The very best room I ever read a book in. Peter Mayer’s home in Woodstock. 2017.

First, bore no one…

The opening line of any book or website should do its darnedest to keep your attention, right?

I’m an editor and a writer, with my adult debut novel, Little Miseries, out in 2023. There are broken people in that book, and in my down time, I’m trying to fix them.

If you’ve come here looking for Podunk, the beloved tea room (2002-2016), it has closed, and in the menu on the top left corner is an archive of recipes, links, photos, and even a video. If you have come looking for advice from Elspeth, as I was once called, you can write at Ask Elspeth, also in the menu.

The Little New York Kitchen, my project of food writings and cookbook reviews, is here. Those of you who wish for free advice on how to open a tea room, there is a page attempting to talk you out of it, or you can DM me on Instagram at formerly_podunktearoom.

Last, I’ve been given many do-overs, fresh starts, nine lives, and at least five acts. It’s made me humble, but I hope it’s also made me useful.