. I don’t have anything against indie presses. Afterall, I am an indie press. But, you know. I figured it’s time I should try my hand at the big leagues. And my friend who has been helping me edit this novel thinks it deserves to be published with a larger imprint, so part of me is doing it for her.
I want to ask other writers: have you ever tried finding an agent? Was it hard? If you did end up finding one, what was it like to work with them? Do you think it helped in the success of your book? Please leave a comment and let me know. I really want to know!
In other news, I have a few events coming up! Two that I’m hosting and one that I’m performing in.
First is the next Bring A Blanket reading at Washington Square Park in Philly, on Saturday, July 20 at 2pm. Featured readers include Olivia Zarzycki, Warren C. Longmire, and
, and co-hosted by the ever-incredible . It’s going to be a little cooler this weekend, but as always we recommend bringing your own cold beverage and your own blanket. We’ll bring the snacks! Meet us by the red balloons!
Next is the launch party on July 27 at 7pm at Philadelphia Small Works Gallery for
’s Ternion: three novels that were written in groups during #antiwrimo. I am a co-author of Escaping Emily, so I’ll be reading a selection from that! You can get tickets and order the books here. The two other books in the set are Julie, or Sylvia, and Spark Bird.Last up, is a new event series I’m starting called Poems & A Movie (Note: an earlier version of the event listed the location at Plays and Players Theater. The venue has changed to Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture). Here is the press release language we’ve been using to get people interested:
The inaugural event of Poems & A Movie (a brand new series combining film, writing, and community) will take place on August 8th, 6:30-10pm, at Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture (3645 Lancaster Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104) with the Philadelphia premiere of Sometimes I Dream in Farsi, an award-winning film by indie filmmaker Dr. Pirooz Kalayeh, along with readings by three literary superstars: Porochista Khakpour (author of Tehrangeles, 2024), Alina Pleskova (author of Toska, 2023), and Violet Gehringer (author of I Love You It, Looks Like Rain, 2017).
Co-presented by
with Cannonball and Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, the event weaves personal and political intersections into an exploration of identity, expression, and cultural bonds. Sometimes I Dream in Farsi examines a traumatic racist incident in Kalayeh's childhood and the role that therapy and discussion offer as a path forward for children and adults who have endured similar encounters. Khakpour, Pleskova, and Gehringer offer intimate readings connecting a wide range of shared experiences. This event is also supported by Philly Iranians, a coalition of local volunteers advocating for a free Iran alongside the #WomenLifeFreedom revolution.Tickets can be found here, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Light refreshments will be served. If you are not able to pay the suggested ticket price but still want to help support this event, please share this post, invite your friends, or simply RSVP and show up!
I hope to see you soon! And seriously, if you have any comments or advice you want to give about querying and publishing please let me know in the comments! Thank you for reading!