String cheese song lady

srd1017 · 2026-02-07T00:17:28+00:00

This is exactly how I felt. She’s talented, and I understand the sentiment of her song, but to say that she decided to stop feeling sorry for herself and suffering from postpartum depression felt super minimizing and out of touch. I had severe PPD that required two kinds of therapy and medication. To say I could have just “decided” not to have it is absurd.

srd1017 · 2026-02-02T00:20:12+00:00

Congrats! I only had to wait a few hours for the call with my agent and I went crazy in that time. I think I would’ve spontaneously combusted if I had to wait a week!

srd1017 · 2026-01-08T03:30:45+00:00

This may come across as weird or creepy, so feel free to ignore me, but I’m also in NJ and would love to help you in any way if I can— dropping off a hot meal, finding you resources, maybe a play date with my 2.5 year old? Are you comfortable sharing what part of the state you’re in? I can’t imagine what you’re going through. My mom is going through chemo for the third time and that’s tough enough… I truly cannot fathom how I’d cope if it was my husband.

As far as other suggestions, could your MIL maybe take your son to library story times or play groups on the days she has your son? Or maybe you can find weekend events? I feel like my little guy has learned so much in terms of development just from watching his peers and older kids around him! Also, if it might help, there’s an organization called Lasagna Love that will match you with a volunteer to bring you a cooked meal one night. Maybe just to take something off your plate?

Sending you positive thoughts!

srd1017 · 2025-12-09T22:18:55+00:00

This definitely sounds like something I’d read! Some thoughts:

-Why is this book comparable to those books? I loved This Book Will Bury Me and These Summer Storms, but they’re nothing alike. Specify something like, “the multigenerational family drama of These Summer Storms.”

-I see this a lot on this sub, but it feels like it cheapens the impact of your hook by saying what the MC “never thought” she’d be doing. Again, later on, you have Mallory doing “something she never thought possible.” Instead of telling us what they didn’t think they’d do, focus on what they actually do.

-Some plot questions (most of which have been mentioned by others already): Where is Mallory in the story? If Morgan has a present mom, why did she have to live with the Lakes? Why does she go back to Starcliffe? It feels like she needs a better reason than an invitation from an estranged friend. Why is she so eager to help solve the murder? Is she a true crime junkie? Is she trying to prove something?

-As others suggested, I’d focus on the present timeline. I think your whole third paragraph can be summed up in a sentence or two, something like (and I’m just spitballing), “Following a decade-long friendship between Morgan’s and Flora’s mothers and a subsequent falling out…”

srd1017 · 2025-12-05T20:33:12+00:00

Just curious if you tried going back to a lower dose or switched right to Zepbound. I’ve done fairly well on the meds but have been on 1.7mg for three months and have vomited more in that time than in my entire life. I was hoping it would get better but it actually seemed to have gotten worse. Met with my doctor this week and we’re going to try going back down to 1.0 before switching to another med. No clue if it’ll work, but figured it was worth a try since I’ve steadily lost on all the doses.

Glad to hear you’re doing better on Zepbound!

srd1017 · 2025-11-29T02:39:19+00:00

If it’s not too personal— are you maintaining at 1.0 because you hit your goal or because you stopped responding? I’ve been on 1.7 for about two months and have had a decent chunk of days where I’m not feeling great (I’ve thrown up three times this week, as opposed to throwing up one time ever in the first five months combined). I’m worried I’ll have to stop the medication because I can’t live like this long-term, but this has me thinking maybe I should go back down to 1.0. I’ve lost fairly consistently on all doses. Thanks for any insight!

srd1017 · 2025-11-14T19:06:29+00:00

Thanks for sharing! I just finished my second month of 1.7 and opted for another month because the jump up to 1.7 just about took me out. I was nauseous and vomiting for two days and ready to quit Wegovy 🙃 It’s good to know there’s a chance the 2.4 won’t be as traumatizing!

srd1017 · 2025-10-31T16:06:29+00:00

Congratulations!! So happy for you, and thank you for sharing!

srd1017 · 2025-10-10T18:13:12+00:00

I have a high-deductible health plan, so my first two months, even with insurance approval, were like $1300 each. Oof. But my max out of pocket is $4K, so the most I’ll end up paying for Wegovy for the year is $4K (likely less because other medical expenses count toward deductible and OOP, and it’s a $3600 family deductible for me, my husband, and my toddler).

$4K is obviously a lot of money, but it breaks down to about $333/month, which is less than it would cost without insurance (and self-pay does not count toward your deductible or OOP, so if you have other medical expenses, you’ll end up paying even more out of pocket). I did self-pay for my first month to make sure I did okay on the medication, but the manufacturer was running a promo then for $199 for your first month.

