Strike While the Iron is Hot

A few things I've seen lately + a pep talk.

If you are in New Orleans, I have four events coming up in the next month either on behalf of myself or other writers. They’re all free and open to the public.

October 10 - Lunchtime 1000 Words lecture at Tulane University

October 14- Delaney Nolan Launch at Garden District Books

October 30 - A Reason to See You Again paperback launch with Brooke Pickett at Other Plans Gallery

November 3 - Karen Russell interview at Tulane University

I have three more events I’ll mention soon. A Reason to See You Again is now out in paperback and 1000 Words in paperback is on sale.

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Hi friends.

I’ve been pep talking myself a lot lately. I’ll have you know sometimes even I need a little inspiration and sometimes it’s just me basically talking to myself in my office. No shame, baby! Life is too short for feeling bad about getting your shit together.

But mostly I’ve been getting inspired by all the cultural events I’ve been going to in this city of mine. Trying really hard to take what I can from what other people have been furiously making. Admiring them. The way they struck while the iron was hot.

After the picture I’ll let you know what I’ve been witnessing as of late, plus a little pep talk I wrote for myself but might work for you, too?

I went to an Addie Citchens event, and marveled at how she can make you feel outraged even as she makes you laugh. I went to an Angela Flournoy event where she was interviewed by her oldest friend, Vallery Lomas, and I felt nourished and encouraged. I watched movies: “One Battle After Another” and “Decision to Leave” and “Lake Michigan Monster.” I listened to the new Geese album repeatedly and also a lot of Mozart. I went to the sculpture garden here and, as it always does, it made me think about how the way things are framed changes the way you feel about the art.