Alan Opts Out: a novel
Alan Anderson is a powerful advertising executive who has built a successful life and thriving business by making people buy stuff they don’t actually need. He’s up for the biggest pitch of his career and the account everyone wants. But when an anarchist farmer tanks Alan’s presentation to US Dairy, Alan bombs the pitch but ends the day with an epiphany: No longer will he exploit the insecurities of others in the service of capitalism. Alan is opting out.
This development is anathema to his wife, Vivian. She’s just a few positive affirmations, a swimming pool, and a series of social tests away from finally becoming a part of an elite women’s club in their adopted town of Greenwich, Connecticut. While contending with a daughter who wants to write plays and another who has an unnatural empathy with animals, she can only watch as Alan moves into their backyard playhouse to live off the land and—worse—spend time with the family. But instead of shocking the neighbors, Alan’s commitment to a less-is-more lifestyle seems to be catching on. Could everyone want what Alan’s not selling? coming June 2, 2026 from Little Brown and available for purchase now. You can get a signed copy and a lobster sticker via Oblong Books
Featured workshops 2026-2027:
June 28th San Francisco area, California 10-4pm: Join me for a one-day retreat in a beautiful private home in Los Altos hills of California for a day dedicated to infusing stakes, momentum and plot into your memoir. I’ll be teaching techniques from novel writing to put plot into your memoir, personal essays and other pieces of nonfiction. All information is here. Lunch, instruction and happy hour all included. All information here.
May 10-17th, 2027 Southern Spain: This weeklong intensive will significantly improve your writing and your knowledge of the publishing industry, while also allowing you to indulge in the glorious sunshine and delicious food (and wine!) of Southern Spain. Accommodation, all meals, instruction and day trips to iconic natural sights are included in the price. All information here.
In other news:
The Today show chose my memoir THE YEAR OF THE HORSES as their top pick for Mental Health Awareness month and Vanity Fair listed my author’s guidebook BEFORE AND AFTER THE BOOK DEAL as one of the top resources for writers.