Journalist and children's author Weintraub's debut memoir recounts her challenging experiences with marriage, high-risk pregnancy, and doctor-prescribed bed rest. Moving to a farmhouse in upstate New York with her new husband, Chris, Weintraub faces massive fibroids and other complications during her pregnancy, requiring five months of bed rest. The memoir, read by the author, captures her growing anxiety, financial concerns, and complex feelings about her father, faith, and future. Despite the intimate and affecting narrative, the depiction of the men in her life is less convincing. The memoir offers a candid account of marriage and motherhood, making it an excellent choice for book groups.

Professional chef Oscar González Moreno offers personalized culinary tours in Sevilla, Spain, through his company Spain and the Chef. These tours cater to small groups and solo travelers, focusing on deep dives into Spanish culinary culture, including market visits, cooking classes, and tapas tours. Oscar emphasizes the importance of understanding local ingredients and culinary traditions, providing insights into dishes like paella, Iberian jamón, and bacalao. His approach prioritizes meaningful interactions and a slower pace, aiming to nourish both the body and soul of his clients.

Veozah, a new non-hormonal medication approved by the FDA in May 2023, offers an alternative treatment for women experiencing moderate to severe hot flashes during menopause. Unlike traditional hormone therapies, Veozah targets brain chemistry related to estrogen. While it shows promise, concerns include potential liver damage, high costs, and limited insurance coverage. Dr. Stephanie McNally emphasizes the importance of patient-doctor discussions to determine the best treatment options.

Solo travel can be both empowering and lonely, but there are many ways to make connections on the road. Joining online expat groups, participating in local fitness classes, and staying in shared spaces can lead to meaningful friendships. Engaging in activities that align with personal interests, such as book events or cooking classes, also helps in meeting like-minded individuals. The article emphasizes the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone and making an effort to connect with others to enrich the solo travel experience.

Aileen Weintraub shares her personal journey of managing perimenopause symptoms while maintaining her professional responsibilities. She describes the challenges of dealing with forgetfulness, anxiety, and physical changes, and how she sought alternative treatments and lifestyle changes to improve her well-being. Weintraub emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and openly discussing menopause to better support women in the workplace.

Solo travel can be both empowering and lonely, but making connections can enhance the experience. The author shares various strategies for meeting new people while traveling alone, such as joining online expat groups, participating in local fitness classes, and staying in shared spaces. Utilizing platforms like Facebook and Meetup, and engaging in activities that align with personal interests, can lead to meaningful interactions and friendships. The narrative emphasizes the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone to fully enjoy solo travel adventures.

Aileen Weintraub recounts her high-risk pregnancy and its profound impact on her marriage and mental health. Diagnosed with large fibroids at four months pregnant, she was placed on strict bed rest, which strained her relationship with her husband, who had just started a new business. The couple faced financial difficulties, emotional distance, and prenatal depression. Despite the challenges, they eventually reconnected and healed, finding a new way to connect after the birth of their child. Weintraub's memoir, 'Knocked Down: A High-Risk Memoir,' captures this tumultuous period with humor and poignancy.

Aileen Weintraub shares a personal experience of being triggered by a pregnant woman, reflecting on her own traumatic pregnancy. Experts Tracey Shors and Olivia Remes provide insights into understanding and healing from trauma, emphasizing the importance of recognizing stress responses, feeling emotions, and confiding in trusted individuals. The article highlights the significance of self-awareness, exercise, meditation, and maintaining strong connections to navigate and overcome traumatic experiences.

The article explores the emotional aftermath of trauma, using the author's personal experience to illustrate how past traumatic events can resurface in everyday situations. Expert insights from Tracey Shors and Olivia Remes provide a framework for understanding these reactions as part of the healing process. The piece emphasizes the importance of recognizing and managing triggers, allowing oneself to feel emotions, and seeking support from trusted individuals. Practical advice includes aerobic exercise, meditation, and building strong social connections to navigate and overcome trauma.

Aileen Weintraub shares her personal struggle with postpartum anxiety and depression, detailing the overwhelming fear and isolation she felt as a new mother. Despite societal expectations and initial dismissal by her OBGYN, she found solace and support through her mother, friends, and an online mom's group. Her journey towards understanding and managing her mental health highlights the importance of community and professional support in overcoming postpartum challenges.

Aileen Weintraub shares her personal story of finding comfort in her stuffed animal, George, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite societal norms and the stigma around adults sleeping with stuffed animals, she highlights the importance of self-soothing mechanisms and the emotional support George has provided throughout her life. The narrative underscores the universal need for comfort and the quiet struggles many face, advocating for the acceptance of personal vulnerabilities.

