Who am I? I WRITE books. I EDIT other people’s stories.

I TEACH creative writing. And I BAKE.

WRITE. I am honored to say I’m the bestselling author of a novel, and a memoir. But what I’m giddy about is my new book released October 18, 2022, How to Write a Novel in 20 Pies: Sweet & Savory Secrets for Surviving the Writing Life. Don’t tell my other books, but How2Pie is my favorite. In this hybrid of a how-to, memoir, and cookbook, I encourage writers to persevere from the start when they put their pen to the page all the way to the finish when they sign that book contract. The book is about pursuing the journey, while reminding writers to have fun along the way. And, that means Eat More Pie! The book is fully illustrated by Emil Wilson, my writing partner and deliciously good friend.  

EDIT. As associate director of the New York State Summer Writers Institute for 7 years, and writer-in-residence for another seven, I’ve helped scores of writers finish their books. After years of leading writing groups, I realized that looking at 10, 20, or even 30 pages in a workshop is just not doing a book justice. I prefer to work with students’ entire manuscript. Want a set of eyes to look yours over? Contact me for more info on how to submit.

TEACH.  I was the Associate Director of the New York State Summer Writers Institute in Saratoga Springs, NY, and was affiliated with them for over 20 years as I love all the authors that gather on that campus. I have taught creative writing classes at UCSD and UCLA Extensions. In the summer, I teach an 8-day writing retreat in France at a lovely chateau in the country, as well as a few others. I also host a 200-page manuscript workshop about twice a year with co-host David Ulin, former LA Times Book Editor. David and I love the work and students have gone on from our workshop to get stellar agents and successful book deals. My heartthrob job is mentor to Science and Engineering K-12 students on personal essays.

BAKE. As a kid I was a chicken pot pie fanatic. Today I bake any kind of pie. If you can dream it, I will bake it. Savory Salons is my way of bringing pies and writing together. I host salons with authors and a small intimate guest list of folk with a conversation surrounding everything that stems from the author’s latest work. If you want to be invited, let me know and I’ll put you on the list. OR, let’s do a book club at your house and we can talk about my books and I’ll bring pie! Just reach out to me and we can make something happen. Shall I whet your appetite? Salmon and portobello pie, carne asada pie in a cornmeal crust, and for dessert four-cherry pie or apple ginger pie. Pie, pie, pie.

Photography provided by Daniella DeVarney