Childless Cat Lady Book Rec, Video Recipe, & Thursday Class
Grab your fur babies!
In This Issue:
Book Rec For Childless Cat Ladies (and our allies!)
NA Mint Julep Video Recipe
Book Proposal Workshop on Thursday
I, like damn near anyone with common sense, am truly disgusted by JD Vance’s comments about how people without biological, living children are “sociopaths” with “no direct stake in our country.” His comments not only alienate step-parents, adopted parents, and caregivers, but also people who’ve tragically grieved their children, people who struggle(d) with fertility issues, and people who just don’t want to be parents.
He’s not just implying, but directly stating, that the only way to “have a stake in your country” is to procreate. So this week’s newsletter is all about my children: my book, my drink, and my fur babies.
I wrote my book, Dry Humping: A Guide to Dating, Relating and Hooking Up Without the Booze, to inspire people to stop relying on liquid courage in their interpersonal relationships and to think critically about their relationships with alcohol. I designed conversation templates to improve communication and boundary setting, which… guess what… improves relationship conversations (including parenting!) while also reminding the reader that they have full agency of their body and mind.
My book exists because I care immensely about this country and rest the of the people on this planet struggling with substance abuse and insecurity that stems from trauma.
Dare I say that I “have a stake” in the future of this country’s mental health and substance abuse epidemic?
Fun Fact: I wrote this piece for LitHub about authors who experience publishing post-partum depression after their book release.
Book Recommendation
My dear friend and queen of the zeitgeist, Ruby Warrington, wrote a book for my fellow childless cat ladies (and our allies!) You may know Ruby’s name because she coined the world-changing term Sober Curious and wrote a book about it. She also wrote an incredible book called Women Without Kids.
((This section was inspired by
’s brilliant newsletter, , that’s filled with apropos book recommendations.))Video Mint Julep Recipe
Last week I shared a mint julep recipe that includes my other child, (parentheses). This week I’m sharing the same recipe in a video. In this 4:53 video, you’ll learn about our founder’s story, my bartending history, and of course, an easy mint julep recipe.
🍃NA Mint Julep
1oz (parentheses) After
Dash of simple syrup
A few sprigs of fresh mint
Muddle simple syrup with mint, add ice, then shake
Pour over ice (preferably crushed ice!)
Thursday Night Virtual Class
And because I don’t have children, I also have the capacity to teach publishing courses. I guess you can say I “have a stake” in the future of book publishing. Join me on Thursday for Book Proposal 101.
Book Proposal 101 (August 1, 7-9EST)
Want to write a nonfiction book but have no idea where to start? This virtual course will help you understand what a book proposal is and how to actually enjoy writing one.
Whether you're pitching a nonfiction book or a nonfiction card deck, Book Proposal 101: Stop Dreading It and Start Writing It will help you feel empowered by the proposal process rather than overwhelmed.
OK, you might still feel overwhelmed, but you can totally do this!
My fourth child, Stevie, is thinking of starting a Hounds for Harris chapter. Anyone wanna join?
XO,
Tawny
P.S. My fifth child is due in December! Preorder my forthcoming, co-authored card deck here.
Thanks for the shoutout! I've been trying to figure out where single, childless dog ladies fit in our new regime.