The author reflects on the nature of writing as a means of connecting with readers, likening it to sharing personal stories with close friends. Influenced by Miranda July's novel, the writer seeks to create urgency and emotional depth in their narratives. They express gratitude for midlife friendships, highlighting various groups of friends who contribute to their life and writing experience. These relationships, from college friends to writer circles, reinforce the joy and comfort found in shared conversations and companionship.
My goal is to give the reader the feeling that you have when you're going for a long walk with a close friend, and the friend says: The craziest thing just happened to me.
The intersection of a juicy story and a real connection is one of the very best parts of being a person.
I'm profoundly grateful for the intensity and centrality of friendship in middle age.
There are the friends I take literal and regular long walks with, and I think of as my lady writer friends, with whom I have Friday lunches.
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