How do you write a book in 30 days? I don’t know. But I can tell you how to finish one in 16 years—with guilt as your unexpected writing partner. I know, I know - I'm supposed to tell you how to do it in 30 days, or some nonsense like that. But what's more useful? The impractical knowledge you know deep down doesn't fit your reality, or the real world experience of a mom of two/business owner/writer who cracked the code on how to return again and again? All the typical writing advice, of course, applies: if you want to write… write! Apply tush to cush. Allow yourself a shitty first draft and then edit. Make sure you read it out loud. But here's the thing they don't tell you: you have to make friends with guilt. That's right - friends. Guilt has got to be your ally, because nothing will kill a project - a hope, a dream - quicker than being swamped by guilt.

It’s the version of you before the disorganized phenomenon your Real Life driving anywhere through the sweet corn 

Today I turn 40 and it’s time to come clean…I am a cheater. I pray you New York, grant me absolution in this confession that I bring forth. For as much as I’m in love with you NYC, LA is my second love, my mistress. LA, I wander with camera and client your pacific coastline once or twice a year until your love, as with all mistresses, becomes unrequited and my longing for my first true love NYC calls me home.