hi-hey-yo!

Welcome to read.write.eat. I’m Natalie, your curious, generous, opinionated, mistake-making, new human friend (yes, I’m not a robot!). I’m the author of the New York Times notable story collection, SHOUT HER LOVELY NAME, and the memoir, COMMUNITY CHEST.

I’m full of ideas for your reading, writing, and eating life… and I love to share.

Every week I’ll pop into your inbox and solve some problems:

• In need of a new book? I got you. I’m an omnivorous reader with a new book suggestion (or two or three) every week. Plus, I’ve got a deep bench of novels, memoirs, essay collections, cookbooks, and personal growth books, fully vetted by me, over in my BOOKSHOP. Browse whenever you’re in need of a fresh read.

• Maybe you’re feeling lonely and struggling at your writing desk. Guess what? ME TOO! That’s why I’m here, bringing you craft lessons, links to writing classes and retreats, ++ a prompt to keep you writing.

• Have you misplaced your cooking juju? I got you 💫. Every week I share one recipe. It might be a salad, it might be cake, it will definitely be terrific because I’ve made it myself and everyone at my house loved it!

My dream is to help you fall into your next great book, to make you feel the opposite of lonely at your writing desk, and to inspire you to cook something delicious.

Life can seriously hand you your ass at times. When shit happens I need a a pal beside me. I yearn for a burst of light and new ideas to lift me. I want to be that pal, that light, that idea ATM for you. I want to help you thrive!

what you get:

Paid subscribers:

• Four newsletters delivered to your inbox every month! That’s a bright spot of inspiration every Thursday!

• A monthly zoom book group! We meet one Sunday morning each month for a 90 minute deep dive into a great book. We are a lively bunch!

• An index of all the recipes I've shared in two years of read.write.eat.

• All the prompts I’ve shared in a handy PDF.

Free subscribers:

• Four Two newsletters delivered to your inbox every month! That’s a bright spot of inspiration every other Thursday!

• A monthly zoom book group! We meet one Sunday morning each month for a 90 minute deep dive into a great book. We are a lively bunch!

• An index of all the recipes I've shared in two years of read.write.eat.

• All the prompts I’ve shared in a handy PDF.

notes from subscribers:

About me:

I’m the author of the New York Times notable story collection, SHOUT HER LOVELY NAME, and the memoir, COMMUNITY CHEST. My stories, essays, and reviews have appeared in the NYTs, SF Chronicle, One Story Magazine, Zyzzyva Magazine, Oprah Magazine, and others. I’ve been a writing teacher and editor for 25 years which means that like you, I’ve experienced the many highs and lows of a writing life.

Twenty + years ago my husband dragged me—kicking and screaming—from Santa Cruz to Portland. I still miss the beach and my people, but we manage to scrape together a pretty good time with our dog, Stanley, loads of hikes, bike rides, and dinner parties.

I’m so glad you’re here! Please, stick around.

xoN