The Amateur Elder

This is a newsletter that addresses issues mostly related to Montana. I have published eight books, all of which address in one way an issue that is interesting and vital to me regarding what it means to grow up in the West, and particularly in Montana.

A new media company built on the ideals that were once the bedrock of American journalism.

FRIENDS OF MINE author and GenXer Elisa Lorello navigates marriage and midlife as a Duran Duran fan

Excavating how we tell our stories — in writing and in life. Back in 2026 with new essays, conversations, and a focus on writing, patriarchy, and the work of being honest. Home of The Book I Had to Write podcast.

Books, baking and life on the fly

To help you tell your best story, a novelist, editor, and poet explores our evolved, biological predisposition toward storytelling