I’m writing to you from the salty shores of Ogunquit, Maine, where the air smells like lobster rolls and sunscreen, and the biggest decisions are: beach towel or sand chair? One more swim or one more chapter? (Spoiler: it’s usually both.)
This week, I’m revisiting Tales of the City by Armistead Maupin—a series of books I fell in love with back in college. It began as a newspaper column in the San Francisco Chronicle in the 1970s, then evolved into a novel, a series, and ultimately a TV show. Proof that great writing doesn’t have to start perfectly—it just has to start.
My own book began as a blog, and now the next one is slowly taking shape over on Substack.
If you’re looking for writing inspiration, visit me at
📚 Write Like You Mean It
Try it free for 7 days—after that, it’s just a few bucks a month for prompts, hot tips on grammar, and some delightful surprises.
So… what’s in your beach bag these days? Let me know by emailing me at judi@judi411.com.