I find it fascinating that the teenage years are overflowing with an abundance of changes. Not only is the body growing at rapid speed, but so are the academic and social commitments, the expectations, and the competition. I believe they need, at some level, some sort of mental health support. Be it professional, from a parent, a friend, or from me. A writer who “gets it”. The ability to share stories that are meaningful, relevant and to assure them that they are not alone. If someone reads my work and it helps them get through their day, I’ve done my job.

  Both! I’m a part of a book club because it forces me to read books that I wouldn’t necessarily pick up and I love the group discussions afterward because we really dive deep into the story and characters. However, I do have a confession to share. I’m obsessed with The Kennedys! The family. The assassination! How Jackie wore her pearls. I have quite The Kennedy book collection on my bookshelf! I even went to Hyannis Port to spy on them, and I was escorted back to my car by security. I can’t get enough. So much so, that during family vacations, where I read the most, you can hear my kids asking, “Another Kennedy book, mom?”

  I love telling stories, and it could be through fiction or non-fiction. There’s nothing like using the power of words to take the reader by their hand and make them feel as if they are right there, experiencing everything you’re describing.

If there’s a product or service that I think the world needs to know about, I can’t get to my laptop fast enough. Same goes for a situation I have been in that served me a spectacular lesson in return.

Writing my newsletters each month allows me to reflect on what’s been happening in my neck of the woods, along with some inspiration. We can all use some reassurance and warmth in our mailbox.

  I have been volunteering since my early teens. From hospitals to organizations to simply making soup for a friend who is unwell. Every minute that I give my time is so incredibly rewarding because it just makes me feel good. It’s an instant win-win on both sides.
Although I must admit, the best part of giving back is doing it without an ask. To just show up, with a task that is “done” and the smile on the receiver’s end? Priceless.

  Because it works! I have been exercising since 1979 when Jane Fonda put out her first fitness video! Remember that? It’s safe to say that I’ve been around the fitness industry, for a while and I’ve learned quite a bit. I exercise because it makes me feel good. It helps with sleep; concentration and it keeps me strong. How could I not quote Elle Woods from the movie Legally Blonde. “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands, they just don’t.”

  In my world, reading about female friendships and historical fiction is as amazing as walking into a department store and greeting a clothing rack with everything my size. And on sale.

My female friends provide so much value in my life, in part, because there is a shared understanding of the complicated intersection of being female with the rest of our lives. These friends of mine pull me up and I hope I do the same for them. It’s not enough to be supportive. We must seek ways to promote and lift each other actively.

As for historical fiction, the novel The Most Amazing Department Store was a departure from what I have written about to date, but there is an interesting connection between the two areas. My other books focus on creating strong, confident middle school students. In The Most Amazing Department Store, I created the characters Vivian and Lilly who are strong, confident women where I hope to inspire readers of all ages.

  Heck yes.
Move my body – the block releases like childbirth.
#IYKYK