Greetings from yr friendly neighborhood novelist.

Monthly writing tips, pop culture recs, and secret peeks into the publishing process. Let’s go!

Surprise! We had another kid!

It’s my great honor to introduce you to my brand-new babe, Lulette “Lulu” Mae Ratowsky-Clark. My warrior wife gave birth to little Lulu on her due date—Wednesday, January 22nd—here in New York City. We’re back home now in Williamsburg, adjusting to our new normal of sleepy baby snuggles and tender moments.

Baby girl’s name is a riff on the family name Louise. My wife and I both loved Lulu and created Lulette as an elegant, original first name for her to use if she wishes. I love that Lulette is structurally similar to our firstborn’s full name, Rozella, and that she’ll also go by a nickname, just like Rozie (rhymes with cozy) does. Rozie and Lulu—sounds like a fun pair to me.

So, this is why I was working so hard last year to finish the first draft of my new book by January! I wanted a polished draft ready for editor…