How I Founded the Bi+ Book Gang and Built a Thriving Writing Community
In 2023, I was at a crossroads. I needed to do something. I needed the Bi+ Book Gang.
Bailey Merlin
Bailey Merlin is dedicated to writing powerful stories and providing insightful content on personal growth, relationships, and mental health.
Latest posts
Mental Health in Communal Living: How Writing Helped Me Cope
Are you someone who finds solace and strength in your connections with others?
5 Lessons Learned from My First Year as a Debut Novelist
A Lot of People Live in This House is celebrating its first birthday! Now that I’m an expert (ha), here are 5 things I’d do differently.
New Podcast: Bisexual Killjoy
When I started my master's degree journey in 2022, I never imagined that it would lead me to co-found a podcast about bisexuality. Yet, here
Can Artists Be Parents and Stay in Love?
If you’d asked me when I was twenty if I wanted kids, I would have told you, “Maybe, not right now.” If you’d asked me when I was...
Finding Peace: An ADHD Medication Story
I have ADHD. Because of a PCP switch last summer, I had to go unmedicated for months and have been on the struggle bus because of it....
Surviving My First Dry January: Reflections on Sobriety as a Child of an Alcoholic
I’m mourning the loss of my father. To honor his memory, I'm doing Dry January. A month of sobriety shouldn’t be that hard, right? Right?
The 2023 Wrap
I’ll say this, 2023 was a banner year.
Exploring Communal Living and Its Portrayal in A Lot of People Live in This House
Having lived communally for many years now, I’m always pleasantly surprised when people respond with fascination when I tell them that I...
6 communal living models that will change your mind about roommates
The economy is a joke, and American renters are the butt of it. Housing is scarce, affordability is a thing of the past, and anyone who...
How To Write About Your Dad's Death
My father dies. My father dies, and part of me has been waiting for this moment for years. My whole life?
5 Misconceptions About Communal Living
These 5 misconceptions will change your mind about communal living.
Dreams to Realities: Navigating the Highs and Lows of Publishing as an Indie Author
When I set out to write a book about communal living, I was never certain what life would look like on the other side of publication.
How to Publish with Depression
Writing may not be easy, but publishing with depression is evil incarnate.
Beyond Expectations: Mental Health, Marriage, and Harvard Medical School
This post is a warning to manage your expectations. This post is to remind you that you are not superhuman, even if you think you are.
Writing About Your Friends
It’s wild to me that my novel, A Lot of People Live in This House, will be in the world soon and that people will read it. A scarier part...
Frankfurt, Day 6
We woke up late again because, apparently, we just aren’t going to adjust to this time difference. Or maybe we are both chronically tired...
Munich, Day 5
December 21: Today, I was supposed to celebrate the Winter Solstice but didn’t really. Holidays are hard when you travel, but that...
Munich, Day 4
We fought hard to get out of bed this morning. Told Theresa we’d be out and about by eight but were liars until nine. Between the hard...
Munich, Day 3
We started the day earlier than either of us wanted because the train to Munich left at 7:15. Apparently, this didn’t matter to anyone...