It's pub day for WOMAN OF THE HOUR: Fifty Tales of Longing and Rebellion.

Thanks to my agent @marielamba.bsky.social, my publishers @vineleavespress.bsky.social, and all the editors who published my work!

Print: vineleavespress.myshopify.com/products/wom...

E-book: bookshop.org/p/books/woma...

Cover reveal for Woman of the Hour: Fifty Tales of Longing and Rebellion (Vine Leaves Press, July 29, 2025).

What do you think?

I have digital ARCs for reviewers and am available for podcasts, interviews, guest posts, and what all not. Please get in touch!

(clairepolders AT gmail DOT com)

Sea lions photobombing sunsets is a real problem on the Galápagos.

Let’s meet the marine iguana today. Camouflaged in the brush on the beach, sunbathing on a boulder, or on its way to the supermarket near the dock. They’re huge and slow, unless they’re swimming. They’re wild!

On our second day on San Christobal, I clambered over the rocks to watch this Blue-footed Boobie from up close. They seemed undisturbed by my presence, as they seemed undisturbed by the nearby presence of huge marine iguanas that freaked me out a bit. The Galápagos Islands are truly amazing.

Step aside with your cat pictures: I got baby seals!

We made it to the Galapagos!
I am in awe.
It’s sea lion pup season.

The Galapagos Day 2.
Well, it’s still the day before our big adventure: Walking tour through Quito. Gawking at the Ecuadorian gargoyles at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Tasting premium chocolate (with 🌶️!). Observing the locals selling fruits, fried snacks, drinks, and masks.

The Galapagos Day 1:

Left the USA with a 4-hour delay and arrived in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, just in time to see the sunset from the road, just in time to gaze at the clouds grazing the mountains. Hungry, tired, yet grateful to be here.

What do you call it when a restaurant models their terrace chairs after the church’s façade?

Santo Spirito, Florence.

Roman men explain things to me.