I read a lot, but I’m pretty picky. I care most about character, sentences, words, images, and motivation. When it comes down to it, I’m pretty romantic about endings.
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow
and The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
by Gabrielle Zevin
Beautyland and Parakeet by Marie Helene Bertino
Great Believers, I Have Some Questions for You, The Borrowers by Rebecca Makai
Great Circle and You Have a Friend in 10A by Maggie Shipstead
Properties of Thirst by Marianne Wiggins
Short Fiction
I’ve been fortunate enough to study with Steve Yarbrough, Liza Weiland, Brenden Willey, Scott Hutchins.
In 2024, I’ve done MFA for All through American Short Fiction with Lauren Groff, Carmen Machado, and Luis Urea; and Electric Literature’s Craft Camp with Marie Helene Bertino and Francine Prose.
I’m still learning.
Long Fiction
I’m 250 pages into my first novel. It’s hard work, but more fun than I thought.
Coyote Ridge Is Not a Western, a novel
When I first heard about one of many famous campus rape cases, I was was dismayed that the sister of the perpetrator wrote a shining letter of support for her brother, who got off with a light sentence. I know little about that family and that sibling relationship, but in Coyote Ridge, the sister allies herself with the victim, and, together and with their two friends, they grow and learn slowly to forgive.
Friends’ Fiction
I am lucky to write in community with some good friends and fine writers. Definitely check out the work of David Borofka davidborofka.com, Alan Yount, Leigh Riley, and Becky Burns.
Fiction I recommend
Most exciting news: Gabrielle Zevin will come read at Reedley College!!
Spring of 2025!!