Rebecca Renner - rebeccarenner.bsky.social
@RebeccaRennerFL
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Journalist, Novelist, Floridian 🐊 GATOR COUNTRY out 11/14 from @FlatironBooks 🐊 other words @NatGeo @OutsideMagazine @NYTimes ; rep: Julia Eagleton
Florida
Joined May 2009
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Gator Country got the most glowing review in the New York Times Book Review, written by Lydia Millet! Even the review itself is a work of art. My jaw is on the floor. I feel so honored.
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Good: Buying books.
Better: Reading the books you have before you buy more.
Best: Continuing to buy books until your stacks are so high they make an impenetrable fortress to protect you from the outside world.
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I have a new story out with
@NatGeo
! To figure out why working from home is driving many of us to distraction, I dig into the neuroscience of attention, organization, and how a messy desk doesn't necessarily equal a messy mind.
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The agent loved my work! She wants to represent me!!!
Y'ALL, I HAVE AN AGENT!!!
It's Julia Eagleton from Gernert Co.!
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Getting rejected hurts, sure. But did you die?
No. You're alive. You survived all the rejections you've gotten so far.
Keep writing. Keep creating. Keep putting yourself out there.
Don't let past noes stand in the way of future yeses.
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I JUST SENT MY NOVEL TO MY AGENT!!!
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Some of you might be wondering why I’m gadding about in the Everglades doing book research all of a sudden.
Well...that’s because I sold it last week for *a lot* of money. Drop-everything-and-just-write kind of money. So I am.
Y’ALL, I SOLD MY FIRST BOOK!!!
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I know everyone says that you're supposed to read the books you have before you buy more, but we don't need that kind of negativity in our lives right now.
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Here’s an easy, free way to help authors that only takes a minute: Put in purchase requests for their books at the library. This 1) Gets your library to buy their book, AND 2) now other people near you can discover the title and the author. Even one book can have a ripple effect.
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What? You’re working? Here, let me help. ~ my cat
Because everyone knows manuscripts are the most comfortable part of the couch.
#amediting
#amwriting
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After years of thinking it was impossible, this afternoon, I sold a story to National Geographic!
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The world sucks, but you know what will make you feel better? Reading about me SURFING with SHARKS. It’s my first story for The New York Times!
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writers: no need to write this idea down. I'll definitely remember it later.
our brains twenty minutes later: ..........
brain:
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I wasn’t on social media all this week, and I used that time to write some fiction to clear my head to work on my book (nonfiction). I ended up writing 30,000 words! This week! 😳
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This is silly, but with the new year around the corner, I’ve been feeling sad about getting older. I’m turning 30 in April. My 20s have felt like a lonely slog.
I need you to tell me it gets better.
What big things did you accomplish after 30?
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This year feels like a NaNoWriMo novel written by someone who keeps adding wild plot twists for the sake of reaching their word count.
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This meme was made for me
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False: The pandemic is showing you who your real friends are.
True: Real friendships aren't built on keeping score.
Here's the science of cutting the people you love some damn slack, in my latest for Forge:
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I’m walking on the wild side today
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Some personal news: it’s official! My first book, GATOR COUNTRY, will be published by
@Flatironbooks
!
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Support writers you love for zero dollars and zero cents:
- Don’t just like. Comment on and retweet their work.
- Send them calls for pitches or opportunities that fit them. There’s enough sun for everybody.
- Request their book at the local library.
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I’m starting my first professor job this week, and nobody at the university told me I’d get an office! I’m so damn excited. It even has a window.
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Want to read more books by women in 2020? Join Doorstopper, a book club devoted to reading long books by women.
Our first book is Middlemarch by George Eliot.
We already have 450 subscribers. I'd love to get 500 before midnight! Please join and share!
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I just sold my first feature story of the year — to Outside Magazine! one of my dream publications!
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@wudanyan
I read this and then IMMEDIATELY followed up on stories I haven’t been paid for. Enough is enough. Bless you, Saint Wudan, Patron Saint of Bitch Better Have My Money — from all of us freelancers.
