welcome + about me
Hi! My name is Sarah and I’m an author, writer, and new mom living in Los Angeles by way of New York.
I got sober four days after my 28th birthday, a decision that felt scary and impossible at the time. Giving up alcohol changed my perspective on so many aspects of my life and ultimately led me to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a writer. Since then, I have written about navigating wedding season in early sobriety for The New York Times, how dating without alcohol made me feel like a teenager again for The Cut, what happened after I got sober for Cup of Jo, how your “work family” fantasy is actually hurting your career for Cosmopolitan, and more.
In January 2023, my first book, Drinking Games, was published by St. Martin’s Press. Drinking Games explores the role alcohol has in our formative years, and what it means to opt out of a culture completely enmeshed in drinking. Part memoir and part social critique, Drinking Games tells the story of my toxic relationship with alcohol, relentless pursuit of perfection, and experiences with dating, wellness culture, startups, social media, friendship, and self-discovery.
Drinking Games was named a most anticipated book by Good Morning America, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Post, BuzzFeed, Apple Books, and Pure Wow. It has been featured on “Best Of” lists by Glamour and Goodreads and was called “bracing and insightful” by Publishers Weekly.
what is seltzer rocks?
I was so curious about what a life without alcohol really looked like when I stopped drinking, and this newsletter is a closer look at mine — relationships, writing, becoming a mom, uncovering new passions, chatting with people I admire, and prioritizing self-care. 6+ years into recovery, my life certainly isn’t perfect. But it is so much better without a hangover.
Past newsletters include:
what subscribers get:
The heart of Seltzer Rocks has always been authentic essays and conversations on life, culture, relationships, recovery, work, and more, and free subscribers will continue to receive these at least once a month!
In addition to these personal essays and interviews, paid subscribers will get a weekly issue that goes a little bit deeper. I’ve always written openly about my 20s: everything from my life as a blackout drinker, sober firsts, dating, meeting my husband, my “work family” fantasy, and dealing with anxiety. But now that I’m a new mom, there are certain things I want to talk about that feel a little too raw and vulnerable to share publicly, even for me. (Like, did anyone else hate breastfeeding? Why does having a newborn feel so lonely? And how are we supposed to connect with our spouses when we feel like zombies?) As a 34-year-old wife and mom living across the country from many of my closest friends, being a sober woman looks and feels different than it did when I first stopped drinking at 28. There’s a lot to unpack, and a section for paid subscribers feels like the perfect space to get into the nitty gritty of what life is really like now and hear more from all of you.
I also want to honor the asks I’ve gotten for more on emotional sobriety; the part that comes after you put down the last drink. Paid subscribers will get access to community discussion threads, resources, Q&As, and more.
So, to recap: If you’re a paid subscriber, you’ll get a new issue every week featuring essays, audio posts, community resources, and my unfiltered takes on motherhood and life through a sober lens. Free subscribers receive at least one monthly update. Pick whichever option is best for you! The first 20 founding members receive everything paid subscribers get + a signed & personalized copy of my book, Drinking Games, as well as my eternal appreciation for supporting the work that goes into this newsletter. 💌
I’m so grateful you’re here!
Xx
Sarah
