Reflection Series for Rose’s Locket

To everybody who has ever asked an adoptee about their views on abortion —

You may have thought that you knew what my answer might have been when you asked how I, an adoptee, felt about abortion. At the very least, you did catch me off guard with this question, but I’m writing…

Breaking the Adoptee’s Curse of Bad Birthday Luck

For These Sins, I Will Not Apologize

“Don’t ask my opinion / Don’t ask me to lie / Then beg for forgiveness / For making you cry / For making you cry / ’Cause I’m only human after all / I’m only human after all / Don’t put your blame on me / Don’t put the blame on me” — “Human” by Rag’n’Bone Man

Publishing Day

On the day that my book published, it had been almost two months since I’d looked at my book. Mostly out of fear that I’d find a typo or something I missed. Mostly out of fear that if I found mistakes or missing details that it would be too late.

A Letter To My Former Self

Dear 13-year-old Shannon,

I know there’s no way in hell you’re going to believe me, but I wouldn’t be writing you a letter if the news wasn’t radical.

I am the 29 year old version of you. I have a daughter, we live in a house by a…

The Beauty in the Breakdown

“Cause I just couldn’t open up, I’m always shifting.” — “Hallucinogenics” by Matt Maeson

I Won The Writer Lottery

When I realized I would be writing a book, it felt like I’d won the lottery. And for me, winning the lottery would be a hell of a stretch — I don’t play! And yet, I always thought there might be a twinge of panic in that moment of finding out. Thoughts would probably cycle through my…

Standing Naked On A Stage: Imposter Syndrome & Writing

My self-portrait is more like a moving picture, always changing. So even when I do snap photos or jot down descriptions, it’s near impossible to pin down the consistencies of my essence. I do my best to keep the turbulence quiet…