The article explores the often-overlooked experiences of women in their 40s as they navigate perimenopause. The author shares her personal journey, detailing symptoms like insomnia, panic attacks, and hormonal changes. She highlights the lack of information and support available to women during this phase, contrasting it with the abundance of advice given during pregnancy. The narrative also touches on the emotional and physical challenges of potentially facing a late-in-life pregnancy. Ultimately, the author finds solace in self-care practices and the support of a community of women going through similar experiences.

A woman reflects on her high-risk pregnancy and the emotional and physical challenges she faced, including bed rest, gestational diabetes, and prenatal depression. Raised in a Conservative Jewish community with expectations of having a large family, she grapples with feelings of shame and failure. A heart-to-heart conversation with her mother, who also had fibroids, helps her realize that she is more than just an incubator for her baby. Ultimately, she gives birth to a healthy child and finds strength in her body's ability to perform a miracle, despite being advised not to have more children.

The article explores the emotional impact of being ghosted by a best friend during a personal crisis, highlighting the psychological effects and offering advice on how to cope and move forward. It includes expert opinions from psychologists Miriam Kirmayer and Mahzad Hojjat, and personal anecdotes from individuals like Elaine Parker, emphasizing the importance of understanding, grieving, and eventually opening up to new friendships.

Aileen Weintraub shares six steps for writing companion pieces to promote a forthcoming book. She emphasizes identifying themes within the book, understanding the type of content to pitch, targeting the right audience, crafting a concise pitch letter, allowing sufficient time for the process, and writing engaging pieces that tie back to the book. Weintraub uses her own book, 'Knocked Down: A High-Risk Memoir,' as an example, illustrating how companion pieces can help build an author's platform and reach new audiences.

Friendships are crucial for happiness, but being ghosted by a best friend during a crisis can severely impact mental health. The author shares a personal story of being abandoned by a close friend during multiple personal traumas, highlighting the emotional toll and the process of moving forward. Experts explain that ghosting often stems from the ghoster's inability to handle emotional distress. The article offers advice on coping with the loss, understanding the limitations of others, and eventually opening up to new, healthier friendships.

The article provides a comprehensive guide for authors on how to prepare for podcast and radio interviews to promote their books. It outlines eight steps, including positioning oneself as an expert, preparing talking points, practicing, researching the host, preparing mentally and physically, staying on topic, leaving the audience wanting more, and mastering the wrap-up. The author, Aileen Weintraub, shares her personal experiences and practical tips to help authors feel more confident and effective in their media appearances.

The 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup has become a significant platform for LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusivity, with openly queer moments and athlete expressions of identity celebrated both on and off the pitch. Key figures like Megan Rapinoe and influencers such as Jackie J have highlighted the importance of representation, while experts and athletes emphasize the positive cultural shift towards acceptance. Despite ongoing challenges, the increased visibility of LGBTQ+ athletes is fostering a more inclusive environment in sports and beyond, with women athletes leading the charge for broader societal change.

The article provides a comprehensive guide on how to secure blurbs for a forthcoming book. It emphasizes the importance of building relationships with authors, expanding one's network, and being genuine in requests. Practical steps include keeping the request short, making it easy for the potential blurber, and ensuring their contribution is used and appreciated. The guide also highlights the significance of sending a thank you note and a copy of the book to those who provide blurbs.

To position oneself as an expert in a field, one should write related companion pieces, appear on podcasts and radio shows, make oneself available as a source for reporters, focus on speaking engagements, engage with audiences on social media, prepare talking points, collaborate with other experts, and teach workshops or webinars. These steps help build trust with readers, gain exposure for one's book, and elevate one's platform.

Writing companion pieces related to your nonfiction book can help build your platform and attract agents and editors. A successful pitch letter should be concise, include a compelling hook, a detailed synopsis, and a short bio. Key steps include knowing the type of piece, researching the publication, choosing a unique angle, starting with a great hook, including a short synopsis, ending with a bio, crafting an intriguing subject line, and following pitch etiquette. Mastering these elements can lead to long-term relationships with editors and more work opportunities.

Aileen Weintraub, an author and journalist, shares her personal story of moving to Seville, Spain, to overcome anxiety and writer's block. She narrates her experience of living in the Triana neighborhood, where she befriends her neighbor Carmen, who speaks no English. Despite the language barrier, Carmen helps Aileen with household tasks like laundry and becomes her sole companion. Through simple activities and the vibrant culture of Seville, Aileen finds solace and begins to heal from her personal struggles. She embraces the local lifestyle, which includes walking through the city, enjoying the sun, and even changing her wardrobe to reflect more colorful choices. The experience leads to a significant reduction in her anxiety and a return to writing. Aileen plans to take the lessons learned in Seville back to New York with her, feeling rejuvenated and hopeful for the future.