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The Hunger Games except instead of teenagers, it’s billionaires, and instead of murdering each other, they have to solve climate change before the teenagers actually come for them
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Who would play you in a movie about your life?
For me, I’d cast Brie Larson.
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Last week, I ran off on an road trip with someone I thought I was falling in love with. I saw the Grand Canyon for the first time. Then things started to implode. Now I have an epic story about how the chance I took on love unraveled as I sped in a Mustang down Route 66.
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Editors, if you need a journalist to write about the Villages, assign a story to me, a Floridian nearby who actually knows the history of the place. I can even write my way out of a wet paper bag. I’m everything you’ve ever wished for.
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Are you having strange dreams? If you are, you’re not alone. Neuroscientists around the world are discovering that dreamers closer to disease epicenters are experiencing more nightmares.
For
@NatGeo
, I wrote about the neuroscience of pandemic dreams:
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@standardtuber
I would have been Wilder Penfield Benjamin Renner, which is a lot. I would have been six and a half feet tall and absolutely insufferable.
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It’s official: My surfing with sharks essay is going to be published in the New York Times!
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I have been in the Everglades all day doing research for my book, and I cannot even begin to process how strange it has already been. This story is going to make the Orchid Thief look really tame.
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Book research trip, day two: I moseyed over to the Fakahatchee Strand and made some new friends. Look at these handsome fellows.
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It’s my birthday! Shower me with affection.
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Since you all liked my new profile pic, I went looking for other good pictures of me. Those don’t happen often, because I’m dorky and don’t photograph well. But I did stumble on this miracle my friend worked last year. What do you think? Should this be my new author photo?
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Do you know where the gold in your iPhone comes from? Turns out, answering that question isn't easy.
For
@ozm
, I did a deep dive on tech industry gold mining, where scary environmental and humanitarian violations often go unseen.
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Let's take a little trip down memory lane. What was the first novel or story you ever wrote? Tell me the good, the bad, and especially the embarrassing.
Mine? A novel about pirates with superpowers, penned when I was 15. (It was wonderfully bad.)
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I've only sent one pitch so far this month, and I sold it to the New York Times. I never thought I'd reach this level in my writing life.
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NASA quarantined Apollo astronauts to protect Earth from possible extraterrestrial germs. With missions to Mars on the horizon, they're trying to figure out how to protect the planet from microbes those missions might bring back. In my latest for
@NatGeo
:
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Today, I overheard a conversation between a tech bro and a younger female writer.
Tech bro: You’re charging too much.
Writer: I seem to be doing just fine. My prices are based on my skill, not your budget.
Me, in the background: 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
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Someone ended a friendship with me because I support new writers.
When I started writing, so many established writers wouldn't give me the time of day. I vowed I would never be like that.
Losing this person means I'm keeping that promise. So it's more of a win, I think.
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An agent reached out and requested pages from me. I sent them.
Now I’m going to stare into the void without breathing, awaiting the fateful email...
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This week, I was diagnosed with asthma after telling doctors for years that I couldn't breathe & felt like I was dying.
The doctor who diagnosed me asked me why I wasn't being treated already. When I struggled to answer she said, "Oh, because no one was listening to you."
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This mentality is toxic. No one says this to people in any other profession. Lawyers are allowed to think they’re great lawyers. Teachers can say they’re great teachers. Writers can take pride in their work, too. Stop devaluing writing.
if you’re a writer and you think you’re a great writer then you’re not a writer
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One Publisher to rule them all,
One publisher to find them,
One publisher to bring them all,
and in the darkness bind them
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I thought I lost my cat. Then I heard a weird rustling at the top of my closet...
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I had a pitch accepted on spec for A Very Big Publication today. I wrote the story and turned it in already. Six hours from "yes" to done! I will probably have some very big news soon!
And for those of you who know, don't snitch! 🤫
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Would you want an augmented reality book cover? I would if it was this good.
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I put super easy things on my to do list so I feel like I’ve accomplished something.
Walk the dog ✅
Does anyone else do this?
