As an author one of my favorite things to do is talk to book clubs. For such a long time I was the only person who knew the characters in Waiting at Hayden's. There were so many times during the writing process where I wished I could talk to someone other than my editor about them. I was dying to discuss the journeys they were on and the choices they were making. It sort of felt like I had all these best friends, but couldn't introduce them to anyone. Now that the book is out in the world, . . .
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 . . .
My Favorite Character Looks For Summer From Waiting at Hayden’s
As soon as I finished writing Waiting at Hayden's I couldn't wait to see the story come to life visually! I had such a clear idea in my head of what the characters looked like and also what their homes looked like and even the restaurant where the book primarily takes place. On a creative impulse I hired a videographer to help me create a video trailer for promotion and found actors, styled everything the way I'd imagined it while I was writing, and filmed a short video clip. It was during . . .
Packing for a Spring or Summer Trip To Italy
Next weekend I’m heading to Italy to celebrate one of my best friend’s weddings! I haven’t been back since the trip that loosely inspired my next novel, Map of Us, and can’t wait to spend five days in Tuscany with the bride-to-be, Kelsey, and the rest of the wedding party. Last time I was in Europe, I traveled for four months with just a backpack. I spent days searching for the right pieces that wouldn’t wrinkle, could be dressed up or down, AND were cute. Many of the travel blogs I read . . .
Two Piece Workout Sets and My May Dance Fitness Playlist
My most popular blog post to date has been this one here on how to support your dream job when your dream job doesn’t pay. It’s a topic that I feel isn’t discussed much on social media and should be so people looking to pursue a dream have an idea of all that goes into it. While watching someone follow a dream can look glamorous (and often feels glamorous—I love nothing more than writing books!) the reality is pursuing something you love often requires double the work because in addition to . . .
Little Black Dresses Perfect For Spring & A Breakfast at Tiffany’s Engagement Party
Yesterday we celebrated my cousin John and his bride-to-be Mikaela with an engagement party in Newport Beach at Pelican Hill. It was a Breakfast at Tiffany's themed affair so guests were asked to wear little black dresses and Mikaela showed up looking gorgeous in a black floor length gown with a Tiffany blue ribbon belt. I always think to only wear black in the winter and come spring am much more excited for florals and colorful dresses, but was surprised by how many cute springtime LBDs I . . .