What did you believe about yourself as a writer that you've let go of?

Hello, friends! Last month, shortly after I turned 40, my friend Liz Moody (whom I worked with at MindBodyGreen a million years ago) asked me to be a part of her What I Wish I Knew 10 Years Ago column. I’ve long loved this series—I always want to hear others’ hard-earned wisdom!

Some of her questions were about author life specifically, and I hope they’ll resonate with you. For more (including candid reflections on coming out late in life, “giving up” on my career in magazines, and more), check out the rest of the post. Stay cool this week!

I’ve long struggled with mistaking markers of success as proof that I’m worthy—as if I could impress people into loving or accepting me. So of course, I quietly believed that if I could just “make it” as an author—hit the New York Times bestseller list, sell hundreds of thousands of copies, the whole nine yards—then I’d feel satisfied; I’d feel fully actualized or something.

Well, in 2021, I was incredibly fortunate to have my third book, We Were Never Here, selected as a Reese’s Book Club pick. All those hyperspecific dreams came true (the sales! The bestseller lists! The follow-up big book advance! The accolades!!!), and while it was a pinch-me experience, one I did my best to savor…