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Vincent O'Keefe

@vincentokeefe.bsky.social
413 followers 505 following 119 posts

Writer/PhD Amer. Lit/Former At-Home Dad. New York Times, Wall St. Journal, Washington Post, Time, Newsweek, Parents, Business Insider, Plain Dealer, City Dads, others. Taught at U. of Michigan. Cleve OH via Chicag-Phila-Buff www.vincentokeefe.com

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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
@aubreyhirsch.bsky.social Just a note to say it was nice meeting you after your talk at Inkubator and I learned a lot from reading Graphic Rage (especially the "history of witches" section). Will be sharing with my wife and two daughters as well.
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
@vinceguerrieri.com I enjoyed your historical article in the Sept. @clevelandmag.bsky.social about the 1986 balloon release! Quite a story. (I grew up in Niagara Falls, NY, and didn't move to the Cleveland area until 2001.)
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
@npr.org Do you love Cinema Paradiso? You might enjoy my essay at Oldster about the film, a trip to Sicily, the American dream, and the empty nest. Feel free to share! oldster.substack.com/p/i-see-the-...
oldster.substack.com
I See the Empty Nest from Both Sides Now
Thanks to a trip to Sicily.
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
@lindaholmes.bsky.social Do you love Cinema Paradiso? You might enjoy my essay at Oldster about the film, a trip to Sicily, the American dream, and the empty nest. Feel free to share! oldster.substack.com/p/i-see-the-...
oldster.substack.com
I See the Empty Nest from Both Sides Now
Thanks to a trip to Sicily.
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
@tylercoates.bsky.social Do you love Cinema Paradiso? You might enjoy my essay at Oldster about the film, a trip to Sicily, the American dream, and the empty nest. Feel free to share! oldster.substack.com/p/i-see-the-...
oldster.substack.com
I See the Empty Nest from Both Sides Now
Thanks to a trip to Sicily.
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Whether you’re “pre” or “post” empty nest, parents might enjoy my essay at Oldster about the American dream, the empty nest, Cinema Paradiso (a great film), and a trip to Sicily. Feel free to share! #parenthood #emptynest #CinemaParadiso #AmericanDream oldster.substack.com/p/i-see-the-...
oldster.substack.com
I See the Empty Nest from Both Sides Now
Thanks to a trip to Sicily.
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
@erinkeane.bsky.social You might enjoy my essay at The Plain Dealer about being from places like Cleveland and Buffalo. I quote one of Belt's titles, "How to Speak Midwestern," in the essay. Feel free to share!
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
@reasie.bsky.social You might enjoy my essay at The Plain Dealer about being from places like Cleveland and Buffalo. Feel free to share!
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
@aubreyhirsch.bsky.social I hope to attend your upcoming talk at the Inkubator! Also just fyi you might enjoy my essay at The Plain Dealer about being from places like Cleveland and Buffalo. Feel free to share!
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
@thecityclub.bsky.social You might enjoy my essay at The Plain Dealer about being from places like Cleveland and Buffalo. Feel free to share!
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
@atrubek.bsky.social Hello again! You might enjoy my essay at The Plain Dealer about being from places like Cleveland and Buffalo. I quote one of Belt's titles, "How to Speak Midwestern," in the essay. Feel free to share!
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
@beltmagazine.bsky.social You might enjoy my essay at The Plain Dealer about being from places like Cleveland and Buffalo. Feel free to share!
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
@beltpublishing.bsky.social You might enjoy my essay at The Plain Dealer about being from places like Cleveland and Buffalo. I quote one of your titles, "How to Speak Midwestern," in the essay. Feel free to share!
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
@literarycleveland.bsky.social You might enjoy my essay at The Plain Dealer about being from places like Cleveland and Buffalo. Feel free to share!
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
How do you react when you meet someone from places like #Cleveland or #Buffalo? Or maybe you're from there yourself? You might enjoy my short essay at the Cleveland Plain Dealer titled "Prejudging Parts of America--Don't Be a (Knee) Jerk." Feel free to share! #Midwest
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
@aubreyhirsch.bsky.social Ever wonder how to move a Great Lake? You might enjoy my short essay at Great Lakes Review about the Solstice Steps in Lakewood, Ohio. Feel free to share! greatlakesreview.org/from-back-ya...
greatlakesreview.org
From Back Yard to Front Porch: How Lakewood, Ohio Moved a Great Lake
Have you experienced a sunset where humans applaud as the final trace of the sun disappears on the horizon? I’ve only experienced such an ovation at two glorious places: the famous South Rim of the…
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
@erinkeane.bsky.social Ever wonder how to move a Great Lake? You might enjoy my short essay at Great Lakes Review about the Solstice Steps in Lakewood, Ohio. Feel free to share! greatlakesreview.org/from-back-ya...