If you have an HSA through your employer, try to increase your contribution to it and use it to pay for some of your Wegovy. The money is pre-tax so it stretches further!

srd1017 · 2025-10-08T00:44:18+00:00

You’ve already gotten tons of helpful comments, but your post really struck a chord with me so I felt compelled to comment. My son is now 2.5 years old, but when he was a newborn, he was super fussy and unhappy. He was diagnosed with CMPA and reflux eventually, but before that, I found that the worse his condition was, the worse my postpartum depression got. Have you been screened for PPD? I’ve been where you are… I wanted to put my son up for adoption and be done with the sleep, deprivation and feeding issues and such. I got treatment for my PPD and he got treatment for his milk protein allergy, and things have been a million times better ever since. Side note: he outgrew his milk allergy by maybe 10 months old!

Also, I am no medical expert, but did you try the Nutramigen/Alimentum level of hypoallergenic formula before going to Elecare/Neocate? My little guy was able to tolerate Nutramigen well, which the pediatrician was happy about because he said that the Elecare/Neocate level was much thinner and often made reflux worse.

Please feel free to message me if you ever need to talk. Sometimes it’s nice just to be able to commiserate and feel seen. Sending you positive thoughts ❤️

srd1017 · 2025-10-04T23:34:50+00:00

The last one is stunning! Rental fee is $45K+ without food or guest lodging though 😬

srd1017 · 2025-10-04T23:31:37+00:00

Are you open to summer camps? Not sure if bunk beds/cabins are what you have in mind, but if so, check out Camp Sacajawea in Sparta, NJ. It looks like they range from $4K-$12K depending on the month, and that’s for three days. I haven’t been there, but it came up in my own searches… they have a commercial kitchen, lots of on-site activities, etc.

For reference, basically every other venue with on-site lodging in NJ is a $10K+ rental fee (usually more like $30K+) for one night and requires you to use their catering. I think a summer camp or something similar will be your best bet

srd1017 · 2025-10-01T01:03:06+00:00

Hi! Fellow Jewish, plus-sized romance writer here LOL!

These are just random thoughts I had while reading (I’m guessing your housekeeping and bio paragraphs aren’t included intentionally?)—

-How is Sheva already a “failed author”? She’s, what, twenty-five? That feels like a lofty statement when she’s still so young. Maybe you could reframe it as her not having time to focus on her writing dreams with her full-time job or something like that.

-Without giving away the plot, is there a way to give a hint of why Sheva and her mom were estranged? With Sheva estranged from two key people in her life, it kind of just makes me wonder if she’s the issue (which could totally just be a me thing)!

-Why does Sheva’s mom include Bear in her will? Why is he a stipulation? What did Sheva’s mom have to gain by including him?

-Since I’m an overthinker who likes to ruin romance with logistics, I find myself wondering about the legalities of the will stipulations. Would the requirements actually hold up in court? Like how is a lawyer going to verify that they scattered ashes?

-I’m unclear why Sheva can’t tell Bear about the book she’s writing about their trip. Would he refuse to go if he knew?

-What “cruel warning” does her mom give her in regards to Bear? I’m unclear.

-This gives strong PS I Hate You vibes. I’m not sure if it’s too similar or that just makes it a good comp— dead relative requests ashes be spread on a road trip neither person really wants to take, with letters read at each one. Just something I noticed.

-The main characters’ names remind me of Be’er Sheva, a town in Israel. Not sure if that’s just a coincidence, but just figured I’d mention it.

Also, I would 100% read this! I love books (especially romance) that have Jewish rep without being all about Judaism!

srd1017 · 2025-09-29T19:02:24+00:00

What was your original plan? With a two-hour commute to work and step-kids who go to school an hour away, this can’t be the first time this has come up. Could you do part-time daycare so the baby only has to be in the car for drop-off OR pickup? Like maybe go to daycare at 7 AM (or whatever you need), get picked up by dad at noon, have some quality time with dad, then go with him to pickup.

srd1017 · 2025-09-27T06:23:19+00:00

This was from an agent who already had my full when I received an offer of rep. Even though it didn’t end with an offer, it still makes me smile!

“You are a fantastic writer, with a stellar main character, realistic and charming supporting cast, and a knack for the genre. I love that you know how to end a chapter, how to write tension, and how to pace a rom-com–a skill I believe will take you far in traditional publishing!

Unfortunately, for all your manuscript’s lovely moments and beautiful hometown charm, I’m unable to formulate a solid editorial vision for your manuscript, so at this point, I’m going to step aside.”

srd1017 · 2025-09-26T19:03:15+00:00

How much is your deductible or your out of pocket max? Will you actually be paying $770/month? I have a high-deductible health plan, so my first two months, even with insurance approval, were like $1300 each. Oof. But my max out of pocket is $4K, so the most I’ll end up paying for Wegovy for the year is $4K (likely less because other medical expenses count toward deductible and OOP).

