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EMMA COMERY

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EDITING SERVICES

Titles are like drafts — they shift and evolve until the right one sticks. I’m excited to share that my debut book has found its 💫 official 💫 title: HAVE YOU LANDED? ✈️

. . .

HAVE YOU LANDED? explores modern life in one of our nation’s oldest institutions—the military. Interweaving interviews, research, and personal experience, HAVE YOU LANDED? features real stories from real military spouses, partners, widows, and exes as they navigate everything they knew—and didn’t know—they signed up for.

. . .

Coming Spring 2026 from Potomac Books/@univnebpress. Illustrated by @nettakillian

#debutauthor #militarystories #milspo #milspolife #navywife #militarywife #militaryfamilies #nonfictionbooks #nonfictionwriters

Titles are like drafts — they shift and evolve until the right one sticks. I’m excited to share that my debut book has found its 💫 official 💫 title: HAVE YOU LANDED? ✈️

. . .

HAVE YOU LANDED? explores modern life in one of our nation’s oldest institutions—the military. Interweaving interviews, research, and personal experience, HAVE YOU LANDED? features real stories from real military spouses, partners, widows, and exes as they navigate everything they knew—and didn’t know—they signed up for.

. . .

Coming Spring 2026 from Potomac Books/@univnebpress. Illustrated by @nettakillian

#debutauthor #militarystories #milspo #milspolife #navywife #militarywife #militaryfamilies #nonfictionbooks #nonfictionwriters

Tried to look like someone who meets deadlines. Thank you @lillianjeanphotography for helping me level up my author photo game. ✍️📸

#debutauthor #nonfictionwriters #pnwwriter #writerlife

Tried to look like someone who meets deadlines. Thank you @lillianjeanphotography for helping me level up my author photo game. ✍️📸

#debutauthor #nonfictionwriters #pnwwriter #writerlife

20-yr-old me dreamed of this 💫 ✍️

#pnw #pnwsummer #lifeofawriter #writerscommunity #pnwwriter #debutauthor

20-yr-old me dreamed of this 💫 ✍️

#pnw #pnwsummer #lifeofawriter #writerscommunity #pnwwriter #debutauthor

The PNW rainy season came early this year, but we’re gonna keep this same summer energy. 🌊 🏔️ ✍️

#writelife #writerscommunityofinstagram #nonfictionwriter #thesummeriturnedpretty #debutauthor #pnwwriter #pnwsummer

The PNW rainy season came early this year, but we’re gonna keep this same summer energy. 🌊 🏔️ ✍️

#writelife #writerscommunityofinstagram #nonfictionwriter #thesummeriturnedpretty #debutauthor #pnwwriter #pnwsummer

Editing sprints powered by naptime & PNW coffee. 🏔️ ☕️ ✍️

#writelikeamother #writerlife #debutauthor #essayist #nonfiction #nonfictionbooks #nonfictionreading #nonfictionwriters #motherwriter #militarywife #militarystories

Editing sprints powered by naptime & PNW coffee. 🏔️ ☕️ ✍️

#writelikeamother #writerlife #debutauthor #essayist #nonfiction #nonfictionbooks #nonfictionreading #nonfictionwriters #motherwriter #militarywife #militarystories

I wrote a poem about a dog named Duke — a dog who got me through weeks and months alone while his pilot and mine were away. Duke was my constant companion during our Texas tour, my running buddy, my beach combing accomplice, my coworker sleeping under my desk at the office.

@line.ofadvance recently selected this little poem as a winner for its Col. Darron L. Wright Memorial Writing Award, which is awarded in honor of his memory and his passion for writing. I am honored that this poem spoke to them, their mission as an arts nonprofit, and Col. Wright’s ethos.

You can read all the winning works on their website. I’m so grateful to be in the company of such moving voices.

Here’s to Duke, and everyone who’s ever navigated the distance of a military assignment, and to all the animals that hold our hearts together through it.

#militarystories #militarywife #deploymentstories #navywife #corpuschristi #dogsoulmate #lineofadvance

I wrote a poem about a dog named Duke — a dog who got me through weeks and months alone while his pilot and mine were away. Duke was my constant companion during our Texas tour, my running buddy, my beach combing accomplice, my coworker sleeping under my desk at the office.

@line.ofadvance recently selected this little poem as a winner for its Col. Darron L. Wright Memorial Writing Award, which is awarded in honor of his memory and his passion for writing. I am honored that this poem spoke to them, their mission as an arts nonprofit, and Col. Wright’s ethos.

You can read all the winning works on their website. I’m so grateful to be in the company of such moving voices.

Here’s to Duke, and everyone who’s ever navigated the distance of a military assignment, and to all the animals that hold our hearts together through it.

#militarystories #militarywife #deploymentstories #navywife #corpuschristi #dogsoulmate #lineofadvance

I could fixate on that fact that my child sat their poopy hindquarters on my pile of clean laundry this weekend, or I could remember all the moments that felt special enough to snap a pic. So that’s what I’ll choose to do. 🤍

#writerslife #momswhowrite #debutauthor #pnwliving

I could fixate on that fact that my child sat their poopy hindquarters on my pile of clean laundry this weekend, or I could remember all the moments that felt special enough to snap a pic. So that’s what I’ll choose to do. 🤍

#writerslife #momswhowrite #debutauthor #pnwliving

It ain’t a glamorous life, but it’s hard-earned and a darn good one. 🌊 🏔️ ✍️

#nonfictionwriter #debutauthor #writelikeamother #pnwviews #weekendroutine #firsttimeauthor

It ain’t a glamorous life, but it’s hard-earned and a darn good one. 🌊 🏔️ ✍️

#nonfictionwriter #debutauthor #writelikeamother #pnwviews #weekendroutine #firsttimeauthor

And if it can make a difference for even one other person, I’ll have done my job.

I’ve always leaned on books—for perspective, for comfort, for a sense that I wasn’t alone.