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Writers make great roommates because any time they're faced with a deadline they will clean the entire house instead.
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I put a little makeup on just to feel pretty even though I’m alone in my house drinking wine and reading a magazine. Merry Christmas anyway, friends, wherever you are. 💕
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A year ago today, I quit my job to write full-time. It was the best decision of my life. 🥂
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I’ve lost more than 600 followers since tweeting in support of Black lives, trans rights, and Pride. You know what I have to say to them? Thanks. Sometimes the trash takes itself out.
Being apolitical is a privilege reserved for people whose existence hasn’t been politicized.
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You know what's a nice way to end the week? Getting an email about an unexpected royalty payment for an essay I wrote two years ago. The royalty check is going to be MORE THAN TRIPLE what they first paid me for the essay. Hot damn.
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In honor of my book sale announcement, I’m tempted to share screenshots of my MFA rejections. I thought my writing career was over years ago when I didn’t get in. Good thing I’m too stubborn to give up.
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I will not edit while I write.
I will not edit while I write.
I will not edit while I write.
I will not edit while I write.
I will not edit while I write.
I will not edit while I write.
I will not edit while I write.
Gotta get the draft down before you fuss with the sentences!
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Stubbornness is the most important trait of successful writers. I'm absolutely convinced of this.
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We don't talk enough about how important kindness is in publishing. The caricature of rockstar writers is they're difficult and selfish. That doesn't work in reality. The people I see going places treat editors and fellow writers with empathy and respect. More of that, please.
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It has come to my attention that there are people who don’t like promoting their writing because, to them, it feels like bragging.
Can we bury that puritanical nonsense once and for all? Loving your writing is not a sin. Enjoy your work. Shout it from the rooftops!
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Next year, I want to read a long classic book by a woman each month. They have to be at least 500 pages, I can’t have read them before, and I can’t repeat authors on the list.
So I’m looking for a few more obscure books. What are your favorite lesser-known classics by women?
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My neighbor asked me how I was holding up not going to work, and I had to explain that I’m a writer and I don’t really go anywhere anyway. He frowned, took his very small dog, and left. I have now disappointed someone else’s parent instead of just my own.
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I’m in the running for a staff culture writer position at a big publication! It’s union with benefits, meaning it’s the holy grail of writing jobs.
Like/retweet to vote me in.
(I know this isn’t the way it works, but maybe the universe will take a cue from my imagination.)
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A year ago today, I sold my first story to National Geographic!
Writing for Nat Geo was one of my seemingly impossible dreams.
You know how many responses I got from Nat Geo editors before that? Zero.
Now I've written 20 stories for them. These are a few of my favorites:
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I’m just going to block writers who follow me and immediately unfollow after I follow back, like Carolina de Robertis just did. That’s not a good way to make anyone want to read your book.
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While looking at houses, I found a Victorian mansion on the edge of the swamp. Turns out it was built by one of my ancestors. Living here would be very on-brand. I'm tempted.
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I finally started revising my novel again. I’m telling myself I have to finish it before I go to NYC in May.
Writing this book has been a long, emotional road. I can use all the encouragement I can get,
#WritingCommunity
.
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Y'ALL. I'm finally verified!!!
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On my way to see a man about some manatees, I drove past state troopers questioning a naked man on the side of the highway. Then I got coffee at a gas station full of fireworks displays and alligator skulls.
What else do I need to win Florida bingo?
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I have a big story coming out with National Geographic tomorrow. 👀
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Shoutout to my family for being accepting of my bisexuality but perpetually confused by my singledom.
“So many choices, but here you are.”
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When my dad was dying of cancer, I sold my first surfboard to help pay for his treatment. Now that I can finally afford a new board, I'm spending father's day out on the water. My dad always believed in my writing. I know he would be proud of me for making it this far.
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Today I am here for owl content and owl content only. Show me your most superb owls.
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What's the best writing advice you've ever gotten?
For me, it's been:
- Don't edit while you write.
- Save backups of everything.
- First drafts always suck, so enjoy & revel in the ridiculous terribleness.
What about you? Share the best writing advice you've ever heard.
