May 2017 – Julie Wrote a Book

Dinner, Summer Books, Double Draw

A rabbi, a priest, and a cowboy walk into a bar. And the bartender says, “What is this, a joke?” That's my all time favorite joke. Try to beat it. No, seriously, please try. I think we all need as many laughs as we can get these days. While we are waiting for more humor, I have some fun links for your Saturday: Dinner Party: Have you thrown one lately? I'm due to have some friends over for a bottle and a gossip. I actually think this menu for a $40 Dinner Party looks really good. Well, it looks mostly…

Sweet and Spicy

Hooray and Hallelujah! It sure took you long enough, weekend. We are... Celebrating: Back in the day, Mother's Day was a Capital-E Event with brunches, nice dresses, and presents. But now I'm tired of those shenanigans. I work so much and my kids are running around all the time, so on Sunday I don't want to go anywhere or do anything or wear nice clothes. I'm going to sleep in late, and then stay in my pajamas and read all day. My kids and husband can visit me bring me hot coffee and we can talk about happy things tell stupid…

Book Review: The Mothers

It's only been out since last October, but there has already been a ton of hype about this book. For good reason – The Mothers by Brit Bennett is every bit as dazzling as you've been hearing. She has already won some prestigious awards, and I hope she wins a whole bunch more. Everything, actually. I want her to win everything and then write a million more books. This book left me in a fugue state for a few days after I finished it; I had a hard time moving on to a new story because these characters are so deeply entrenched in my…

Mojitos, Books, and a Romantic Friendship

Happy First Saturday of May, my friends! I hope your weather is nice and your cocktails are delicious. I'm going to try this Strawberry Pineapple Mojito. Because vitamins, yo. What are you reading right now? If you need a new book, check out J.K. Rowling's recommendations. Related: I've only met one person whose favorite March sister was someone other than Jo, and I had to stop being friends with her. Because really. The whole point of that book is Jo March, right? Like, the person who identifies with Amy just doesn't even make sense to me. Or, if you are feeling adventurous and…

Top Two Most Embarrassing Moments Last Week

I spent last week at the Smarter Artist Summit in Austin. If you look around the interwebs, you'll see all sorts of wrap-ups from writers who came out of their shells, talked to other people, and learned about writing, marketing, and branding. It was an awesome time, even for introverts who aren’t used to peopling. Of course I had to mess some things up. It was inevitable, and knowing me it could have been way worse. If you ever think to yourself, That Julie sure is brave! Look how she goes to other states with other people and tries…