When I found myself navigating military life in a new city, mid-pandemic, during a surprise deployment, I started looking for a book that might help me make sense of it all, but I never found quite what I was looking for.

Then one day a friend said: Why don’t you write it yourself?

And here we are.

SERVICE ETIQUETTE coming Spring, 2026. 📖

#serviceetiquette #nonfiction #debutauthor #militarystories #militaryspouse #milspouse

And if it can make a difference for even one other person, I’ll have done my job.

I’ve always leaned on books—for perspective, for comfort, for a sense that I wasn’t alone.

When I found myself navigating military life in a new city, mid-pandemic, during a surprise deployment, I started looking for a book that might help me make sense of it all, but I never found quite what I was looking for.

Then one day a friend said: Why don’t you write it yourself?

And here we are.

SERVICE ETIQUETTE coming Spring, 2026. 📖

#serviceetiquette #nonfiction #debutauthor #militarystories #militaryspouse #milspouse

Couldn’t help myself with this trend! 📖

#serviceetiquette #debutauthor #nonfictionbooks #nonfictionwriter #pnwwriter #milspo #milspouselife #navywife #nonfictionreads

Couldn’t help myself with this trend! 📖

#serviceetiquette #debutauthor #nonfictionbooks #nonfictionwriter #pnwwriter #milspo #milspouselife #navywife #nonfictionreads

Some life goal news: My manuscript has found a home with Potomac Books, an imprint of @univnebpress, and is slated to come out next year!

There are so many people to thank, so many feelings to process, and still (oh, yes) so much work to do.

But for this moment I am holding close a recent reminder from a dear friend and brilliant writer—that no writer has ever had the luxury of creating in a time of perfect peace. But still, we write. We persist. We make space for other voices and we never stop making art.

I’m so excited for this book to make its way into the world. More soon. 💫

#nonfictionwriter #nonfiction #essayist #militarystories #smallpress #debutauthor #milspostories #navywife #milspouselife #milspo #writinggoals #publishing #womenwriters

Some life goal news: My manuscript has found a home with Potomac Books, an imprint of @univnebpress, and is slated to come out next year!

There are so many people to thank, so many feelings to process, and still (oh, yes) so much work to do.

But for this moment I am holding close a recent reminder from a dear friend and brilliant writer—that no writer has ever had the luxury of creating in a time of perfect peace. But still, we write. We persist. We make space for other voices and we never stop making art.

I’m so excited for this book to make its way into the world. More soon. 💫

#nonfictionwriter #nonfiction #essayist #militarystories #smallpress #debutauthor #milspostories #navywife #milspouselife #milspo #writinggoals #publishing #womenwriters

🏔️ 🌊 🌲 Ever-grateful for friends who fly across the country to celebrate finishing your book, sing to your baby, walk the dog, push the stroller up all the steep hills, let you rediscover your town, hug you fiercely, and say things like, “You’re doing amazing” just when you need it most. The kind of friends whose presence is a gift—and whose music is, too. @jeri.katherine’s gorgeous new album, WOMAN, (featuring Nat Colten, @jasmine.fouts, and more amazing artists) is streaming on @bandcamp. Track 4 got me through the last two weeks of my manuscript. Track 6 is my baby’s new favorite tummy time jam. Go find your fave!

#pnwadventures #kentuckyartists #kentuckymusicians #kentuckymusic #femalesingersongwriters

🏔️ 🌊 🌲 Ever-grateful for friends who fly across the country to celebrate finishing your book, sing to your baby, walk the dog, push the stroller up all the steep hills, let you rediscover your town, hug you fiercely, and say things like, “You’re doing amazing” just when you need it most. The kind of friends whose presence is a gift—and whose music is, too. @jeri.katherine’s gorgeous new album, WOMAN, (featuring Nat Colten, @jasmine.fouts, and more amazing artists) is streaming on @bandcamp. Track 4 got me through the last two weeks of my manuscript. Track 6 is my baby’s new favorite tummy time jam. Go find your fave!

#pnwadventures #kentuckyartists #kentuckymusicians #kentuckymusic #femalesingersongwriters

75,000 words later, we have a book!

#writer #nonfictionbooks #nonfictionwriter #nonfictionwritersofinstagram #nonfictionreading

75,000 words later, we have a book!

#writer #nonfictionbooks #nonfictionwriter #nonfictionwritersofinstagram #nonfictionreading

The lesson here is that I am nothing without our incredible nanny and my saint of a mother.

#weekinthelife #writelife #writelikeamother

The lesson here is that I am nothing without our incredible nanny and my saint of a mother.

#weekinthelife #writelife #writelikeamother

PNW winter is a vibe 🌊 🏔️

#pnw #pnwadventures #westcoastbestcoast #winterviews #pnwwriters #getoutside

PNW winter is a vibe 🌊 🏔️

#pnw #pnwadventures #westcoastbestcoast #winterviews #pnwwriters #getoutside

Stole an hour to bang out a few words in the very coffeeshop where I used to dream of writing a book. And here we are. Doing my best to focus on the joy that comes with revising a manuscript, rather than the labor (though it is, absolutely, labor). If that means bribing myself with lattes, so be it. ☕️

#writelife #pnwcoffee #wip

Stole an hour to bang out a few words in the very coffeeshop where I used to dream of writing a book. And here we are. Doing my best to focus on the joy that comes with revising a manuscript, rather than the labor (though it is, absolutely, labor). If that means bribing myself with lattes, so be it. ☕️

#writelife #pnwcoffee #wip

New moms have soooooo much free time 🤪, so here are the 6 books from my teetering #tbr list I’m most looking forward to reading…at some point. 🫣 If you have an #audiobook you’re obsessed with, please send the title my way! It’s looking like hands-free reading is going to be the vibe this year. 🎧 📚

#ratcatcher #iykyk

New moms have soooooo much free time 🤪, so here are the 6 books from my teetering #tbr list I’m most looking forward to reading…at some point. 🫣 If you have an #audiobook you’re obsessed with, please send the title my way! It’s looking like hands-free reading is going to be the vibe this year. 🎧 📚

#ratcatcher #iykyk

Today I spoke with a warm, open, generous navy wife who shared her experience pursuing in vitro fertilization treatment. I asked about her decisions, her celebrations, her pain, and how her fertility journey informed and was informed by her husband’s service in the military. I am always blown away by these interviews, and the folks who agree to share their time and story with me. I’m excited to sit down with our transcript from today, alongside transcripts from several other conversations on this topic, and share these stories with you.

