Hi, it’s Carissa, and this is Bad at Keeping Secrets. Are you an anxious person? I am. So when I saw the headline “This book is for anxious women,” I had to get it. I feel oddly calmed and understood by the complex social dynamics of Curtis Sittenfeld. It is almost like she is in my head in the moments of cringe when I find myself saying the exact wrong thing for the moment I am in. In our conversation, we talk about the actual equation for being a creative success, the role of luck in our lives, and how to navigate complex social dynamics. Her new collection of short stories focuses on exploring mid-life through overturning our beliefs about ourselves and the events that define us. Show Don’t Tell is a celebration of enduring friendship. It made me think about how the friends in my life show up for me and how I want to show up for them. You know, the people who you can be yourself all the time? The friends who show up when you get a difficult diagnosis. Or have a bad day. After reading, I felt the desire to reach out to the people in my life. To dig into each other’s lives becuase there is nothing else more interesting (to me atleast). Share this post with your bestie… I felt this weird pull towards Curtis in this interview, almost like I longed to be in her life, and I didn’t want our conversation to end. She is a master storyteller. When I re-listened to our interview, I felt this giddy joy, the joy that comes from almost a crush. There are lots of secrets—I hope you enjoy. Sending love, Carissa PS Both Curtis and I have direct ties to Minnesota. My heart goes out to everyone there in their shock and grief. I just don’t understand. Something I will say, is that I am taking comfort in lowering the “horizon line.” I am reaching out to the people close to me, calling my congress members, going to small gatherings, and smiling as often as I can. When I feel overwhelmed with the terror and horror of the world as I understand it, I recommend this portal for hope. PPS Bad At Keeping Secrets is a podcast by Carissa Potter (me). The audio was produced by Officially Quigley, and the sound editing was done by Mark McDonald. Mark helps people start podcasts, and I highly recommend him if you have been thinking about starting one. You can sign up for a free meeting with him here. PPPS My book is OUT. Get your copy here. Or from your local bookstore. I am so grateful to be able to do things that make me feel like I have a purpose in this life. Get full access to BAD AT KEEPING SECRETS at peopleiveloved.substack.com/subscribe