Come summer 2020 my second novel, Map of Us, will hit shelves! I can’t wait to introduce you all to these characters and share this love story. If you enjoyed Waiting at Hayden’s or are a fan of Nancy Meyers’ movies (think Something's Gotta Give and It's Complicated), I have a feeling you’re going to like this one! For those who haven’t seen the trailer, it’s about two different couples that set out on separate cross-country road trips—one to see if they can rekindle the spark in their . . .
10 Beach Towns to Visit This Summer That Are Perfect For Beach Reading
Beach reading has always been my favorite summer activity. Come late May and early June stories by all my favorite authors hit shelves and I love throwing them in a beach bag and finding a spot to read them in the sand. This year I'm most excited about Jane Green's latest book, The Friends we Keep, which was just released yesterday. I've been a huge fan of her stories for as long as I can remember. Along with Emily Giffin and Elin Hilderbrand, she was one of the authors that inspired me to . . .
10 Things to Do When Visiting Newport Beach
This time of year especially, I love hosting visitors in Newport Beach! The temperatures are pretty consistently in the seventies and there are so many fun things to do in town and just outside it. One of the jobs I’ve always had to support my dream job is teaching group fitness classes and for the last few years I’ve taught a couple mornings a week at the Marriott Newport Coast Villas, a popular spot to stay. I’m constantly giving guests advice about what to do when visiting this beautiful . . .
My Favorite Places to Write (And Eat) In Charleston
For the longest time I had to write on the second story of a building. I have LITERALLY no idea why, but most authors can’t seem to explain their bizarre writing habits. Dan Brown apparently puts on gravity boots and hangs upside down to help him with his focus on his stories. Truman Capote had to write while lying horizontal—and often in the nude. And Maya Angelo would rent hotel rooms (a woman after my own heart!) and write on her bed. Most of Waiting at Hayden’s was written at Tea Chai Te . . .
How To Stay Healthy When You’re On The Road
I’ve been traveling quite a bit recently introducing shopfiction to bookstores and one question I got from a reporter the other day was: how do you stay healthy when you’re on the road. At home in Orange County I’m a personal trainer and group fitness instructor and typically teach several classes a day to help support my dream job. Traveling is a big adjustment and I’m certainly as guilty as the next person of succumbing to unhealthy habits when I’m not at home (and let’s be honest, when I am . . .