#writelife #militarystories #milspo #milspouse #ivf

Today I spoke with a warm, open, generous navy wife who shared her experience pursuing in vitro fertilization treatment. I asked about her decisions, her celebrations, her pain, and how her fertility journey informed and was informed by her husband’s service in the military. I am always blown away by these interviews, and the folks who agree to share their time and story with me. I’m excited to sit down with our transcript from today, alongside transcripts from several other conversations on this topic, and share these stories with you.

#writelife #militarystories #milspo #milspouse #ivf

🌊 🌊 🌊

Them: Winter in the PNW is so depressing.

Me: Mhm, sure.

🌊 🌊 🌊

Them: Winter in the PNW is so depressing.

Me: Mhm, sure.

Hello, 2025 👋

Hello, 2025 👋

I had fun looking back through my Goodreads for the year (52 books!!) so I’m sharing my favorite 4 reads. I love recommending books because then I get to nerd out about them with other people. If you’ve read any of these books, I’d love to hear your thoughts! They’re now all officially on my “Forever Recommend” list.

#2024readingchallenge #bookrecommendations #historicalromance #contemporaryromance #paranormalromance #nonfiction #memoir

I had fun looking back through my Goodreads for the year (52 books!!) so I’m sharing my favorite 4 reads. I love recommending books because then I get to nerd out about them with other people. If you’ve read any of these books, I’d love to hear your thoughts! They’re now all officially on my “Forever Recommend” list.

#2024readingchallenge #bookrecommendations #historicalromance #contemporaryromance #paranormalromance #nonfiction #memoir

Eking out a few more pages before closing the book on 2024. Wishing you all the very best end of the year. 🎆 🥂

#mondaypages #writelife

Eking out a few more pages before closing the book on 2024. Wishing you all the very best end of the year. 🎆 🥂

#mondaypages #writelife

Book edits with 🐣

Shout-out to @mobywrap & the “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” soundtrack for getting me a few hours with my manuscript. 🖊️

#editing #writelife #essayist #writelikeamother

Book edits with 🐣

Shout-out to @mobywrap & the “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” soundtrack for getting me a few hours with my manuscript. 🖊️

#editing #writelife #essayist #writelikeamother

First postpartum run in the books, followed by a cooldown walk with Mr. Waffles. Naturally, we live atop a giant hill, and what went down had to go back up again.

#runpnw #pnwwinter

First postpartum run in the books, followed by a cooldown walk with Mr. Waffles. Naturally, we live atop a giant hill, and what went down had to go back up again.

#runpnw #pnwwinter

A lovely surprise! My contributor copy of @artslettersjournal arrived in the mail, featuring my essay, “Madelyn,” about the young wife of a naval intelligence officer who finds herself in nowhere, Nevada.

Madelyn (not her real name) shared her story with me a few years ago when I was interviewing military spouses about their experiences. Sharp, fierce, and hopeful, I felt like there was a little bit of Madelyn in me…and that there might be a little bit of Madelyn in every military spouse.

You can meet Madelyn by grabbing a copy of the journal on the A&L website.

#militarystories #milspo #milspouse #militarywife #navywife #topgun #navylife #milspouselife

A lovely surprise! My contributor copy of @artslettersjournal arrived in the mail, featuring my essay, “Madelyn,” about the young wife of a naval intelligence officer who finds herself in nowhere, Nevada.

Madelyn (not her real name) shared her story with me a few years ago when I was interviewing military spouses about their experiences. Sharp, fierce, and hopeful, I felt like there was a little bit of Madelyn in me…and that there might be a little bit of Madelyn in every military spouse.

You can meet Madelyn by grabbing a copy of the journal on the A&L website.

#militarystories #milspo #milspouse #militarywife #navywife #topgun #navylife #milspouselife

These are the words I’ll be replaying in my head for the foreseeable.

I caught the latest episode of @fatedmatespod on my walk today, and these words by @sarahmaclean stuck with me. Book bans have been greatly on my mind lately. They are happening across the country, and there are more to come.

Books are information.
Books are education.
Books are imagination and escape and possibility.
Books challenge us, comfort us, keep us company.
Books are sanctuary.

When we restrict books, we restrict thought, ideas, expression. The slope grows more slippery with every banned book, every library restriction. The success that a small but vocal army of book banners have had on the local and state levels scares me. But hearing this advice from one of my favorite writers reminded me that while these worries are valid, we shouldn’t let the possibility of the future restrictions restrict what we create today.

Keep writing without censure.
Keep writing without inhibition.
Keep writing without fear.
Keep writing.
Keep writing.
Keep writing.

#bannedbooks

These are the words I’ll be replaying in my head for the foreseeable.

I caught the latest episode of @fatedmatespod on my walk today, and these words by @sarahmaclean stuck with me. Book bans have been greatly on my mind lately. They are happening across the country, and there are more to come.

Books are information.
Books are education.
Books are imagination and escape and possibility.
Books challenge us, comfort us, keep us company.
Books are sanctuary.

When we restrict books, we restrict thought, ideas, expression. The slope grows more slippery with every banned book, every library restriction. The success that a small but vocal army of book banners have had on the local and state levels scares me. But hearing this advice from one of my favorite writers reminded me that while these worries are valid, we shouldn’t let the possibility of the future restrictions restrict what we create today.

Keep writing without censure.
Keep writing without inhibition.
Keep writing without fear.
Keep writing.
Keep writing.
Keep writing.

