Why write one novel when you can write two, with twice the effort, time, tears, stress, etc. and aim for it all to be done in the same window of time? Seems like a sane and normal goal.

A reality in my writing process: Just when I'm making strides toward a deadline for one project, answers come to me about another, and I can't NOT capture those. So here I am, two novels both vying for my attention, both wanting to be finished!

“Jump, & you will find out how to unfold your wings as you fall.” - R. Bradbury Been thinking about this: how taking the terrifying leap toward something can bring the clarity we were seeking. Do we ever know what we’re doing, or how to do it? Most worthwhile acts involve a foray into the unknown.

Had a wonderful first @readercon.bsky.social (#Readercon) in Boston last weekend! So many great conversations, panels, new (& old) friends - also loved being there with my Western MA author pals (& genius creatives) @robertvsredick.bsky.social & Mira Bartók! Feeling inspired! Now, to finish a novel!

Heading to Readercon in Boston today - my first time at this conference! I’m excited to experience it - though at least 50% of my time I’ll be holing away in my room and working on my manuscript. May emerge in the evenings depending on progress!

One of my favorites of me and Eric, at Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. Can you believe it’s been 16 years?!

Had a wonderful time at the @irishwriterscentre.bsky.social last night! I read from my fabulist parable “Frog Heart” (now available at Charlie Byrne’s’ Bookshop in Galway!) It was an incredible experience - especially hearing the work of the other writers. What a warm, welcoming center and crowd!

Exciting news! “Frog Heart” - my short story first in Ploughshares, later released as a stand-alone mini-book from @ikeproject.bsky.social - is now at the iconic Charlie Byrnes’ Bookshop in Galway, Ireland! Thanks to Méabh McDonnell, author and children’s section manager at the bookshop!

Toying with the idea of sharing one What If / theory every few days. Here’s today’s:

One thing that working-furiously-on-novel-while-traveling is teaching me: how to get good at ignoring lesser responsibilities, letting non-urgent emails wait, and using every spare minute I have to dip back into the novel.

Update: There are now just TWO spaces open for this November's residential workshop in gorgeous West Viriginia! I'd love for you to join @joybaglio.bsky.social & Sarah Freligh & me. You will write LOTS! 🍁🍂

“Always write the biggest book you can. The one that makes the boldest claim. The one that knows what its identity is.” - @gillianmauthor.bsky.social

HUGE congrats to @joybaglio.bsky.social on winning a Pushcart! I know what a journey it has been to get this story in the right state and the right hands for publication, and this prize is so justly deserved. ❤️

One Story@onestorymag.bsky.social · 2mo ago

🎉We are thrilled to announce that One Story issue #332, "We Are Sorry for Your Suffering" by @joybaglio.bsky.social has won a Pushcart Prize & will be included in the 2027 Pushcart Prize Anthology! Congratulations to author Joy Deva Baglio! bit.ly/48IYtrO%E2%9...

Congratulations to @joybaglio.bsky.social on the Pushcart! A very well-deserved recognition for a really great story!!! Huzzah 🎉 [Please let the wear and tear on my copy be further endorsement!]

One Story@onestorymag.bsky.social · 2mo ago

🎉We are thrilled to announce that One Story issue #332, "We Are Sorry for Your Suffering" by @joybaglio.bsky.social has won a Pushcart Prize & will be included in the 2027 Pushcart Prize Anthology! Congratulations to author Joy Deva Baglio! bit.ly/48IYtrO%E2%9...

Congratulations to @joybaglio.bsky.social on winning a Pushcart Prize for her extraordinary short story “We Are Sorry for Your Suffering,” first published in One Story Magazine. Joy’s work continues to astonish with its emotional precision, imagination, and depth — this honor is so deeply deserved.

I won a Pushcart Prize! Huge thanks to my brilliant editor @kcfriedman.bsky.social, everyone at @onestorymag.bsky.social & the Pushcart editors!

One Story@onestorymag.bsky.social · 2mo ago

🎉We are thrilled to announce that One Story issue #332, "We Are Sorry for Your Suffering" by @joybaglio.bsky.social has won a Pushcart Prize & will be included in the 2027 Pushcart Prize Anthology! Congratulations to author Joy Deva Baglio! bit.ly/48IYtrO%E2%9...

