Getting to Know You
Hi! Hello!
I’m so glad you’re here for my inaugural post on Substack! Thanks for moving with me. Moving is a big job. So many boxes.
If you’re wondering how you got here, it’s because you’re subscribed to my author newsletter. Maybe you’ve been with me since the “maisymak” blogging days (insert heart emoji).
You’re used to one monthly post from me. I’ll be writing more often (the goal is weekly!) - and more intimately. My goal is to also make it worth your while.
Why Substack? I’m new here, but totally loving this newsletter platform. It’s very intuitive and easy to use. There’s room for comments and conversation, much like a blog, but also feels like an opportunity for a wider reach, with readers also having the option to financially support a writer’s work.
So - Come Along With Me as I write about love stories, good books, and making a life as a writer.
Let’s make some introductions. I’ll go first.
I’m a writer of books for “young people of all ages” (I really like that phase). The above photo is not my professional author photo, but it does represent. For instance, my favorite color is probably fuchsia and my favorite rooms have bookshelves. I usually wear my curly, often-unmanageable hair pulled up. You can’t see my running shoes, but I’m likely wearing them.
In this photo I’m holding my first book, the middle-grade read THE UNFORGETTABLE GUINEVERE ST. CLAIR (2018). When the pandemic hit, I was lucky enough to get TEN THOUSAND TRIES published (2021). My third novel, THE MCNIFFICENTS is coming in June 2023. I like to read and write books that make you feel.
Last spring I stepped away from teaching Anatomy & Physiology part-time to focus writing full-time. My timing was perfect (sometimes I’m sarcastic). Stable paycheck vs inflation, rising prices (eggs for 4.99!?), a summer wedding, and three kids in college. Well, I tell you, I’m also a person of faith. It feels right to write, and also, stop tempting me with magical hair products, Instagram ads (bc: money).
So, I’m writing. I’m also a mother to four incredible kids. We have two miniature schnauzers, one of which is incredibly co-dependent and still throwing my shoes down the stairs. My father-in-law lives with us and is the best housemate. I really adore my husband. Together we live in a teeny-tiny town in New Hampshire that has TWO libraries.
I’m a life-long runner, outdoor lover, and still have dreams of making the National Women’s Soccer Team, which tells you that yes, I’m an unapologetic optimist. I think Taylor Swift is a genius lyricist and has the perfect red lipstick. I’m learning to paint.
I’m a spiritual person, love learning all things about the human body, dislike confrontation, and think everyone should be a feminist (meaning they love and support women as equals).
I’m here to tell some good love stories, recommend the best books, and dish about the writing life.
I’d also love to know - what would you like me to write about? PLEASE SAY.
Now that you know a little bit about me, tell me about you. Make it short and sweet or long and winding. Let’s get to know each other!
Did I mention? I’m glad you’re here.
Share Come Along With Me by Amy Makechnie
Book of the Week: SALT TO SEA by Ruta Septys
It is the winter of 1945. WWII. Four refugees tell their story.
Each one is haunted by tragedy, lies, and war. As thousands desperately flock to the coast in the midst of a Soviet advance, four paths converge, vying for passage aboard the real life Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship that is fit for 1500 passengers. 10,000 are aboard.
There are not enough life jackets nor small rafts in case of emergency. When three soviet torpedos hit the ship, it goes down in less then an hour.
Of the 10,000 mostly civilian passengers (5,000 being children), only 1,000 survive (true story). Who will live to tell? Who will go down to be silenced by the sea?
Highly recommended! A timely, and hugely important story. Young Adult, Historical Fiction, winner of many awards. Follow my Instagram for more book love.
Thank you for reading Come Along With Me. This post is public; please feel free to share it.
