High point this week: Paula McLain’s latest novel, SKYLARK. If you are a reader in need of a Paris fix, this is a book for you. Or if you're a writer underwater in your current project, Paula has wisdom and solidarity. Pick up SKYLARK at @greenapplebooks.bsky.social or a library near you.

As Best of 2025 lists circulate, I'm over here with @katejbaer.bsky.social celebrating failure. Wanna do a thing in 2026? Do that thing in all its beautiful brokenness. And check out Kate's latest How About Now at @pocketbooksshop.bsky.social @tombolobooks.bsky.social or an indie shop near you.

@katejbaer.bsky.social pep talk: "Nobody cares." Stop searching for permission. Quit making excuses. Do your thing. Create. That. Art. Listen to more Kate wisdom here: evergreenpodcasts.com/wild-preciou... And grab her latest HOW ABOUT NOW at @pocketbooksshop.bsky.social or an indie shop near you.

Reason #11 to admire Christina Baker Kline – she considers her undergrad English major a “practical degree.” Do what you love, folks. You can find Christina’s latest PLEASE DON’T LIE coauthored with Anne Burt at @hiddenbarnbooks.bsky.social or an indie near you. evergreenpodcasts.com/wild-preciou...

As Anne Burt says, a novel takes how long it takes. All we can do in the meantime is find our people, like Christina Baker Kline & keep telling our beautiful burning stories. Find PLEASE DON'T LIE at @greenapplebooks.bsky.social or an indie near you. evergreenpodcasts.com/wild-preciou...

Writer friends: ever wonder how much reading is too much at your bookstore event? Words to live by here from the incomparable @annpacker.bsky.social Pick up a copy of her latest, SOME BRIGHT NOWHERE at @prairielights.com @greenapplebooks.bsky.social or an indie shop near you.

I confess we ate half the pies yesterday & we’re already out of whipped cream & I forgot to buy parsley, but the older I get, the more I realize today is about embracing beauty & imperfection and celebrating what we can while we can, no matter what the table looks like. Enjoy the pies. We sure did.

It was an honor to speak with @kellysundberg.bsky.social about THE ANSWER IS IN THE WOUND, published by @roxanegay.bsky.social books. As Kelly’s written, there is room inside us for more than one story. Here's to containing multitudes, folks. Pick up your copy at @twodollarradiohq.bsky.social

The incomparable Uzma Jalaluddin stopped by to discuss DETECTIVE AUNTY & we talked cozy mysteries, manuscript revision, & how to walk in the direction of your wildest dreams. Grab a copy at @blueheronbooks.bsky.social or @anotherstoryto.bsky.social Episode here: evergreenpodcasts.com/wild-preciou...

Happy Pub Day, @melissafebos ! Folks, if you’re ankle-deep in your own memoir, consider Melissa’s body of work a master class. Take a breath & swim down into the silty bottom of your own lake. You may have to trick yourself. But that’s where the stories are. THE DRY SEASON is out today.

Happy pub day, Brad Peacock & James Crews! They’ll make you believe in everyday love, the kind that exists in joy & sadness, sunshine & dirt. They've co-edited a book of love poems by LGBTQ+ writers & allies—LOVE IS FOR ALL OF US is the book I didn’t even know my hardened heart needed right now.

Feeling grateful for dozens of literary connections on this indie bookstore day, including Jennifer Cramer Miller whose INCURABLE OPTIMIST will have you seeing all your blessings -- water, avocados, pee! -- in a whole different light. Grab her memoir at @tombolobooks or a favorite indie near you.

Here's to being weird and messy and clownish but getting our sh*t together when it comes to our art. LOVED this convo with America's favorite dad, @kristenarnett.bsky.social Please grab her latest book, STOP ME IF YOU'VE HEARD THIS ONE, at a library or indie shop near you. @tombolobooks.bsky.social

Sometimes I want to read about how other parents have figured it out. But other times, I want to travel to another time & place. In CLEVER LITTLE THING, Helena Echlin writes about family challenges within a page-turning psychological thriller. Listen here: evergreenpodcasts.com/wild-preciou...

Thank you so much to the Martha’s Vineyard Institute of Creative Writing for this honor and congrats to the other writers. I’ve never been to the Vineyard before, and I’m looking forward to penning new words by the sea.

Congratulations to @rebehuntman on her debut memoir MY MOTHER IN HAVANA. If you have a complicated relationship with your mama or if you long to travel, dance, and shine, grab Rebe's story from @gramercybooksbexley or an indie shop near you. evergreenpodcasts.com/wild-preciou...

If you're looking to Write Around the World, we only have a few spots left in our Italy writing retreat. Looking to tell the story only you can tell? And make pizza and pasta in a supportive community? This is the trip for you. Apply by March 1 -- stradatoscana.com/retreats/ann...

Are you looking to escape and shine? Join our Wild Precious Writing retreat. We’ll write, recharge & learn to make pizza in an enchanting Italian village. If you’re ready to be the starring character in the story of your life, join us! Applications close Mar. 1. stradatoscana.com/retreats/ann...

If you're looking to Write Around the World, we only have a few spots left in our Italy writing retreat. Looking to tell the story only you can tell? And make pizza & pasta in a supportive community? This is for you. Apply by Mar. 1 stradatoscana.com/retreats/ann... open.substack.com/.../p/write-...

Congrats Joseph Earl Thomas, winner of @center4fiction 1st Novel Prize. My own grandpa cleaned city buses. Grandma cooked in a school cafeteria. Here's to writing the full experience of our people. Listen to the convo here: evergreenpodcasts.com/wild-preciou... And grab Joseph's books today.

Anyone looking for the perfect valentine for a writer? Tickets to this would be a good place to start.

Come to France with us! Join me & Phyllis Biffle Elmore & write beautiful prose in a beautiful place. There's a seaside villa AND a jacuzzi AND a private chef AND what are you waiting for? Click here to learn more: www.forewordretreats.com/.../phyllis-... And don't forget to enter 25AK for $900 off.

Recently on the show: @Kathleenglasgow.bsky.social knocked my socks off, invited me to raise chickens, & offered this perfect wisdom: you haven't met everyone who's going to love you yet. This is energy I need right now. Check out her awesome titles at an indie near you.

For anyone needing a moment of awesomeness right now, look no further than @malakagharib -- writer, cartoonist, and all-around delight. It's so easy to tailspin. There's so much to fight and fix. But, man oh man, Malaka's art gives me hope. She is my American Dream. [Episode link in bio.]

📣 JOB ALERT 📣 The Climate Impacts Group (CIG) at University of Washington is hiring a Tribal Climate Adaptation Specialist. This position will work with CIG, the Affiliated Tribes of NW Indians and other partners to support the resilience efforts of Northwest coastal Tribes. Please share widely!

For anyone longing to find hope in the shards, I bring you Cass Donish--poet, performer, cat enthusiast, & wise soul. Their book, YOUR DAZZLING DEATH, is for anyone trying to hold both love and loss in their hands. Grab it at an indie near you. And listen here: evergreenpodcasts.com/wild-preciou...

@pronounced-ing.bsky.social I’m sitting here in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, where I’ve just met Magistra Kucich who taught you 7th and 8th Latin. She’s reading OUR MISSING HEARTS and adoring the language derivations within. Bravo and Happy New Year!

Who’s here? How do I find my people? Writers, readers, chocolate enthusiasts…where are you, dear ones?