Had a wonderful time reading & talking craft / process last week at A Writer’s Night, in Longmeadow MA! Thanks to all the wonderful folks who showed up, joined in a very lively conversation about writing, and participated in my small frog-themed trivia challenge (winner won a copy of “Frog Heart”)!

Belated photos from my wonderful conversation with author Joanna Margaret at Odyssey Bookshop, about her novel The Daughters, a gothic mystery. We chatted about historical research, witch trials, writing suspense, & so much more! Thanks to all the amazing folks who joined us!

THURSDAY, May 14th! I'll be featured at A Writer's Night, in Longmeadow MA! I'll be reading fiction, sharing craft talk kernels, & telling you about the connection between bagpipe and writing (this is secret knowledge, but those present will learn). More details here: tinyurl.com/2s4mbpad

TONIGHT, Wednesday 5/13! I can't wait to talk with Joanna Margaret about writing a page-turning thriller, her background as an archival historian, and more! Join us at Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley MA!

Pioneer Valley Writers Workshop@pvww.bsky.social · 3mo ago

TONIGHT, Thursday 5/13, if you’re in MA, come hangout with author Joanna Margaret & PVWW Founder @joybaglio.bsky.social, at Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley! They'll be talking about Joanna’s new gothic thriller & related topics! Hope to see you there! More details / RSVP here: tinyurl.com/3f2aw7j9

“I always love librarians as heroes, particularly in a thriller.” —WHMP Listen to Joanna Margaret (The Daughters) discuss the setting, researching witch trials, and more: m.soundcloud.com/whmp/novelis... She’ll be at the Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley, MA, Wednesday, with @joybaglio.bsky.social

Hi Friends! Here's our just-out May newsletter, from @pvww.bsky.social with both virtual and IN-PERSON workshops, readings, & happenings! If you're in Western MA, I hope I get to see you at one of my upcoming in-person events listed here! Full list of May events here: tinyurl.com/7a475jr5

Our May newsletter is here! Join us this spring for virtual workshops with bestselling authors + IN-PERSON events with PVWW Founder @joybaglio.bsky.social, and more! We hope to see you soon! Full list of May events here: tinyurl.com/7a475jr5

Accountability roll call! Let’s make May the month we show up in a big way for our projects. (Dare I say finish the novel?! Yes I dare.)

*** Celebrate Short Story Month • Buy a short story collection. • Read a short story. • Write a short story. • Recommend your favorite short stories to your friends. • Buy a story from IKE: A Publishing Project, such as Frog Heart by @joybaglio.bsky.social. Available @asterismbooks.bsky.social

I am so excited for this! Join us in West Virginia for a week of generative flash writing! (Spots are limited and going fast!) Link to sign up at the QR code, also in the comments below.

Ellen Weeren@ellenweeren.bsky.social · 4mo ago

Thank goodness I'm coordinating so I can be there - seats are going fast! @kathyfish.bsky.social @sfreligh.bsky.social and @joybaglio.bsky.social

“Frog Heart” making its way into the world as a chapbook! Thanks so much @ikeproject.bsky.social!

Pat Foran@pdforan.bsky.social · 4mo ago

"... all she would have done to keep her children safe and alive, all she'd tried to do, all she'd given up, yet how blind she'd been, how weak and scared her version of love had been in the face of the world and its whispering voices." Frog Heart by @joybaglio.bsky.social @ikeproject.bsky.social

"... all she would have done to keep her children safe and alive, all she'd tried to do, all she'd given up, yet how blind she'd been, how weak and scared her version of love had been in the face of the world and its whispering voices." Frog Heart by @joybaglio.bsky.social @ikeproject.bsky.social

ENTER "FROG HEART" GIVEAWAY (by 4/24)! Ploughshares is doing a giveaway, free to enter! Winner receives my new "Frog Heart" chapbook (by @ikeproject.bsky.social) & Ploughshares issue where the story first appeared! To enter, go to @pshares.bsky.social's Instagram post, or here: tinyurl.com/mpt5j26r

Excited to share that I’ll be week three faculty at Martha's Vineyard Institute of Creative Writing this September! I’ll be leading three seminars, consulting with attendees, & hanging out / exploring the island! If you'll be there, let me know in the comments - and looking forward to meeting you!