Meredith Maran Books

Twenty of America's bestselling authors share tricks, tips, and secrets of the successful writing life.Anyone who's ever sat down to write a novel or even a story knows how exhilarating and heartbreaking writing can be. So what makes writers stick with it? In Why We Write , twenty well-known authors candidly share what keeps them going and what they love most—and least—about their vocation.Contributing authors Isabel AllendeDavid BaldacciJennifer EganJames FreySue GraftonSara GruenKathryn HarrisonGish JenSebastian JungerMary KarrMichael LewisArmistead MaupinTerry McMillanRick MoodyWalter MosleySusan OrleanAnn PatchettJodi PicoultJane SmileyMeg Wolitzer

Turning 60 and beginning again can be daunting, especially in the midst of serious personal events. Book critic and author (Why We Write About Ourselves) Maran reinvented herself at just this turning point, after a painful breakup with her wife, the death of a close friend, and harsh financial setbacks. Leaving home, friends, and a freelance writing career behind, she moved from San Francisco to Los Angeles to begin a nine-to-five life out of necessity. What followed were struggles with housing, money, work culture, and the eccentricities of her youth-oriented new city. Her loneliness was pervasive and intensified. Through honest and vividly drawn scenes, she shares her grief and challenges. However, she artfully balances this with humor and keen perspective, and what emerges is another side to her story, one of resilient courage as she embraces her new surroundings with an open mind, reaches out to make new friends, rekindles her creative self, and re-enters the dating scene. A unifying, inspiring, and universal theme builds throughout: despite age and circumstances, it is never too late to start anew

Focusing on the journey of Alison Rose, this novel explores themes of love, jealousy, loyalty, and the complexities of motherhood. As she navigates the challenges of creating a happy and healthy family, readers will find relatable moments that resonate with their own experiences. The narrative provides fresh insights into the dynamics of relationships, making it an engaging and thought-provoking read.

Exploring the journey of starting anew at 60, this post-divorce memoir captures the vibrant and often challenging landscape of Hollywood, a world fixated on youth and beauty. With humor and resilience, the author shares her experiences of reinvention, embracing life with a bold spirit. The narrative resonates with readers familiar with the works of Anne Lamott and Ayelet Waldman, offering a candid and empowering perspective on aging and self-discovery in a culture that often overlooks the value of experience.