America’s IVF Failure in The Atlantic (and 6 things I learned from journalism)

I thought I understood my beat, but this story SHOOK me

A year and a half ago, I began a huge career shift: from software engineering to journalism. I wasn’t interested in writing about AI or puff-pieces about start-ups (I’m a techno-skeptic, sorry). 

But I was deeply fascinated by my peers’ family making plans and how they wanted to make use of reproductive technology. 

Today, I’m thrilled to write for The Atlantic about the stunning lack of regulation for IVF - which fuels innovation but leaves patients with little recourse when things go wrong. Reporting this pushed the limits of my skills; what I found SHOOK me. 

I hope it shakes you, too.

6 Things I Learned From Journalism 

I’ve been reporting on this topic for almost 20 months. Finally, it’s coming into fruition!

The new skills of journalism (finding sources! culling quotes! drafting!) are feeling a little easier.

I promised myself I would NOT do conduct 20 interviews for this piece. And I didn’t! Only one expert didn’t make the cut. (Though I did call these legal scholars again and again!) 

Getting into reporting has radically changed how I interact with the world. Here are six things I learned:

1. Get on the goddamn phone. I’m from the generation that is terrified of the telephone. But you know what - whether it’s for a restaurant reservation or a quote. Just call! They can always just not answer, or hang up. 

2. You actually DON’T need to have an opinion! Not in your story. Not in life. 99% of the time, no one cares what you think. I can’t tell you how freeing this is. 

3. People who agree with you are boring. In today’s climate, we’re constantly being told not to associate with folks with opposite views. Reporting has forced me to consider a wider range of perspectives. And realize that I can get along with people whose views I find abhorrent. 

4. Follow your OBSESSION… then see how it interacts with the big-ticket issues or the red-hot opportunities of the moments.

1. Put yourself out there. I got offered this assignment because the editor rejected five others. 

2. Don’t get fixated on The One Big Story or The Book or The Goal That Makes Everything Worth It. I did that and it delayed me for months (years?). Once you’re freelancing, the more stories the better. And smaller pieces are easier to write, and place! 

If you get a chance to read, what surprised you most? 

Do You Need a Photographer? 

The amazing photog who shot my author photos is traveling from Minneapolis to NYC next week, from May 6 to May 8th. (Maybe longer!) Zoe will be redoing my author photos and doing a pregnancy shoot - and she still has some slots available in NYC for on-location or studio shots. I can’t recommend her enough, so hop on it! Her email is: zprindsflash@gmail.com.

A Random Favor

I need to order a tiny stroller adapter that can only get shipped to Europe. Help! I am looking for someone who might be coming from Europe to the US in the next few weeks (or some advice about a mail forwarding service that actually works). Thanks!! 

There is a Human Inside of My Body

It’s real. It’s happening. I keep freaking out and begging for more time, but my new person is literally right there and basically fully baked, surveilling me and gleefully hanging out head up.

To prepare, Byron and I added a new room to our apartment. It’s Byron’s office, so he chose a bright green paint and I was… skeptical. 

Well, now I’m super jealous. 

Our previous library is becoming our “Little Penguin Room.” (They will have to deal with our books until they are old enough to reach + read our smut.) 

The hallway connecting the two is now my favorite room. 

If you need an architect or a GC, let me know. I really love recommending people. Can you tell??

Post-Mortem Guest Posts

I have gotten a great roster of writers to dissect their successes and failures for your edification while I am away sucking the snot out of a baby’s nose. I’m SO excited to launch that in the next few weeks - please stay tuned!

Xoxo

Emi