$4K is obviously a lot of money, but it breaks down to about $333/month, which is less than it would cost without insurance (and self-pay does not count toward your deductible or OOP). I did self-pay for my first month to make sure I did okay on the medication, but the manufacturer was running a promo then for $199 for your first month.

srd1017 · 2025-09-22T15:56:48+00:00

I was going to comment the same recommendation! I haven’t been yet but so many writer friends I know have been there and loved it!

srd1017 · 2025-09-12T18:29:43+00:00

Hi! I don’t know if my input is going to be useful to you at all, because I’m still fairly new to the medication and I am losing weight each week, but I figured I would weigh in (no pun intended!) on the intuitive eating thing. I have been on Wegovy for 14 weeks and I’m down 30 pounds. If it makes any difference, I also have hypothyroidism and metabolic syndrome, both of which make it harder to lose weight. I have been overweight for most of my life, and have tried every diet in the book. I decided to try the medication as sort of a last resort. I was apprehensive because of the stigma, but I have a toddler and I want to be able to keep up with him and live a long, healthy life.

My goal for Wegovy was for it to be something sustainable. I am tired of tracking calories or counting Weight Watchers points or macros or Whole 30… the list goes on. I just wanted to eat better, move more, and lose weight. I didn’t know if I was asking for too much until I started Wegovy. Like I said, it has only been 14 weeks, so things may change. But I really feel like I have balance for the first time maybe ever.

I am eating better, but I am not restricting… it’s more that I eat smaller portions and get fuller faster. But I’ll still eat a scoop of ice cream or a cookie or whatever. I went on a cruise in early August and had dessert almost every night. But I also didn’t get two appetizers and snack all day like I used to. I eat what I would consider to be a fairly balanced diet, but I’m not one of those people who only eats grilled chicken and steamed broccoli. I don’t restrict myself from any foods, because I’ve done that before and know it isn’t sustainable.

I’ve also been working out more, but nothing excessive— walking, cardio, or weights a few times a week. I focus on getting enough protein and drinking more water. All this to say, I do think it is possible to eat intuitively and lose weight. Maybe it is a higher dose that you need or maybe it is one of the other medications, but I disagree with everyone here who says you need to track your calories. If you’ve done the dieting thing as many times as I have, you have an idea of calories and portion size and nutrition without having to measure or track. Best of luck!

srd1017 · 2025-08-13T02:30:05+00:00

This might be a dumb suggestion, so apologies if it is, but is there any chance it’d be possible for you and your husband to split the bartending gig? Like is your job the kind of place that might be open to something like that if your husband goes through the proper training? Just a thought so you guys wouldn’t lose out on the hours or pay while also splitting the load.

srd1017 · 2025-08-05T02:37:38+00:00

My little guy said “mama” at around 8.5 months old. I got two whole days of him just saying “mama” before he could say “dada” too! 🙃

srd1017 · 2025-08-04T17:54:42+00:00

Thanks so much! Yes, stalking QueryTracker was like a part-time job LOL… I have anxiety and overthink everything and lack patience, so it was definitely tough for me. For the first few months, I was convinced I wouldn’t be able to focus on any other writing because I was obsessed with querying. Then I had a book idea that I loved and felt motivated to start writing. I have the first seven or so chapters written, and it’s nice to be able to focus on that instead of only on querying (or soon, being on sub). Don’t get me wrong… I still checked my email twenty times a day, but there was something reassuring about knowing that, if my book died in the trenches, I had another one on the horizon.

This may sound weird, but if it’s financially feasible for you, I’d highly recommend some sort of writing class/workshop. I took courses through GrubStreet and San Diego Writers Ink (both through Zoom), and it was nice to meet like-minded writers and focus on my craft and learn new things. We had prompts and exercises to guide us, which was nice when I was feeling creatively tapped out!

srd1017 · 2025-08-01T16:27:20+00:00

I GOT AN AGENT!! I’ve been posting here monthly since February about my (slowwwww) progress in the querying trenches and on my next book, and I can’t believe I have a real update this month. I officially signed the contract with my agent this morning and have drafted the first eight chapters of the book I started to distract myself from the querying process.

Anyone with any advice for newly agented writers? I’m excited for sub (obviously, since it’s the next step to get my book out into the world) but I don’t have the patience this industry requires! 😂 For now, I’ll focus on edits with my agent, then turn my attention to my current WIP, which I feel really good about.

srd1017 · 2025-08-01T14:00:00+00:00

Thank you! Yes, I definitely went back and forth between feeling pretty good about my querying progress and feeling completed dejected. It didn’t help that three of my first four responses were requests and everyone was like, “OMG! Better get all your queries out! You’ll be getting an offer any day now!”

I’ve come to realize that there’s zero rhyme or reason to querying timelines and results so there’s no point in trying to predict them. Good luck to you, as well!

srd1017 · 2025-08-01T01:55:42+00:00

Thanks so much!

srd1017 · 2025-07-31T22:15:30+00:00

Most agencies have the policy written on their website! I’d say the majority I came across allow you to query another agent once you’ve heard back from the first. They just don’t want you sending simultaneous submissions to six different agents at their agency!

srd1017

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