How my secret burnout led to a book deal
On undercover writing rituals, my new sangria obsession, and summer reading lists.
I fell into novel writing accidentally.
For the past five years, I ran the Princess Grace Foundation, working with H.S.H. Prince Albert of Monaco to support performing artists and honor Princess Grace’s legacy. It was a surreal, high-gloss chapter of my life—full of beauty, travel, and the occasional palace intrigue. But like many seemingly glamorous jobs, it came with its own kind of burnout. I was constantly “on,” navigating delicate relationships, managing crises across time zones, and rarely off the clock.
Over the holidays, I found myself craving something that wasn’t about fundraising targets or diplomatic emails. I’ve always loved reading (audiobooks are my lifeline on long-haul flights), but I never imagined I might write a book myself.
Then I stumbled across The Novelry’s 90-Day Novel course—and something clicked. The founder, Louise Dean, had this wonderfully bracing approach to writing: no mysticism, no hand-wringing, just the daily practice of sitting down and telling a story. One of her first pieces of advice? Don’t tell anyone you’re writing. Keep it private. Keep it sacred.
It became like a secret affair with my imagination. I started writing one hour each morning—no expectations, no audience—and those sixty minutes quickly became my favorite part of the day. For once, I could create a world where everyone said what I wanted them to say, did what I needed them to do. How refreshing!
At the end of the course, you can submit your work for feedback. I figured—why not? I was shocked (and thrilled) when they told me I might actually have something worth pursuing.
A million drafts later… here we are. Just four months from my pub date, but who’s counting?
I was honored to share a bit of that journey recently for a Novelry campaign (and no, I don’t get a commission on this but I DO get the joy of knowing I’m helping other people discover their inner author!).
And now, without further ado, here are my latest recs…
Delightful…
Earlier this month, Literati joined Zibby for her annual Summer Reading List event. Zibby is such a champion of writers and readers, and she always has her finger on the pulse. It was a delight to be on hand serving Literati cocktails to help raise a glass to all these fabulous summer reads.
Here are a few personal highlights from the list:
Our Last Vineyard Summer by Brooke Lea Foster: Brooke and I share a literary agent and from the moment we met, she’s helped guide me through this, dare I say, novel new world of book marketing. I devoured her new release coming July 1st!
The Art of Vanishing by Morgan Pager: One of my favorite NYC bookstagrammers has her own book coming in July about a Met Museum employee who falls in love with a man in a painting. I mean…what’s not to love?
Austen at Sea by Natalie Jenner: Natalie has been a generous early champion of my book and I’m a huge fan of her Jane Austen novels. Plus, pairs perfectly with a Literati Lavender Lemonade, need I say more?
Check out the entire amazing list and let me know what other summer reads caught your eye!
Delicious…
Now that it’s 1000 degrees out, I’m obsessed with this super simple sangria.
Cucumber-Watermelon Sangria
Ingredients:
1 seedless cucumber
2 lime
2 cups watermelon balls or chunks
A bunch of mint leaves
¼ cup lime juice
1 cup watermelon juice
¼ cup honey
1 bottle dry white wine
1 liter of carbonated water
Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher, add LOTS of ice and ENJOY!
De-Lovely…
In honor of Pride Month—and frankly because we all deserve a summer mood boost—I’ve been blasting this high-energy, glittery pop, nostalgia-inducing dance playlist.
Whether you're writing, strutting, sipping sangria, or just need a serotonin boost—press play, turn it up, and feel the rainbow.
De-Rest of the Story…
One of the greatest joys of being a debut novelist? Getting to meet the writers whose books have long kept me company—and now keep me in very good company. Last week in NYC, I had the honor (and the total joy) of having dinner with two of my heroes: Patti Callahan Henry and Fiona Davis.
Not only are they brilliant storytellers, they’re also warm, generous, and wildly inspiring women. The conversation (and martinis) flowed and I left feeling like I’d been handed both a pep talk and a masterclass. More of this, please.
I’m so glad you’re having fun with this! I have another friend on Zibby’s list, Sharon Kurtzman, and Fiona Davis is one of my favorite people/authors. You’re in great company!