Be a Cactus
help for resistant writers, working to bloom; library censorship news.
Who I Am
I’m the author of Acts of Contrition: Short Stories (feminist literary fiction from Los Nietos Press) and The Mortality of Dogs and Humans (Bamboo Dart Press). I’ve led writing workshops for several years. In previous iterations, I have been the managing editor of Inlandia: A Literary Journey as well as a high school teacher librarian. My YA novel on a polygamist cult is coming June 2025.
Why “Be a Cactus”: What We’re Hoping to Do Here
I’d like to connect with readers and writers who are both seeking community and protective of their boundaries, are suspicious of short cuts, and bloom beautifully without pretense.
A weekly newsletter arriving every Sunday to start you off with one or more of the following.
Discussions of the writing life/journey with small presses from choosing book covers and publishing to connecting with a literary community.
Discussions of book banning and censorship. I sometimes link to my own book reviews of challenged and banned books.
Essays on the craft of writing.
Toxic Positivity (or NOT!): Pulling from the drumbeat of inspirational quotes and stories on social media, how helpful is this one?
Weird Books: Okay, not all the books are weird, just fun. Anything from banned books, to discarded books, to fun finds. I sometimes link to my own book reviews.
Signage: Instructions found on the journey.
Infrequently: Dogs. Because: Dogs = Happiness.
Why You Might Subscribe
You’re seeking a book-centered community that acknowledges the real challenges of publishing, celebrates the journey, and fights book censorship that gets in the way.
You haven’t always found conventional inspiration and advice helpful.
You’re looking for books and writing discussion outside the bestseller/literary giants milieu.
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