greatlakesreview.org
From Back Yard to Front Porch: How Lakewood, Ohio Moved a Great Lake
Have you experienced a sunset where humans applaud as the final trace of the sun disappears on the horizon? I’ve only experienced such an ovation at two glorious places: the famous South Rim of the…
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
@thisamericanlife.org Ever wonder how to move a Great Lake? You might enjoy my short essay at Great Lakes Review about the Solstice Steps in Lakewood, Ohio. Feel free to share! greatlakesreview.org/from-back-ya...
greatlakesreview.org
From Back Yard to Front Porch: How Lakewood, Ohio Moved a Great Lake
Have you experienced a sunset where humans applaud as the final trace of the sun disappears on the horizon? I’ve only experienced such an ovation at two glorious places: the famous South Rim of the…
000
Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
@literarycleveland.bsky.social Ever wonder how to move a Great Lake? You might enjoy my short essay at Great Lakes Review about the Solstice Steps in Lakewood, Ohio. Feel free to share! greatlakesreview.org/from-back-ya...
greatlakesreview.org
From Back Yard to Front Porch: How Lakewood, Ohio Moved a Great Lake
Have you experienced a sunset where humans applaud as the final trace of the sun disappears on the horizon? I’ve only experienced such an ovation at two glorious places: the famous South Rim of the…
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
@lakewoodcitizen.com Thanks for sharing my post about the Lakewood Solstice Steps!
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
@pbsnews.org Ever wonder how to move a Great Lake? You might enjoy my short essay at Great Lakes Review about the Solstice Steps in Lakewood, Ohio. Feel free to share! greatlakesreview.org/from-back-ya...
greatlakesreview.org
From Back Yard to Front Porch: How Lakewood, Ohio Moved a Great Lake
Have you experienced a sunset where humans applaud as the final trace of the sun disappears on the horizon? I’ve only experienced such an ovation at two glorious places: the famous South Rim of the…
041
Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
@coreyatad.com Ever wonder how to move a Great Lake? You might enjoy my short essay at Great Lakes Review about the Solstice Steps in Lakewood, Ohio. Feel free to share! greatlakesreview.org/from-back-ya...
greatlakesreview.org
From Back Yard to Front Porch: How Lakewood, Ohio Moved a Great Lake
Have you experienced a sunset where humans applaud as the final trace of the sun disappears on the horizon? I’ve only experienced such an ovation at two glorious places: the famous South Rim of the…
000
Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
@vinceguerrieri.com Ever wonder how to move a Great Lake? You might enjoy my short essay at Great Lakes Review about the Solstice Steps in Lakewood, Ohio. Feel free to share! greatlakesreview.org/from-back-ya...
greatlakesreview.org
From Back Yard to Front Porch: How Lakewood, Ohio Moved a Great Lake
Have you experienced a sunset where humans applaud as the final trace of the sun disappears on the horizon? I’ve only experienced such an ovation at two glorious places: the famous South Rim of the…
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
@scottsuttell.bsky.social Thanks for sharing my essay about the Lakewood Solstice Steps!
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Ever wonder how to move a Great Lake? You might enjoy my short essay at Great Lakes Review about the Solstice Steps in Lakewood, Ohio. If you haven't seen the Steps, I recommend a visit. Feel free to share! #LakewoodOhio #SolsticeSteps #ClevelandOhio #GreatLakes greatlakesreview.org/from-back-ya...
greatlakesreview.org
From Back Yard to Front Porch: How Lakewood, Ohio Moved a Great Lake
Have you experienced a sunset where humans applaud as the final trace of the sun disappears on the horizon? I’ve only experienced such an ovation at two glorious places: the famous South Rim of the…
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
@annmariekelly.bsky.social Just wanted to say congrats on your essay about your father in the Erma Bombeck competition! It is very beautiful and poignant.
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
@susanpooleauthor.bsky.social Hello! Sorry I missed your recent talk in Lakewood. Congrats on the book and go Bills!
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
@beltpublishing.bsky.social You might enjoy my short essay, "How I Left My Gallbladder in Cleveland--and Learned About Old Place Names," at The Plain Dealer. cleveland.com/opinion/2026...
cleveland.com
How I left my gallbladder in Cleveland – and learned about old place names: Vincent O’Keefe
Knowing why “West Park” was once “West’s Park” may not be crucial to a Clevelander’s life, but it certainly deepens the connection to home. In that sense, a history book is like an MRI, and historical...
