PinnedMy Accused Witch Ancestor Was Also an EnslaverSometimes an ancestor who was persecuted turns out to have persecuted someone else — in more devastating ways.Jul 20, 2023772Jul 20, 2023772
PinnedI Love Being a Stepmom, a Role I Was Afraid to Take OnThe first time my stepdaughter, Autumn, called me her wicked stepmother, I experienced it as a relief and a kindness. She was well into…May 7, 20224853May 7, 20224853
Native Planting in Southwestern QueensFirst in an intended irregular series about my experiences and failures gardening with native plants in New York City.Jun 1, 20235Jun 1, 20235
An Excerpt from Ancestor TroubleMy first book, Ancestor Trouble, was published by Random House on March 29. It’s received some very nice reviews. Adapted excerpts appear…Apr 10, 2022246Apr 10, 2022246
A Love Letter to Mugwort & SleepIf you find yourself sleeping poorly, or your dreams have become less immersive or less richly symbolic in the pandemic, I recommend…Mar 16, 20223032Mar 16, 20223032
What Did the Forbidden Tree Want?I grew up being taught the Bible as fact at church, at home, and at school. Though I am not a believer, I continue to mull the stories.Nov 21, 202180616Nov 21, 202180616
Grannyisms: Like We Say Back HomeA tree full of owls, a calf at a new gate, quiet as a mouse peeing on cotton — my Texan granny had so many expressions my mom and I love…May 8, 20212152May 8, 20212152
When Life Gives You “Great Material”"Why aren’t you living in a trailer park?” a writer asked me once.Apr 9, 20218793Apr 9, 20218793
Turning People Into DemonsLike QAnon believers, my preacher mom projected Satan onto those she didn’t likeFeb 23, 20212231Feb 23, 20212231
Don’t Write the Tedious ThingI realized my book could focus on what I cared about mostFeb 12, 2021408Feb 12, 2021408
Published inThe AwlFundamentalist Horror FilmIn my other life I do just as my parents want.Dec 26, 20161Dec 26, 20161
Published inExtra NewsfeedPigs, Hogs, Unwanted Tax Expertise, and Trump“Pigs get fat, but hogs get slaughtered,” my father, a tax lawyer, always said. I was still in elementary school when he started teaching…Dec 10, 20163Dec 10, 20163