#bannedbooks

🫡 My veteran is the sort who gets uncomfortable when people thank him for his service. That discomfort was something I never considered before I met him. So now I try to go beyond the “thank you.” It’s part of why I chose to work for a veteran services organization I believe in. And of course much of my writing life has been dedicated to amplifying veteran and military family voices. But perhaps my favorite way to support our veterans has always been running. I’m excited to get back to it in my postpartum era, particularly the @thewingmanfoundation, @endeavorsorg, and @theaws1jamesburiakfoundation virtual 5Ks benefitting veterans and their families. In 2025 I’m setting myself a goal of running 3 races in support of veterans. 👟 And now I’ve put that goal on the internet, so I have to make it happen. 💪 Let’s go.

#veteransday #beyondthethankyou

🫡 My veteran is the sort who gets uncomfortable when people thank him for his service. That discomfort was something I never considered before I met him. So now I try to go beyond the “thank you.” It’s part of why I chose to work for a veteran services organization I believe in. And of course much of my writing life has been dedicated to amplifying veteran and military family voices. But perhaps my favorite way to support our veterans has always been running. I’m excited to get back to it in my postpartum era, particularly the @thewingmanfoundation, @endeavorsorg, and @theaws1jamesburiakfoundation virtual 5Ks benefitting veterans and their families. In 2025 I’m setting myself a goal of running 3 races in support of veterans. 👟 And now I’ve put that goal on the internet, so I have to make it happen. 💪 Let’s go.

#veteransday #beyondthethankyou

TW: pregnancy loss

I’ve debated sharing this, but I believe in the power of sharing our stories.

I snapped this photo in the pre-op wing of the hospital last year while waiting to be wheeled into the OR for an emergency D&C.

My husband was out of the country when this happened, but there was no time to wait for him to fly home. I texted him this photo as a lame attempt to reassure him that I was fine. (“Look, I’m good! I have my Kindle! You don’t have to worry.”)

I was not good. I was bottling everything up.

I didn’t plan to have a D&C. I didn’t even plan to be pregnant, tho I wanted that baby to grow and thrive very much. I found out at 6 weeks that my IUD had failed and I was pregnant with what my doctor called “a one-in-a-million baby.” But by 10 weeks, the fetus’ heartbeat had stopped, but my body would not expel the tissue. The medical term for this is a “missed abortion.” Left untreated, I risked hemorrhaging and infection. My doctor recommended an immediate D&C procedure to remove the fetal tissue and prevent serious damage to my health.

I know there are people who will argue the difference between a D&C for a miscarriage and an abortion. I’ll just say that they are medically the same procedure, that my doctor felt it was necessary for my health, and that even though my baby’s heartbeat had long stopped, my medical record reads “abortion.”

Thanks to my doctor’s intervention, I made it through that miscarriage and, a year later, I’m now a mom to a healthy baby.

My story is not unique. And I guarantee that — whether you realize it or not — you know someone besides me whose health or life has been saved by abortion care.

Miscarriage care and abortion rights are inherently intertwined. When we don’t protect abortion rights, we put ALL women in danger.

If you haven’t voted yet, or don’t plan to, please know that your vote matters for women and families. Please vote.

#votevotevote #pregnancylossawarenessmonth

TW: pregnancy loss

I’ve debated sharing this, but I believe in the power of sharing our stories.

I snapped this photo in the pre-op wing of the hospital last year while waiting to be wheeled into the OR for an emergency D&C.

My husband was out of the country when this happened, but there was no time to wait for him to fly home. I texted him this photo as a lame attempt to reassure him that I was fine. (“Look, I’m good! I have my Kindle! You don’t have to worry.”)

I was not good. I was bottling everything up.

I didn’t plan to have a D&C. I didn’t even plan to be pregnant, tho I wanted that baby to grow and thrive very much. I found out at 6 weeks that my IUD had failed and I was pregnant with what my doctor called “a one-in-a-million baby.” But by 10 weeks, the fetus’ heartbeat had stopped, but my body would not expel the tissue. The medical term for this is a “missed abortion.” Left untreated, I risked hemorrhaging and infection. My doctor recommended an immediate D&C procedure to remove the fetal tissue and prevent serious damage to my health.

I know there are people who will argue the difference between a D&C for a miscarriage and an abortion. I’ll just say that they are medically the same procedure, that my doctor felt it was necessary for my health, and that even though my baby’s heartbeat had long stopped, my medical record reads “abortion.”

Thanks to my doctor’s intervention, I made it through that miscarriage and, a year later, I’m now a mom to a healthy baby.

My story is not unique. And I guarantee that — whether you realize it or not — you know someone besides me whose health or life has been saved by abortion care.

Miscarriage care and abortion rights are inherently intertwined. When we don’t protect abortion rights, we put ALL women in danger.

If you haven’t voted yet, or don’t plan to, please know that your vote matters for women and families. Please vote.

#votevotevote #pregnancylossawarenessmonth

📚 📚 There’s no room for depressing books when your body is raging with pregnancy hormones. #recentreads

📚 📚 There’s no room for depressing books when your body is raging with pregnancy hormones. #recentreads

I have a feeling the rainy season is coming early to the #PNW this year, so I’m soaking up every possible second of sun while reviewing proofs for an essay that’s coming out later this fall. It’s exciting and terrifying to know a piece of such a long-labored-over project is making its way into the world. A piece I hold so dearly and closely to my heart. A piece that feels, at times, like it crafted a new part of me more than I wrote it.

Stay tuned for the reveal!

#writingview #pwnwriter #nonfictionwriter #essayist

I have a feeling the rainy season is coming early to the #PNW this year, so I’m soaking up every possible second of sun while reviewing proofs for an essay that’s coming out later this fall. It’s exciting and terrifying to know a piece of such a long-labored-over project is making its way into the world. A piece I hold so dearly and closely to my heart. A piece that feels, at times, like it crafted a new part of me more than I wrote it.

Stay tuned for the reveal!