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I haven’t written a short story in more than a year, but I started one today. 519 words so far! I’m trying to finish the first draft today. Wish me luck!
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I know someone needs to hear this today: You're a good writer. Don't let one rejection—or five or 100—stop you from writing.
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|￣￣￣￣￣|
| YOU |
| SHOULD |
| BE |
| WRITING |
| |
| ＿＿＿__＿|
(\__/) ||
(•ㅅ•) ||
/ づ
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Academic job postings are like:
Requirements:
- PhD in related field
- at least one bestselling book
- 10,000 years teaching experience
- must be able to lift 200 lbs while licking your elbow
Compensation:
- a generous honorarium of these three buttons and a fine piece of lint
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I sold my first print story for 2021 today!
I’ve been so down that it took several hours for this to register. Nonetheless, it’s a cause for celebration 🍾
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This looks like a real, grownup headshot, right? Would you buy this gal's book?
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Depression hit me really hard today. I’ve been struggling to write. I hope sleeping will be like a reset button, and tomorrow will be better.
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Is there any better feeling than finishing a story after a month of writer’s block?
I did, and there isn’t. Please clap.
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A bunch of people unfollowed me this morning.
Them: I didn't follow an environmental journalist to be bombarded with tweets about CLIMATE CHANGE. How DARE she?! *flounce*
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My short story was long-listed for but didn’t win a big contest. It’s bittersweet, because I didn’t win top prize, but I’ll be getting a couple hundred bucks and the knowledge that the story doesn’t completely suck. 🤷🏼♀️
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The writing process:
Step 1: Have an idea.
Step 2: Try to put it on paper.
Step 3: Failure spiral.
Step 4: Wallow.
Step 5: Make progress.
Step 6: Turn off your computer.
Step 7: Burn your house down and flee naked into the forest to run with the wolves, nameless and free.
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Things you don't need to be a writer:
a degree
fancy conferences
prestigious fellowships
writing retreats
famous friends
permission
Things you DO need:
passion
stubbornness
bravery
perseverance
curiosity
and at least a dash of hope
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You're allowed to read slowly.
You're allowed to read quickly.
You're allowed to take breaks from reading.
You're allowed to not finish books.
Read what you love. Read smut. Read thick tomes. Read tiny chapbooks. Read pamphlets. Read instagram poetry.
Read and let read!
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Free short story idea: woman asked to be the bigger person so many times she becomes too tall for her house
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Don’t be so dramatic about your rejections. They aren’t personal defeats. They aren’t even personal. They’re the wood shavings left on the floor of your workshop as you craft something great. Just sweep them up later.
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Shoutout to editors who put in em dashes instead of taking them out—you're the real ones.
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My phone autocorrected "I'm determined" to "I'm deteriorating," and wow if that doesn't sum it all up.
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You never know who's reading your stories. I wrote a story for Nat Geo on mental health care deserts, and the health department of a big state reached out to me for help solving theirs. I might be able to make a difference.
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Everyone is eagerly pitching agents today, so now feels like a good time for a gentle reminder that the road to success is littered with tons of rejections. More than 100 agents rejected me before I found mine, and now I have a lot of great news coming up. Keep trying.
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I'm reducing the list of people I'm following, because tracking unfollowers is becoming too time-consuming. I'm trying to remove just people who never interact with me. So if I unfollow you on accident, please just tell me, and I'll fix it.
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My new car! It’s a hybrid!! I haven’t used any gas today!!! And I bought it with only money I made with writing, the dream! 😍😍😍
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I’d like to institute a rule that CEOs cannot be paid more than 20x their lowest paid employee. No loopholes.
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You’ve heard of empathy fatigue. Now I’d like to coin the term empath fatigue.
Empath fatigue: n. being utterly sick of dealing with people who call themselves empaths
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Almost 5.3 million people in Florida voted for Biden. That's the second-highest number of blue votes in the nation. The problem isn't us. It's the electoral college.
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I wrote another story about dreams for National Geographic. This one is about how parents can help their kids with bad pandemic dreams.
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