The October Orr Report: my monthly newsletter sharing updates on my novel, querying and some fun book and TV recs.

Part of Reading as a Writer series, a book review of The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami, a Read With Jenna book club pick. Dystopian / speculative fiction about female rage, AI surveillance and more.
Includes my writing craft analysis as a debut author reading Book Club picks.

Liz Gilbert commanded 150+ people with no notes at her author event. Here's what I learned about creative courage, truth-telling, and writing from healed scars.

Why (and how) I left my BigLaw career as an environmental attorney to become a writer.

My monthly newsletter sharing updates on my writing career and three happy things to spark joy including dog books, dog vacations and great TV.

Book review of Oprah’s Book Club pick Familiaris by David Wroblewski. If you love dogs and magic and friendship and farms and love stories, this book is for you!

My monthly newsletter with writing updates, lessons learned and three happy things.

Part of the Reading as a Writer series, a review of Read with Jenna Book Club pick The Great Divide, exploring Henríquez's multi-POV storytelling craft and meticulous research into Panama Canal construction in 1907.

Discover my current school supply obsessions for writers, including rainbow tabs and animal stick notes.y

Working at hotels, Somebody Somewhere and Staying Alive - three happy things this month!

Eric Puchner’s Dream State delivers a sprawling family saga with all the things, including a side of climate dread. In this review, I unpack what made it a standout Book Club pick and what writers can learn from this beautiful story.

Book review of Coco Mellors’ Blue Sisters, a story about sisters and ambitious women.

I was terrified to share my draft manuscript with beta readers — but waiting until Draft 8 was a mistake. Here’s how beta readers transformed my manuscript—and why you shouldn’t wait for perfection before asking for feedback.

Book Review of Rachel Kushner’s spy thriller, Creation Lake.

Struggling with motivation? Find a friend who nourishes your ambition.

Best Books of 2024 featuring Miranda July, Chris Whitaker and Rachel Kushner

A Writer's Guide to Staying Creative While Sick | Career Transition Tips

As a writer who loves reading about the workplace, here are my top books that celebrate professional life.

Book review of the new Richard Powers novel exploring AI, ocean conservation, and friendship with a mind-bending twist.

A writer's reaction to the election and edits turns into a manifesto for creative resistance, complete with luxury towels and a renewed sense of purpose. Because sometimes rage-shopping leads to clarity.