#writingview #pwnwriter #nonfictionwriter #essayist

Working on a book 9 months pregnant is no joke. Not only am I a literal pumpkin 🎃, I’m a pumpkin who keeps putting the forks in the fridge and the milk in the pantry and who can’t put her socks on by herself anymore. 🫠

Working on a book 9 months pregnant is no joke. Not only am I a literal pumpkin 🎃, I’m a pumpkin who keeps putting the forks in the fridge and the milk in the pantry and who can’t put her socks on by herself anymore. 🫠

I’ve lived on every US coast and I’m here to tell you: There’s nothing like the palette of a PNW summer.

#pnw #writerinthewild #pnwadventure

I’ve lived on every US coast and I’m here to tell you: There’s nothing like the palette of a PNW summer.

#pnw #writerinthewild #pnwadventure

I’m so grateful to @lillianjeanphotography for capturing this wild, wondrous moment in my life.

Lillian and I worked together freelancing for @thebendmag in Texas a few years back. She with her keen eye, me with my words. She made so many of my articles pop off the page with her photography. When I got married in a tiny pandemic courthouse wedding, she showed up on two days’ notice to capture it on her camera.

Four years later, we have both coincidentally (but almost as if on purpose?) moved to the same county in the PNW. Her art continues to spellbind me. So does her talent for making even the most awkward and self-conscious models (hi, it’s me) feel at ease in front of the camera.

In the midst of the anxious, anticipatory, straight-up-freaky ride that is pregnancy, I’m so grateful for these images that make me pause and take in the wild, wild wonder of it all.

I’m so grateful to @lillianjeanphotography for capturing this wild, wondrous moment in my life.

Lillian and I worked together freelancing for @thebendmag in Texas a few years back. She with her keen eye, me with my words. She made so many of my articles pop off the page with her photography. When I got married in a tiny pandemic courthouse wedding, she showed up on two days’ notice to capture it on her camera.

Four years later, we have both coincidentally (but almost as if on purpose?) moved to the same county in the PNW. Her art continues to spellbind me. So does her talent for making even the most awkward and self-conscious models (hi, it’s me) feel at ease in front of the camera.

In the midst of the anxious, anticipatory, straight-up-freaky ride that is pregnancy, I’m so grateful for these images that make me pause and take in the wild, wild wonder of it all.

A crappy draft beats a blank page any day.

This month I spent every Thursday learning from @paz.writes alongside a group of other creative, generous writers from around the world. Tonight is our last class, and I’m bringing this crappy draft about love and politics and MMA to the chopping block for their feedback.

I keep asking myself, “When will I stop signing up for things that involve homework?”

And the answer is, most likely, never.

Feedback from other writers is just too valuable. If you’re looking for your next writing class, I recommend checking out @writersdotcom for a diverse lineup of virtual options. I also share as many as I can to my stories, and if you have any classes that you’ve loved or are teaching soon, please let me know! I’m always looking for my next one to attend!

#writingclass #writingworkshops #writinggroup #cnf #writingpractice #writersdesk

A crappy draft beats a blank page any day.

This month I spent every Thursday learning from @paz.writes alongside a group of other creative, generous writers from around the world. Tonight is our last class, and I’m bringing this crappy draft about love and politics and MMA to the chopping block for their feedback.

I keep asking myself, “When will I stop signing up for things that involve homework?”

And the answer is, most likely, never.

Feedback from other writers is just too valuable. If you’re looking for your next writing class, I recommend checking out @writersdotcom for a diverse lineup of virtual options. I also share as many as I can to my stories, and if you have any classes that you’ve loved or are teaching soon, please let me know! I’m always looking for my next one to attend!

#writingclass #writingworkshops #writinggroup #cnf #writingpractice #writersdesk

Adopt the dog. 🐕 🐾

There is a dog out there who needs you desperately. A dog you need more than you know.

Waffles has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. I have poured hours and hours into training myself to be a better dog guardian (thank you for your guidance @barksandrecva! 🩵) and it has been SO 🐾 HARD 🐾 AND 🐾 SO 🐾 WORTH 🐾 IT 🐾

I can’t stop thinking about all the ways this dog makes me want to be a kinder, more thoughtful person. Every time we hit a milestone, or I come to a new understanding about how he clicks, I realize more and more that dog psychology and human psychology aren’t that different.

“Bad” behavior is just a symptom of an unmet need.

Getting up to “trouble” is just lack of enrichment.

Praise and affirmation reinforce healthy behavior.

Respecting someone’s physical and emotional boundaries builds trust.

Trying new things builds confidence.

A walk in the fresh air makes everything seem brighter, even when it’s cloudy.

I’m an expert in nothing, but I love that the practice of caring for a dog might teach me to have more patience with the world, and with myself.

Not for one second have I ever regretted driving 16 hours through the mountains to adopt an “aggressive” dog with 48 hours left before euthanasia. (Last photo was taken as we were pulling out of the parking lot of the animal shelter.) Building a relationship of trust, loyalty, and respect with this goofball has been a challenge I wasn’t prepared for, but one that has undeniably made me a better friend, colleague, and partner.

When we adopt a dog we say we “rescued” them. But we all know who really rescues whom. 🩵 🐾 🐕

Adopt the dog. 🐕 🐾

There is a dog out there who needs you desperately. A dog you need more than you know.

Waffles has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. I have poured hours and hours into training myself to be a better dog guardian (thank you for your guidance @barksandrecva! 🩵) and it has been SO 🐾 HARD 🐾 AND 🐾 SO 🐾 WORTH 🐾 IT 🐾

I can’t stop thinking about all the ways this dog makes me want to be a kinder, more thoughtful person. Every time we hit a milestone, or I come to a new understanding about how he clicks, I realize more and more that dog psychology and human psychology aren’t that different.

“Bad” behavior is just a symptom of an unmet need.

Getting up to “trouble” is just lack of enrichment.

Praise and affirmation reinforce healthy behavior.

Respecting someone’s physical and emotional boundaries builds trust.