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
@nickoloffoff.bsky.social You might enjoy my short essay, "How I Left My Gallbladder in Cleveland--and Learned About Old Place Names," at The Plain Dealer. Feel free to share! cleveland.com/opinion/2026...
cleveland.com
How I left my gallbladder in Cleveland – and learned about old place names: Vincent O’Keefe
Knowing why “West Park” was once “West’s Park” may not be crucial to a Clevelander’s life, but it certainly deepens the connection to home. In that sense, a history book is like an MRI, and historical...
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
@anniezaleski.bsky.social You might enjoy "How I Lost My Gallbladder in Cleveland--and Learned About Old Place Names" at The Plain Dealer. :) cleveland.com/opinion/2026...
cleveland.com
How I left my gallbladder in Cleveland – and learned about old place names: Vincent O’Keefe
Knowing why “West Park” was once “West’s Park” may not be crucial to a Clevelander’s life, but it certainly deepens the connection to home. In that sense, a history book is like an MRI, and historical...
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
You might enjoy "How I Left My Gallbladder in Cleveland--and Learned About Old Place Names," especially if you live in the Cleveland/Lakewood area. Feel free to share! #Cleveland #Lakewood #LakewoodOhio cleveland.com/opinion/2026...
cleveland.com
How I left my gallbladder in Cleveland – and learned about old place names: Vincent O’Keefe
Knowing why “West Park” was once “West’s Park” may not be crucial to a Clevelander’s life, but it certainly deepens the connection to home. In that sense, a history book is like an MRI, and historical...
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Reposted by Vincent O'Keefe
Alphabet Box (Announcing Winner) @alphabetbox.bsky.social · 27/12/2025
On reality dating shows. #realitydating.
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
@abbys480.bsky.social Hello again! You might enjoy my tribute to my late mother-in-law's legacy of gift-giving at Motherwell. motherwellmag.com/2025/12/09/r...
motherwellmag.com
What my late mother-in-law still teaches me about holiday giving
I learned that gift-giving is not merely an obligation but a joy of life. By Vincent O’Keefe
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
@thisamericanlife.org You might get some laughs--and shocks!--from my essay at The Wall Street Journal about watching reality dating shows as a family. www.wsj.com/lifestyle/re...
wsj.com
I Assumed Reality-TV Dating Shows Were Bad for My Daughters (and Me). I Was Wrong.
Despite all the cringey moments, the shows often model how to handle difficult, face-to-face conversations in a relationship.
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Reposted by Vincent O'Keefe
The Slowdown @slowdownshow.org · 22/12/2025
Give a gift that lasts the whole year! New subscribers to POETRY Magazine receive 10 print volumes, immediate digital access, and a limited-edition tote bag (while supplies last). It's the perfect way to spend a cozy winter morning indoors. Visit poetrymagazine.org/slowdown25 for more info!
Graphic featuring a Poetry Magazine tote bag with copy that reads "Totes Poetry. Totes Yours."
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
@janefriedman.com You might get some laughs--and shocks!--from my essay at The Wall Street Journal about watching reality dating shows as a family. www.wsj.com/lifestyle/re...
wsj.com
I Assumed Reality-TV Dating Shows Were Bad for My Daughters (and Me). I Was Wrong.
Despite all the cringey moments, the shows often model how to handle difficult, face-to-face conversations in a relationship.
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
@chrislhayes.bsky.social You might get some laughs--and shocks!--from my essay at The Wall Street Journal about watching reality dating shows as a family. www.wsj.com/lifestyle/re...
wsj.com
I Assumed Reality-TV Dating Shows Were Bad for My Daughters (and Me). I Was Wrong.
Despite all the cringey moments, the shows often model how to handle difficult, face-to-face conversations in a relationship.
000
Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
@mrjoncryer.bsky.social You might get some laughs from my essay at The Wall Street Journal about watching reality dating shows as a family. www.wsj.com/lifestyle/re...
wsj.com
I Assumed Reality-TV Dating Shows Were Bad for My Daughters (and Me). I Was Wrong.
Despite all the cringey moments, the shows often model how to handle difficult, face-to-face conversations in a relationship.
000
Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
@lebassett.bsky.social You might get some laughs from my essay at The Wall Street Journal about watching reality dating shows as a family. www.wsj.com/lifestyle/re...
wsj.com
I Assumed Reality-TV Dating Shows Were Bad for My Daughters (and Me). I Was Wrong.
Despite all the cringey moments, the shows often model how to handle difficult, face-to-face conversations in a relationship.
