Mad March
That Furious Forward Momentum
And just like that, it’s March. I’ve moved, turned 40, written more words, hung photos, and started planning a wedding—all while navigating the pre-pub anxiety excitement as I wait for Indie Darling to make her way into the world.
I feel like the woman on my cover, caught between a song and a scream. Waiting for a book to come out is its own kind of madness, a purgatory of:
Am I doing enough?
Will people like it?
Should I be posting more on Instagram?
Writing more Substack articles?
And then I tell myself to breathe. None of this is life or death. I step outside into the quiet of our new backyard and listen to the birds tittering along the fence. I remind myself that I will keep writing, the world will continue turning, and none of this worrying is action, so I focus on the tasks at hand instead.
And because in moments of stress it helps to remember the big and small joys of this strange, wonderful existence, here are some of the things that moved me this month.
On My Nightstand
A few books I’ve loved lately.
This may be the first month in years in which I read more non-thrillers than thrillers. And as much as I love a page-turning read, I enjoyed the excuse to dwell a little longer in the rich worlds these authors created.
Scavengers by Kathleen Boland: Do you remember the Fenn treasure hunt that led to the deaths of several people in 2010s? (If not, prepare for online rabbit hole!) In Kathleen Boland’s debut, an estranged mother and daughter set on a similar search in the Utah desert, but through their beautiful, hard-earned journey, they find something much better in the end.
The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead: I have a tendency to speed read, but reading The Future Saints forced me to slow down and savor every beautiful sentence and heartfelt moment. Ashley Winstead’s latest novel follows a singer-songwriter navigating tour after her sister’s death alongside a handsome new manager assigned to keep her on track. This book now holds space for me as one of those rare “perfect” novels that hits every emotional beat (joining the likes of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo). There are some achingly beautiful one-liners. If you’re a highlighter, prepare to read with a pen in hand.
The Red Grove by Tessa Fontaine: The Red Grove imagines a place where men cannot hurt women. Part of the thrill of reading this book was the curious exercise of seeing what this would look like: women leaving their houses in the middle of the night without fear, wearing whatever they wanted without worry of inciting violence, meeting strangers without feeling the need to smile at jokes that weren’t funny or modify their behavior to thwart the anger of men. There’s so much to discuss, that this would make an excellent book club pick!
What have you been reading and loving this month?
Letters Worth Reading
What’s been in my inbox and inspiring me lately.
The Creative Independent is a daily resource for creative people, featuring interviews with writers, musicians, designers, visual artists, and more. I find myself drawn most to the words of my fellow writers but have gained so much wisdom from creatives across disciplines sharing their processes, inspirations, and stories.
A few of my favorites:
On the physicality of writing. Natalie Diaz on language as energy and the text as something that is happening.
On finding reasons to be grateful. Ben Kweller on creating music after the death of his teenage son, finding gratitude, and leaning on art in a time of loss.
Shows Worth Binging
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast has all the sharp, whip-fast dialogue you would expect from Lisa McGee, the creator of Derry Girls, but with a modern setting, mystery, and mayhem as three childhood friends investigate the strange circumstance surrounding the unexpected death of a once-close member of their group.
It’s tongue-in-cheek, with Róisín Gallagher playing a begrudging screenwriter of a famous mystery show, who, shamefully, comically, and quite short-sightedly, pillages her real life for stories.
The finale wrapped up everything a little too quickly for me, but it leaves the door open for another season. Like so many things these days, it’s dependent on how many people watch the first season. So go watch!
Tools of the Craft
I bought this walking pad as a birthday present to myself last year, which means that by now, I’ve put over 300 hours on the thing. I’ve written, revised, sent emails, attended meetings, and drafted newsletters—all while walking. It’s a game changer, and I recommend one to everyone! This particular treadmill is no longer available, but there are hundreds to choose from and all around $100.
Postcards from Bowie
A monthly dispatch from our household’s most opinionated resident.
Bowie’s looking so much smaller in the new house. Don’t worry, he still has a personality big enough to fill it!
Author Highlight - Barbara Josselsohn
In continued support of fellow authors, this month’s highlight is Barbara Josselsohn and her latest book, The Secret Orphanage.
An abandoned infant with an ominous note pinned to her blanket; an American schoolteacher with a past she cannot reveal; a tiny town in the French mountainside with a dangerous plan; and an officer who suspects something might be amiss… A breathtaking historical novel, The Secret Orphanage will sweep you away to World War II France—to the realities of the Nazi occupation and the hope that prevailed in the darkest of times.
Barbara has her own newsletter, where she shares more about her favorite flowers and plants, plus some bits and pieces of her writer life, and book news! As a sign-up thank you, you'll receive a printable, full-color infographic about her favorite flowers and how they're woven into her books. You can subscribe to her newsletter here.
From My Writing Desk
A few updates from the author life.
Together with my good friend and fellow Nashville author Rea Frey, I’ll be teaching an online collaboration symposium on Wednesday, March 25. If you’ve ever dreamed of writing a book with a friend, we’ll walk through the process step by step: how to build your writing community, find the right creative partner, brainstorm collaboratively, establish a writing schedule, and divide tasks. More information here.
For more updates on classes, events, and exciting news surrounding Indie Darling, follow me on Instagram (Bowie may even deign to make an appearance!).
Thank you, as always, for reading and sharing this little corner of the internet. This letter box wouldn’t mean much without the people who open it.
Until next time,
—Lauren
P.s. Tell me something good you’ve read, watched, or discovered lately.