Trying new things builds confidence.

A walk in the fresh air makes everything seem brighter, even when it’s cloudy.

I’m an expert in nothing, but I love that the practice of caring for a dog might teach me to have more patience with the world, and with myself.

Not for one second have I ever regretted driving 16 hours through the mountains to adopt an “aggressive” dog with 48 hours left before euthanasia. (Last photo was taken as we were pulling out of the parking lot of the animal shelter.) Building a relationship of trust, loyalty, and respect with this goofball has been a challenge I wasn’t prepared for, but one that has undeniably made me a better friend, colleague, and partner.

When we adopt a dog we say we “rescued” them. But we all know who really rescues whom. 🩵 🐾 🐕

Name a more perfect setting for combing through peers’ essays and jotting down editorial feedback for them than a rainy PNW afternoon. 🏔️ 🌧️ ☕️

#pnwriter

Name a more perfect setting for combing through peers’ essays and jotting down editorial feedback for them than a rainy PNW afternoon. 🏔️ 🌧️ ☕️

#pnwriter

It’s been seven years since my last PNW Summer. And I’m struck by how much it looks, smells, and feels like a Coastal Texas Winter. Shorts and long sleeves. Beaches too cool for lounging but perfect for long walks. Occasionally, a brave toe in the water. Jellies dotting the shore. And somehow, too, sunburn after sunburn after sunburn. The local season for unparalleled outdoor reading. I still wrestle with loving two such disparate places so deeply. With the wonder that the two most opposite-appearing places I’ve called “home” can spark such a similar joy. Stay awhile, PNW Summer. ☀️ 🏔️ 🌊

It’s been seven years since my last PNW Summer. And I’m struck by how much it looks, smells, and feels like a Coastal Texas Winter. Shorts and long sleeves. Beaches too cool for lounging but perfect for long walks. Occasionally, a brave toe in the water. Jellies dotting the shore. And somehow, too, sunburn after sunburn after sunburn. The local season for unparalleled outdoor reading. I still wrestle with loving two such disparate places so deeply. With the wonder that the two most opposite-appearing places I’ve called “home” can spark such a similar joy. Stay awhile, PNW Summer. ☀️ 🏔️ 🌊

Scribbled notes from an afternoon spent interviewing a hilarious, open, outdoors-loving military spouse. The writing process is a love/hate relationship, but these research interviews are the very best part of that process. I’ve loved the way my current project has introduced me to so many wonderful #milspos stationed around the world.

I’m still looking for a few more folks willing to share their military spouse story. I’ll drop the link to the web page and interest form in my story, if you are a spouse/girlfriend/boyfriend/partner/ex/*it’s complicated* is interested in participating. 🩵

#amwriting #cnf #writingnotebook #militarystories #militaryspouse #militaryspousesupport #malemilitaryspouse #dependa #milspouselife #writinglife #nonfictionwriter

Scribbled notes from an afternoon spent interviewing a hilarious, open, outdoors-loving military spouse. The writing process is a love/hate relationship, but these research interviews are the very best part of that process. I’ve loved the way my current project has introduced me to so many wonderful #milspos stationed around the world.

I’m still looking for a few more folks willing to share their military spouse story. I’ll drop the link to the web page and interest form in my story, if you are a spouse/girlfriend/boyfriend/partner/ex/*it’s complicated* is interested in participating. 🩵

#amwriting #cnf #writingnotebook #militarystories #militaryspouse #militaryspousesupport #malemilitaryspouse #dependa #milspouselife #writinglife #nonfictionwriter

Hello! 👋 I am extremely terrible about maintaining this account as a professional page (mostly because there are so many things to do! Like go to the beach! Hang with my dog! Write!), but also…community matters. And as any military spouse knows, our communities often exist in far-flung edges of the earth, so hopefully I can use this little page to build and maintain community from here on out.

I’ve seemed to accumulate a bunch of new followers lately (thank you! I’m thrilled to meet you!), so here are a few things about yours truly:

🦞 I’m a writer & editor living with my husband & pup in the PNW. 🏔️

📍 I’ve lived in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Kentucky, Washington, Texas, and Virginia.

⚓️ I’ve been a military girlfriend/spouse for almost 8 years. A lot of my professional work involves sharing stories from and advocating for the military community.

✍️ I earned my MFA in Creative Writing in 2023 and I write creative nonfiction. I’m currently at work on a book, which is simultaneously very fun and super scary!

📚 I LOVE LOVE LOVE talking about, recommending, and dissecting books. Fair warning: I use this account to recommend books A LOT. Please match my freak. 🙏

🌹 I’m a lifelong romance reader (it helps balance out the oft-depressing nonfiction). My forever faves include @lisakleypas, @tessa_dare, @sepauthor. Right now I’m reading @elizabethhoytauthor’s Maiden Lane series, which is delightful.

🌊 My ideal day includes looking at, being on, or dipping my toes into the water. 🛶 🎣 🏝️

🦌 Apart from marrying my husband and adopting our shelter pup, the single greatest thing I’ve experienced was getting my face licked by the world’s friendliest whitetail deer.

Here’s to posting more than once every 9 months! 🥂

Hello! 👋 I am extremely terrible about maintaining this account as a professional page (mostly because there are so many things to do! Like go to the beach! Hang with my dog! Write!), but also…community matters. And as any military spouse knows, our communities often exist in far-flung edges of the earth, so hopefully I can use this little page to build and maintain community from here on out.

I’ve seemed to accumulate a bunch of new followers lately (thank you! I’m thrilled to meet you!), so here are a few things about yours truly:

🦞 I’m a writer & editor living with my husband & pup in the PNW. 🏔️

📍 I’ve lived in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Kentucky, Washington, Texas, and Virginia.

⚓️ I’ve been a military girlfriend/spouse for almost 8 years. A lot of my professional work involves sharing stories from and advocating for the military community.

✍️ I earned my MFA in Creative Writing in 2023 and I write creative nonfiction. I’m currently at work on a book, which is simultaneously very fun and super scary!