The article outlines eight essential steps for crafting the first 50 pages of a nonfiction manuscript to capture the attention of agents and editors. Key steps include starting with a compelling opening, setting the scene, developing characters, maintaining a consistent tone and pace, focusing on the narrative arc, workshopping the writing, taking breaks, and not rushing the process. Emphasizing the importance of a polished and engaging beginning, the article provides practical advice to help writers create a strong foundation for their books.

Aileen Weintraub shares her personal journey of maintaining her passion for travel despite the challenges of motherhood. Alongside her best friend Amanda, they navigate the complexities of planning trips, managing guilt, and balancing responsibilities. Their adventures span across various locations, including Cairo, Iceland, and Tulum, highlighting the importance of self-care and pursuing passions. The narrative emphasizes the significance of compromise, breaking out of comfort zones, and the enduring bond of friendship. Weintraub's memoir, 'Knocked Down: A High-Risk Memoir,' is also mentioned, celebrating her humorous take on marriage and motherhood.

A parent navigates the challenges of helping their son apply to college while he is studying abroad in Spain. The process involves virtual tours, online information sessions, and frequent FaceTime calls to bridge the 3,500-mile gap. The competitive nature of college sports recruitment adds to the stress, but strategies like virtual tours and reaching out to coaches are employed to manage the situation. The parent emphasizes support and finding the right fit for their son, considering alternatives like a gap year or European universities.

A parent navigates the challenges of helping their son apply to college while he is studying abroad in Spain. They utilize virtual tours, online information sessions, and frequent FaceTime calls to manage the process despite the distance and time difference. The competitive nature of college applications, especially for student-athletes, adds to the stress, but they explore alternative options like gap years and European universities to alleviate pressure.

Writing a nonfiction book proposal is a crucial step in the publishing process, often more challenging than writing the book itself. The proposal, typically 30-50 pages, is essential for selling nonfiction books to agents and editors. Key steps include crafting a compelling overview, writing a standout author bio, detailing a marketing and publicity plan, identifying the target audience, finding comparative titles, summarizing chapters, and including polished sample chapters. A well-prepared proposal not only enhances the narrative arc and themes but also aids in marketing and publicity planning.

The article outlines six essential steps for crafting a standout query letter to attract agents or publishers. It emphasizes the importance of thorough research on potential agents, starting with a compelling hook, creating a synopsis that leaves the reader wanting more, matching the tone of the query letter to the manuscript, helping agents envision the book's market position, and highlighting the author's credentials. Persistence and patience are key to successfully landing an agent or publisher.

Aileen Weintraub offers a comprehensive guide on how authors can effectively market and publicize their forthcoming books. She emphasizes the importance of writing a compelling pitch letter, using social media strategically, supporting other writers, writing companion pieces, preparing for media appearances, collaborating with other authors, and planning post-launch sales strategies. Weintraub shares her personal experience with her memoir, 'Knocked Down: A High-Risk Memoir,' and provides actionable steps to help authors build their platforms and reach their audiences.

An American mother recounts her experience taking her son to the emergency room in Spain, where the total cost for treatment and medications was only 12 euros. She contrasts this with the high costs of healthcare in the United States, emphasizing the efficiency and affordability of the Spanish healthcare system. The narrative underscores the financial relief and peace of mind provided by the Spanish system, allowing her to focus on her son's well-being.

In-person book events are making a comeback post-pandemic, and Tiffany D. Jackson shares six steps to ensure their success. These include local advertising, social media blitzes, creating an attractive event space, engaging with attendees, making genuine connections, and rallying a support team. Jackson emphasizes the importance of personal interaction and proactive marketing to draw crowds and sell books, sharing her own successful experience at a Delaware bookstore where she sold out her book 'Knocked Down' and several copies of 'WE GOT GAME!'.

The article outlines six steps to becoming a good literary citizen, emphasizing the importance of supporting the literary community. Key steps include establishing relationships with independent bookstores, mentoring other writers, forming writing groups, signing up for newsletters, promoting others' accomplishments, and joining online debut groups. These actions not only help other writers but also build one's own platform and audience.

The article outlines six effective steps for promoting a forthcoming book on social media, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right platform, being genuine, knowing your brand, using time effectively, networking, and making offline connections. It highlights the benefits of platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for engaging with readers and building a personal brand. The key takeaway is to connect, engage, share content, and be authentic to successfully use social media for book promotion.

