Memoir, woman writing, writer's block, heavy drinking, nasty breakup, winter in Cape Cod or one of those seaside towns for east coast folks, might be a philosophy grad student

[Shannon]

Read: mid to late 90's

A woman house sits for a friend while trying to complete a book, possibly her dissertation.

The house is in Cape Cod, Nantucket, or one of those East Coast seaside villages where the wealthy spend their summers.

It's winter. It's snows a lot. She takes really long walks on the beach. I think she had a dog. She is extremely isolated. At times losing touch with reality. Talks only with the local shop keeper where she buys her wine (or was it vodka?)

she's depressed
there was a breakup
she drinks heavily - to the point of waking up on the floor, nearly dying from it

Can you help me find this book?

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Shannon, are you still looking for this or did you find it?