📚 I LOVE LOVE LOVE talking about, recommending, and dissecting books. Fair warning: I use this account to recommend books A LOT. Please match my freak. 🙏

🌹 I’m a lifelong romance reader (it helps balance out the oft-depressing nonfiction). My forever faves include @lisakleypas, @tessa_dare, @sepauthor. Right now I’m reading @elizabethhoytauthor’s Maiden Lane series, which is delightful.

🌊 My ideal day includes looking at, being on, or dipping my toes into the water. 🛶 🎣 🏝️

🦌 Apart from marrying my husband and adopting our shelter pup, the single greatest thing I’ve experienced was getting my face licked by the world’s friendliest whitetail deer.

Here’s to posting more than once every 9 months! 🥂

A rare image of the remote worker in professional garb. 💅🏻 Yes, I have a day job! I’m lucky to work with an amazing group of folks at one of the largest Veteran services nonprofits in Texas, and sometimes I get to travel to San Antonio to see them! And get Whataburger! I got to do that this past week and it was so rejuvenating! The remote work/writing life combo means a lot of alone time, and I’m grateful for any opportunity to get out and engage with other humans.

Writers, I’d love to pick your brains on how you beat the isolation of putting your bum in the chair to work. I’m lucky to have a virtual Accountability Group that does email check-ins every week, plus some local writing besties who are always down for a coffee-fueled writing date. What are some ways you build and maintain your community as a writer?

#writelife #writersofinstagram #writingcommunity

A rare image of the remote worker in professional garb. 💅🏻 Yes, I have a day job! I’m lucky to work with an amazing group of folks at one of the largest Veteran services nonprofits in Texas, and sometimes I get to travel to San Antonio to see them! And get Whataburger! I got to do that this past week and it was so rejuvenating! The remote work/writing life combo means a lot of alone time, and I’m grateful for any opportunity to get out and engage with other humans.

Writers, I’d love to pick your brains on how you beat the isolation of putting your bum in the chair to work. I’m lucky to have a virtual Accountability Group that does email check-ins every week, plus some local writing besties who are always down for a coffee-fueled writing date. What are some ways you build and maintain your community as a writer?

#writelife #writersofinstagram #writingcommunity

Recently rec’d this to a friend and it got me all obsessed again. I don’t know how to talk about this book in any way that doesn’t involve a bottle of bourbon and a 45-minute PowerPoint so I’ll just leave it at this:

I’ve never met another book that gripped me by the throat so gosh darn hard.

#nonfiction #womenwriters

Recently rec’d this to a friend and it got me all obsessed again. I don’t know how to talk about this book in any way that doesn’t involve a bottle of bourbon and a 45-minute PowerPoint so I’ll just leave it at this:

I’ve never met another book that gripped me by the throat so gosh darn hard.

#nonfiction #womenwriters

50 years. That’s how long Coast Guard spouse Ellen Glasgow has been writing letters with her friend L, another military spouse. One letter a week. 52 weeks a year. Over 2,600 letters. “Do you ever talk on the phone?” I ask. She shrugs. “You don’t remember what you say on the phone.” The letters are a record. Ellen’s gallery is filled with her paintings, prints, and ceramics of all sizes. Landscapes from the places she’s lived…Hawaii, Alaska, North Carolina… And on the floor, plastic tubs and cardboard boxes packed with white and brown envelopes. Letters from L. I met Ellen accidentally this weekend, while re-exploring an enchanting small town in the middle of Kentucky with my dear friend @jeri.katherine. Ellen’s story makes me think of all the friends who stayed put when I left, and left when I stayed put, and what we’ve recorded, and what we won’t remember, and what we will. And it makes me think of all the moments of connection just waiting out there in unexpected places. And the stories we don’t know are waiting for us in unassuming places. Like behind the wooden door of a small town art gallery.

#militaryspouse #milspo #milspouse #kentuckyartist #letterwriting #coastguardwife

50 years. That’s how long Coast Guard spouse Ellen Glasgow has been writing letters with her friend L, another military spouse. One letter a week. 52 weeks a year. Over 2,600 letters. “Do you ever talk on the phone?” I ask. She shrugs. “You don’t remember what you say on the phone.” The letters are a record. Ellen’s gallery is filled with her paintings, prints, and ceramics of all sizes. Landscapes from the places she’s lived…Hawaii, Alaska, North Carolina… And on the floor, plastic tubs and cardboard boxes packed with white and brown envelopes. Letters from L. I met Ellen accidentally this weekend, while re-exploring an enchanting small town in the middle of Kentucky with my dear friend @jeri.katherine. Ellen’s story makes me think of all the friends who stayed put when I left, and left when I stayed put, and what we’ve recorded, and what we won’t remember, and what we will. And it makes me think of all the moments of connection just waiting out there in unexpected places. And the stories we don’t know are waiting for us in unassuming places. Like behind the wooden door of a small town art gallery.

#militaryspouse #milspo #milspouse #kentuckyartist #letterwriting #coastguardwife

Every summer I drive the pup 14 hours north, to endless fields and grass taller than his ears. He chases rabbits and deer but only comes back with ticks. He stands watch at my mother’s garden until the sun goes down. At night his tail thuds against the floor with delightful dreams so loudly that I lay awake all night, listening, loving it. This is the life I want to give him. The life we are working towards. But for now we have these trips, and I run with him through the fields every chance I get, giddy, and goofy, and with abandon.

Every summer I drive the pup 14 hours north, to endless fields and grass taller than his ears. He chases rabbits and deer but only comes back with ticks. He stands watch at my mother’s garden until the sun goes down. At night his tail thuds against the floor with delightful dreams so loudly that I lay awake all night, listening, loving it. This is the life I want to give him. The life we are working towards. But for now we have these trips, and I run with him through the fields every chance I get, giddy, and goofy, and with abandon.

