The freedom to read doesn’t exist without the freedom to write
Since summer 2025, I've been working with Massachusetts Authors Against Book Bans and the Mass Freedom to Read coalition to advocate for the passage of An Act Regarding Free Expression, which is Massachusetts' freedom to read bill. It finally passed in August 2026. This is the story of how it happened and some of the lessons I’ve learned from my experience.
Cover Reveal: Something Inside Me Knows
I’m thrilled to share the cover for my next book, Something Inside Me Knows: A Memoir, coming March 30, 2027!
Checking in on queer books this Pride month
Several recent articles have reported on how the current crisis of censorship in the US has made publishing LGBTQ+ books much more difficult. I don't doubt this, but I also want to offer a slightly different take on the current situation — one that brings in the broader historical context.
A Big Move
The last month has been full of literal upheaval for me, because Amy and I decided to sell our house and move.
An update in the fight for freedom of expression
Last month, I participated in the Mass Freedom to Read Advocacy Day at the State House in Boston, where members of our coalition met with legislators to try to push our freedom to read legislation forward.
A Lunar New Year Scroll
Last year, I was contacted by Erika Taketa, a book binding artist, who asked permission to turn "New Year" into a book object using some very special cloth: a Pride flag that has flown in San Francisco's Castro District.
My next book is a memoir titled Something Inside Me Knows
My next book is a memoir, and it incorporates free verse, found poetry, and lyric essay. In other words, it’s very different from my other books, but it also engages with a theme that runs through everything I’ve written.
Happy anniversary to Last Night at the Telegraph Club!
Five years ago today, on Jan. 19, 2021, Last Night at the Telegraph Club was first published. It has had such an incredible journey over the last five years!
From 2025 to 2026
I'm writing this post sitting in my orange armchair in my attic, under a blue blanket, on the afternoon of Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. I've just had a cup of Ti Kuan Yin tea, after returning from a chilly walk with Leia in the tiny patch of woods in our neighborhood.