000
Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
@maggiesmithpoet.bsky.social You might get some laughs from my essay at The Wall Street Journal about watching reality dating shows as a family. www.wsj.com/lifestyle/re...
wsj.com
I Assumed Reality-TV Dating Shows Were Bad for My Daughters (and Me). I Was Wrong.
Despite all the cringey moments, the shows often model how to handle difficult, face-to-face conversations in a relationship.
000
Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 12/12/2025
@thepom.bsky.social You might get a few laughs--and shocks!--from my essay at The Wall Street Journal about watching reality dating shows as a family. wsj.com/lifestyle/re...
wsj.com
I Assumed Reality-TV Dating Shows Were Bad for My Daughters (and Me). I Was Wrong.
Despite all the cringey moments, the shows often model how to handle difficult, face-to-face conversations in a relationship.
000
Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 12/12/2025
You might get a few laughs--and shocks!--from my essay at The Wall Street Journal about reality dating shows. Feel free to share! #TheBachelor #TheBachelorette #LoveisBlind wsj.com/lifestyle/re...
wsj.com
I Assumed Reality-TV Dating Shows Were Bad for My Daughters (and Me). I Was Wrong.
Despite all the cringey moments, the shows often model how to handle difficult, face-to-face conversations in a relationship.
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 12/12/2025
You might enjoy--and get a shock--from my essay at The Wall Street Journal about the value of watching reality TV dating shows. Feel free to share! #TheBachelor #TheBachelorette #LoveisBlind wsj.com/lifestyle/re...
wsj.com
I Assumed Reality-TV Dating Shows Were Bad for My Daughters (and Me). I Was Wrong.
Despite all the cringey moments, the shows often model how to handle difficult, face-to-face conversations in a relationship.
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Reposted by Vincent O'Keefe
The Wall Street Journal @wsj.com · 11/12/2025
Despite all the cringey moments, the shows often model how to handle difficult, face-to-face conversations in a relationship. on.wsj.com/4948dwO
on.wsj.com
I Assumed Reality-TV Dating Shows Were Bad for My Daughters (and Me). I Was Wrong.
Despite all the cringey moments, the shows often model how to handle difficult, face-to-face conversations in a relationship.
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
Tragically, my mother-in-law died in a car accident 28 years ago. I'm proud to honor her legacy of gift-giving in this essay at @motherwellmag.bsky.social. #motherinlaw #gifts #Christmas motherwellmag.com/2025/12/09/r...
motherwellmag.com
What my late mother-in-law still teaches me about holiday giving
I learned that gift-giving is not merely an obligation but a joy of life. By Vincent O’Keefe
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
@maggiesmithpoet.bsky.social Just fyi this fellow Ohioan and parenting writer enjoyed Dear Writer! Especially the parts about fragmentary narrative being, in many ways, a more "psychologically true form" than conventional, linear narrative. Also, I remember those SASEs for rejections :)
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Reposted by Vincent O'Keefe
Maris Kreizman @maris.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
I wrote about why I can't sleep at night: the devaluation of so many things (critical thinking, creativity) I thought were paramount. lithub.com/when-we-deva...
lithub.com
When We Devalue Art (Books!) We Devalue the Future
When you’ve spent your whole adult life working in and around book publishing you get used to hearing that people don’t read anymore and that the industry is on its last legs. There is always a cri…
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Vincent O'Keefe @vincentokeefe.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
So where (and when) does conscious identity begin? You might enjoy my reflections at @oldstermag.bsky.social on my first "wedding" at age 4 (featuring The Carpenters, Descartes, and a Big Wheel). Feel free to share! #aging #nostalgia #Descartes #TheCarpenters oldster.substack.com/p/scattered-...
oldster.substack.com
Scattered Pictures #3: My First “Wedding”
Vincent O’Keefe wonders, where does conscious identity begin? Featuring The Carpenters, Descartes, and a Big Wheel
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Reposted by Vincent O'Keefe
Celeste Ng @pronounced-ing.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
Out today: BEST AMERICAN SHORT STORIES 2025, edited by... me! So so many great stories in here. I can't wait for you to discover them and their talented writers.
Copy of the Best American Short Stories 2025, edited by Celeste Ng
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Reposted by Vincent O'Keefe
Jane Friedman @janefriedman.com · 21/10/2025
One of my favorite things is when a piece I write takes on a new life in someone else’s hands. Tiffany Graham Charkosky read my 2022 article describing the types of memoirists who land book deals & found a new way to look at her journey. Her memoir releases today: janefriedman.com/all-others-t...
janefriedman.com
“All Others”: The Memoir Writers Who Keep Going | Jane Friedman
Jane’s reporting has shown that unknown authors still land memoir deals, a fact which gave one writer the will to persevere—and succeed.
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