This is how we rate romance from now on — with jalapeños from the garden. 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

“The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie” is probably my favorite of the Jennifer Ashley historicals. Even though I give it 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (aka 🔥 but you could recommend it to your mama), it’s a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ overall read about a young Scottish lord recently released from an asylum who saves a (slightly) older widow from marrying a garbage can of a man, and then marries her himself because he is just that level of confidence. Throw in a ruthless detective trying to pin down our Scottish lord for the murders of several ladies of the night, and it’s a page-turner.

Big themes include:
Mental illness
Class & gender
Masculinity & fraternal relationships

This is how we rate romance from now on — with jalapeños from the garden. 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

“The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie” is probably my favorite of the Jennifer Ashley historicals. Even though I give it 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (aka 🔥 but you could recommend it to your mama), it’s a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ overall read about a young Scottish lord recently released from an asylum who saves a (slightly) older widow from marrying a garbage can of a man, and then marries her himself because he is just that level of confidence. Throw in a ruthless detective trying to pin down our Scottish lord for the murders of several ladies of the night, and it’s a page-turner.

Big themes include:
Mental illness
Class & gender
Masculinity & fraternal relationships

Despite growing up a town away, this was my first year checking out the Westport Friends Book Fair. Y’ALL, IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT. They had tents on tents on tents with 📚 OVER 30,000 BOOKS 📚!!! My brain nearly shut down from trying to scan all the titles in the 90° heat, but I made it out alive with some real winners for less than $20 total! Some new-to-me Anita Shreve, a #largeprint @lisakleypas, two classic @sarahmaclean mass markets complete with stepbacks, some kilty Jennifer Ashleys, my first ever @juliegarwoodauthor 🕊️, and a 1955 novel that I’ve never heard of before. I scoured the tables for narrative nonfiction but I suppose romance really is the bread-and-butter of the used book fair. 10/10 will be back next year with a bigger box.

Despite growing up a town away, this was my first year checking out the Westport Friends Book Fair. Y’ALL, IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT. They had tents on tents on tents with 📚 OVER 30,000 BOOKS 📚!!! My brain nearly shut down from trying to scan all the titles in the 90° heat, but I made it out alive with some real winners for less than $20 total! Some new-to-me Anita Shreve, a #largeprint @lisakleypas, two classic @sarahmaclean mass markets complete with stepbacks, some kilty Jennifer Ashleys, my first ever @juliegarwoodauthor 🕊️, and a 1955 novel that I’ve never heard of before. I scoured the tables for narrative nonfiction but I suppose romance really is the bread-and-butter of the used book fair. 10/10 will be back next year with a bigger box.

A bunch of things that’ve made me ☺️ recently

1. First time in a plane flown by my 🤍
2. Zurich at sunset
3. European glute workout
4. Meeting Hector the seal
5. Scolded for late-night reading

A bunch of things that’ve made me ☺️ recently

1. First time in a plane flown by my 🤍
2. Zurich at sunset
3. European glute workout
4. Meeting Hector the seal
5. Scolded for late-night reading

It was standing room only at our last MFA reading of the season, and my last time organizing a reading for this ridiculously skilled group of writers at @olddominionmfa.

These events have been a source of complete joy during my tenure as Graduate Program Assistant. I love bringing people together, and tonight I learned that two undergraduate poets became writer besties after meeting for the first time at one of our events! 😍

Just overflowing with joy and gratitude in this moment. In awe of these writers. Obsessed with @eleanorsnfk. Excited for all the places these writers will go, the stories they will tell.

Also, Little David was in attendance, and he tried to eat my hair, my jacket buttons, and my engagement ring. So obviously a 12/10 kind of night.

It was standing room only at our last MFA reading of the season, and my last time organizing a reading for this ridiculously skilled group of writers at @olddominionmfa.

These events have been a source of complete joy during my tenure as Graduate Program Assistant. I love bringing people together, and tonight I learned that two undergraduate poets became writer besties after meeting for the first time at one of our events! 😍

Just overflowing with joy and gratitude in this moment. In awe of these writers. Obsessed with @eleanorsnfk. Excited for all the places these writers will go, the stories they will tell.

Also, Little David was in attendance, and he tried to eat my hair, my jacket buttons, and my engagement ring. So obviously a 12/10 kind of night.

Did I learn a lot during my MFA? Yes. Did I write a good portion of what will hopefully someday become a book? Also yes. But the real win is right here — these folks. The quirky, brilliant, unforgettable writing family we’ve made. Love these peeps to the moon and back. 🤍

Thank you @aka_renny for bringing us all together to celebrate.

#writers #writerscommunity #writersofinstagram #gradschool #gradparty #writerfriends

Did I learn a lot during my MFA? Yes. Did I write a good portion of what will hopefully someday become a book? Also yes. But the real win is right here — these folks. The quirky, brilliant, unforgettable writing family we’ve made. Love these peeps to the moon and back. 🤍

Thank you @aka_renny for bringing us all together to celebrate.

#writers #writerscommunity #writersofinstagram #gradschool #gradparty #writerfriends

Taking a moment to brag on my pup & our favorite treat lady @barksandrecva! 🐾 🤍 Plus so much fun training with @steph.regis & Dak! Waffles came to us with major doggo reactivity, and thanks to Sarah’s guidance, expertise, and encouragement, we’ve made SO much progress! We still have things to work on but this sweet boy is a much happier, calmer, more confident pup!

#waffles #forcefreetraining #forcefree #forcefreedogtraining #dogtraining #dogreactivity #dogreactivitytraining

Taking a moment to brag on my pup & our favorite treat lady @barksandrecva! 🐾 🤍 Plus so much fun training with @steph.regis & Dak! Waffles came to us with major doggo reactivity, and thanks to Sarah’s guidance, expertise, and encouragement, we’ve made SO much progress! We still have things to work on but this sweet boy is a much happier, calmer, more confident pup!

#waffles #forcefreetraining #forcefree #forcefreedogtraining #dogtraining #dogreactivity #dogreactivitytraining

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