The article provides a step-by-step guide for authors on how to write an effective pitch letter to market their book after it has been accepted for publication. It emphasizes the importance of research, making genuine connections with editors, crafting a compelling synopsis, and writing a standout bio. The guide also includes tips on closing the pitch letter, creating an attention-grabbing subject line, and compiling a list of editors to pitch to. The author shares personal experiences and examples to illustrate each step, aiming to help writers promote their books successfully.

Journalist Aileen Weintraub shares an excerpt from her memoir, detailing her journey from Brooklyn to upstate New York, her time in AmeriCorps, and the emotional impact of her father's death. The narrative explores themes of family, personal growth, and the search for belonging, highlighting her transition from city life to embracing nature and community in the countryside.

The author reflects on her experiences with high-risk pregnancy, menopause, and the broader issues women face in healthcare. She emphasizes the lack of awareness and support for women's health issues, drawing parallels between her past and present struggles. The narrative underscores the importance of women sharing their stories to advocate for better healthcare and support.

Memoir Monday, a weekly newsletter and quarterly reading series, features a curated collection of personal essays from various partner publications including Narratively, The Rumpus, Catapult, Granta, Guernica, Oldster Magazine, and Literary Hub. The newsletter highlights essays by authors such as Beth Boyle Machlan, Meghan O’Rourke, Naz Riahi, Charif Majdalani, Lena Crown, Dionne Irving, Aileen Weintraub, Amy Reardon, S.J. Buckley, Amy Estes, Anna Chotlos, and Elizabeth Cooper. The essays cover a range of personal experiences and reflections, offering readers a diverse array of memoirs. Additionally, the newsletter includes announcements about upcoming events and writing courses.

Aileen Weintraub recounts her experience of spending five months on bed rest in an old farmhouse due to a high-risk pregnancy. Faced with financial instability, a deteriorating home, and the strain on her marriage, she and her husband Chris had to navigate numerous challenges. They learned the importance of patience, prioritization, and working together. Despite the hardships, they managed to keep their farm and marriage intact, and Weintraub gave birth to a healthy baby boy. The essay highlights the resilience required to overcome personal and financial adversities.

Aileen Weintraub shares her personal struggle with postpartum anxiety and depression, recounting her fear of being alone with her baby and the challenges she faced as a new mother. Despite being well-prepared for motherhood, she experienced constant panic and irrational fears. After feeling dismissed by her OBGYN, she found support through her mother's advice, an online mom's group, and therapy. Over time, she built a community, attended music classes and playdates, and began to heal, ultimately strengthening her bond with her son.

The author recounts the challenges faced after marrying a non-Jewish partner, including rejection from Orthodox friends and difficulty finding a rabbi for their wedding. Despite initial setbacks, the couple builds a new community in their rural town, integrating Jewish traditions and forming bonds with other interfaith families. The narrative highlights the complexities of maintaining religious identity within an interfaith marriage and the importance of community and acceptance.

The author recounts her experience of being on pregnancy bed rest due to large fibroids and how her mother's unexpected visit and care, symbolized by a frozen noodle kugel, provided much-needed support. Despite dietary restrictions and the challenges of maintaining the household, the mother's actions, from cleaning to cooking, highlighted her enduring love and dedication. The narrative reflects on familial bonds, the complexities of motherhood, and the realization of the mother's wisdom and patience.

A high-risk pregnancy involving large fibroids and strict bed rest strained the author's marriage, as her husband had to balance caregiving with running a new business. The couple faced financial difficulties, mental health challenges, and emotional distance. Despite the hardships, they eventually reconnected and healed, finding a new way to connect after the trauma.

The article discusses the achievements of female athletes at the Tokyo Olympics, highlighting Jade Carey's gold medal in gymnastics and the U.S. women's soccer team's significant attention despite their semi-final loss. It underscores the importance of normalizing women's sports and addressing gender disparities in media coverage, pay, and resources. The narrative includes personal anecdotes to emphasize the need for cultural change in valuing female athletes equally to their male counterparts.

The author reflects on how her anxiety has influenced her parenting style and the potential impact on her son. She recounts her struggles with anxiety, which she believes have been passed down through generations, and describes the measures she has taken to manage it, including therapy, acupuncture, and grounding exercises. Despite her efforts, she acknowledges that she will never fully overcome her anxiety but hopes that her love and attempts to temper her fears will ultimately benefit her son.

Aileen Weintraub shares her personal struggle with the onset of menopause, which coincided with her contracting COVID-19. She discusses the lack of awareness and medical attention given to perimenopause and menopause, her own symptoms, and the isolation and challenges faced during the pandemic. Weintraub criticizes the medical community for its insufficient training on menopause and expresses solidarity with women who have had to prioritize others' needs over their own during this time. She also mentions her upcoming book, 'Knocked Down: A High-Risk Memoir'.

