Sure. Overview: It’s great. I wear comfortable clothing all day, make a decent living, and feel respected for my work. Pick away.

So Sharon Stone officiated a wedding, then.

JUST SMELL IT. SMEEEEELLLLLL EEEEEEETTTT.

Art is supposed to make you think and feel. What it makes you think and feel is ultimately up to you. To believe that a writer can dictate every reaction to their work is to believe that we can control minds, and if that were true, I’d be getting much bigger royalty checks.

Nope. Even though I think my writing is pretty clear (my work is primarily for 8-13 year olds) every reader has the right to make their own interpretation (as is evidenced by some very irate Amazon reviewers). I can tell them that they’re wrong, and I can also choose to spend my time yelling at a wall; both approaches…

Thanks! My phone is well-trained.

That’s entirely possible. Authors don’t work in a bubble. And I’d hate to think of whatever legacy I’ve created being sullied by my crappy first drafts and rejected ideas.

As an author (a real one, published and paid and everything) I wholeheartedly agree with you. You make art and you give it to the world. What the world does with it is beyond your control. If you want to maintain control, keep it to yourself.

What if he wants a sibling for his kid? Someone who is a complete genetic match. Kid might need a kidney one day. Shepherd doesn’t have to pay for future possible kid and has no link to them—no need to destroy the embryos.

You should just go to Morning Glory regardless—they have amazing breakfasts. Lines out the door on most weekend mornings.

She kept trying to shove it into her ear. Weird, right?

I handed mine off to my friend who was actively fighting for the rights of same-sex couples to wed. A few years later, it became legal for gays and lesbians to marry in my state. YOU’RE WELCOME, PENNSYLVANIA.

Like that bag of mixed greens that’s been in the back of your crisper for four months.

It’s my excuse for letting them watch a little teevee.

About 15 years ago my Japanese friend took her visiting mother to Hooters for Mother’s Day. Apparently they really liked the wings. The waitress brought them a free pie.

Just remember that the fear is something your parents never had. As long as you don't let it immobilize you, a little fear is not a bad thing.

Be gloriously imperfect. It’s a great example to set for your kids.

Wonderful. Throw a foot massage in there for good measure!

Oh, my eye-makeup was wrecked halfway through the article. People who have healthy, loving relationships with their moms can’t understand (lucky them) and to be in the virtual company with so many people who can is an enormous relief. Cry it out, friend. You're in great company.