2016: An Indecent Year in Which I Wrote Some Decent Stuff
Okay, so we’re all pretty aware that the world is on the brink of nuclear incineration due to recent political upheavals regarding a certain toupee-wearing manila folder. That said, I was fortunate enough to spend the last 365 days avoiding reality and growing as a writer. Though I may be the only person who stands to benefit from charting this growth, here it is anyway:
“Michelle,” Cosmonauts Avenue
I was overjoyed to have a short story of mine published in the glorious Cosmonauts Avenue. As non-fiction has been the focus of my published work, it was incredibly validating/rewarding to have this piece shared on one of my favorite sites, in their 2nd Anniversary Issue, no less! Okay, I’ll be less obnoxious about these next ones.
“How Teen Vogue Has Transformed for a Smarter, Bolder and More Stylish Age,” Salon
Me? Getting to cover one of the most exciting movements in young women’s media? And getting quotes from two of my favorite writers in the process? Don’t mind if I do!
“Why is Digital Witchcraft So Appealing to Young Women?” The Pacific Standard
This was a story I had pitched around and around and around and was really dismayed that it wasn’t getting any traction. I think maybe places didn’t see the deeper story here/looked at my Twitter and realized I was lame. When the “yes e-mail came I was like, “oh I have to actually write this now!” Fortunately I got the opportunity to work with the SURREALLY GOOD Kate Kilkenny, without whom I can honestly say this piece wouldn’t be something I was half as proud of.
“Game of Clothes,” Salon
I have enjoyed writing about fashion a good deal in the past, if Forever 21–based listicles can be considered “writing about fashion.” Salon helped me become the fashion writing I wanted to see in the world.
“Sure Let a Woman be President, Just Don’t Let Her Bust Ghosts,” Funny or Die
This was definitely a “I need to have my two cents,” moment, but damn am I glad I got it. And better yet, Ghostbusters ended up being really good and I didn’t just have to pretend to like it to fend off the trolls. Ah, how this piece makes me harken back to a simpler time when it seemed possible that a woman might occupy the oval office…
“The Beastie Boys’ Feminist Evolution,” Medium
I was proud of this piece when I wrote it for a class, yet was unable to find a proper home for publication (one unnamed outlet accepted it, then followed up a month later saying they had changed their mind! Fun!). Fortunately Medium is kind of the bees knees. Self-publishing can be weirdly empowering and I hope to experiment with it more.
Other Good Sh*t:
“Trump and the long, dangerous history of politicizing abortion,” The Daily Dot
“50 Minute Hours,” The Young Adult
Bonus Round: Goals for 2017
- Snatch up a New York Times byline
- Find a literary agent to represent my manuscript
- Experiment more with video
- Host a salon for women writers
- Write something without the need for Flamin’ Hot Cheetos
Take care of yourselves, my loves! See you in 2017!
xoxo