The author shares a deeply personal account of experiencing menopause during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the physical and emotional challenges faced. The narrative underscores the lack of medical attention and societal discussion around menopause, emphasizing the isolation and invisibility felt by many women. The pandemic exacerbated these feelings, leaving the author and others to seek solace and information through online communities. The piece calls for greater awareness and support for women undergoing menopause.

On October 29, 1964, Jack Roland Murphy, Allan Kuhn, and Roger Clark executed a daring heist at the American Museum of Natural History, stealing 22 gems including the Star of India, DeLong Star Ruby, and Midnight Sapphire. The heist, marked by meticulous planning and a dramatic escape, captivated the public and media. The stolen gems' mysterious origins and the thieves' subsequent capture and imprisonment added to the intrigue. The article also explores the broader fascination with art heists, the complexities of the gem trade, and the ongoing challenges of museum security. Despite the romanticized portrayal of such crimes, the reality often involves significant loss and long-lasting impact.

The author reflects on how her experience with high-risk pregnancy bed rest has prepared her for the challenges of pandemic life. She shares coping mechanisms such as maintaining routines, indulging in small pleasures, and finding comfort in simple activities. The narrative emphasizes the importance of patience, emotional resilience, and the hope for a return to normalcy despite the ongoing uncertainties.

Aileen Weintraub shares her personal story of finding comfort in her stuffed animal, George, especially during her battle with COVID-19. Despite societal norms and the stigma around adults sleeping with stuffed animals, she highlights the emotional support George has provided throughout various life transitions, including her marriage, career, and health challenges. The narrative underscores the importance of acknowledging personal vulnerabilities and finding solace in familiar comforts during difficult times.

A middle-aged woman explores boxing as a way to channel her rage and grief, finding empowerment and self-discovery through the physical and emotional challenges of the sport. She reflects on the struggles of middle age, including physical changes and emotional burdens, and finds strength in advocating for her needs and embracing her fierce side.

The article discusses the author's personal experience with perimenopause, the transitional phase before menopause, which began at age 40. Symptoms included insomnia, panic attacks, and mood swings. The author reflects on the lack of education and open conversation about this phase among women, contrasting it with the abundance of advice received during pregnancy. The author also explores the search for remedies and the emotional rollercoaster of potentially being pregnant at 45, only to find out it was a false alarm. The piece highlights the invisibility and changes women face during this time, as well as the newfound confidence and ownership of one's life despite societal indifference.

The article explores the author's personal experiences with perimenopause, a phase preceding menopause characterized by symptoms like insomnia, panic attacks, and hormonal changes. The narrative highlights the lack of awareness and discussion around this topic among women, contrasting it with the more openly discussed experiences of pregnancy. The author shares her journey of coping with these changes through various means, including medical consultations, natural remedies, and creating personal space. The story culminates in a moment of relief and reflection when a pregnancy test turns out negative, underscoring the emotional and physical challenges faced by women in their 40s.

The author shares her personal experience with perimenopause, detailing the unexpected physical and emotional changes that began in her 40s. She describes her journey of seeking understanding and support, feeling unprepared for the transition, and the lack of open conversation among women about this life stage. The narrative includes her contemplation of a possible pregnancy at 45, the relief and sadness of not being pregnant, and her eventual acceptance and embrace of the changes, finding confidence and a sense of community with other women going through similar experiences.

The narrative humorously details the chaotic and anxiety-ridden day of a freelance writer preparing for and attending a job interview in New York City. It highlights the struggles of transitioning from freelance work to seeking a traditional job, including wardrobe malfunctions, personal insecurities, and the overwhelming nature of the job search process.

The article narrates the author's experience with a high-risk pregnancy that required bed rest, leading to significant financial strain. The author discusses the challenges of managing medical costs, the impact on her freelance career, and the emotional toll on her family. The story highlights the broader issue of inadequate paid family leave in the United States and the financial hardships faced by many women on bed rest. Despite the difficulties, the author eventually overcame the financial instability, and her family and business are now thriving.

The article discusses the author's personal experience with prenatal depression, highlighting six signs of the condition: inability to get out of bed, high anxiety levels, overwhelming guilt, loss of appetite, doubts about caring for the baby, and social withdrawal. Despite a healthy birth, the author's prenatal depression evolved into postpartum depression, which lasted for years until therapy was sought. The piece emphasizes the importance of recognizing prenatal depression symptoms and seeking help, recommending the American Pregnancy Association as a resource.