By doing it over and over. I taught myself by reading, copying, listening to friends and feedback, learning how to satisfy myself, and being willing to do it all wrong many times first.

Short answer: Yes.

Long answer: We live in a society that is terrified of female sexuality and desire, and novels are powerful ways to rewrite that first story. I’ve always written open-door sex scenes in the manner appropriate for the genre and the story.

My young adult novels do not. But my adult books do. Healing and storytelling are both intimate acts. I trust my readers to choose what’s right for them.

No and I do not aspire to it. Some people are better at separating art and self and commerce. I’ve learned through experience that I prefer a regular day job. It makes it easier for me to handle the exposure of art when my family doesn’t depend on it.

I do not! I do however still have a newsletter through substack. You can find it here.

If it’s a good fit. I am happy to talk about: Writing, Publishing, Autism, Mental Health (Depression/PTSD/Eating Disorder Recovery), Leaving Evangelicalism, Embracing Christian Mysticism, Abuse Recovery, and the Creative Process. Send me a note with the details and I’ll get back to you if I feel it aligns.

Sometimes. Keep an eye on my newsletter for information on event announcements and where to order signed copies.

Oh there’s no guilt involved, only pleasure. Some include: An after dinner cigarette while walking in a strange city. Lying in the sunshine. Swimming in the sea. The chill from a slight sunburn. Tragic and beautiful men. A woman you can’t tell whether you want to be or fuck. Listening to a long story. The humidity of the south. Pulp novels. Silk on damp skin. Fresh, cool sheets. People watching on the sidewalk. Having a failed Hollywood story. The smell of weed and coffee.