welcome

Hey everyone! Welcome to my monthly update for spreading love and news of all things writing, publishing, speaking, teaching and consulting. First, the August workshop in Maui was one of the best yet. Writers from all over the Northern Hemisphere convened to work on books about motherhood, death and dying, the New York crime scene, the post-Holocaust generation in Germany, and much more. Between critiques and discussions of craft, happy artists grilled mahi-mahi, rode the waves at Baldwin beach, and shared passion-fruit juice poolside at sunset. Thanks to all participants, and especially to my assistant Lily Diamond for leading the journey into the lava tube at Mt. Haleakala.  Join us for the last Maui workshop of the year, December 13-20. There are a few spots left, and it's going to be amazing. You and your work will bloom. I promise. You can register here.

this month

As publishing struggles to find itself, it behooves us to continue to know ourselves and stay the course. Writers everywhere: don't give up! Spend time blogging, developing TV treatments, dreaming up children's book ideas, learning web design, and writing as many short, edifying pieces as possible. I've been busy doing all of the above. Look out for My One and Only Marriage in this month's Modern Bride. Commentary on Michael Jackson's death is here from Italy's Corre della Sera. Whoops I Married a Rock Star is upcoming in Glamour. Even though I haven't seen it, tweets about my interview on transracial adoption in Bitch Magazine have been rocking, ditto on the introduction I wrote for the book of photographs of multiracial people, Blended Nation. For fun, I interviewed Erica Kennedy for TheRoot.com about her hilarious new book on love and shopping, Feminista, and garnered some hate mail for a tongue and cheek Bad Parent essay in Babble about calling home from the road. But seriously, it's a tough and exciting time for writers and artists. Try not to hole up and freak out--open up to experimentation, working with other creative people in interesting ways. Let's create momentum for art and ideas instead of individuals and commerce. Think Basquiat and Warhol in the eighties.

you said

Every month I receive a few dozen emails from readers and some of them move me to tears. Here's one that came in last month. Please send more! I read everything and your feedback makes it all so much more worthwhile. The writer of the pick of the month also receives a signed copy of Baby Love!

'til soon

Okay beauteous ones. That's it for this month. Send a note, drop a line, figure out how to smoke signal. Tell me how you want to collaborate to make fresh, genius art. Share your new faves, remember to love each other, and stay as sane as possible. Check out artist Cheryl Sorg and the amazing International Museum of Women's new online exhibit, Economica: Women and the Global Economy. Oh! And I'm looking for the best web intern ever. Know someone? Reach out.                                      

xxxRebecca