TN10: Kristen Chase, Writer + Author

Kristen standing in front of Elvis Presley's famed Graceland Mansion.

Your Age: 46

Basic bio: Kristen Mei Chase is a writer and author based in the Philly suburbs. Her debut novel, A Thousand Miles to Graceland, will be published in January 2023. 

Beyond the bio: I never thought I’d be the person who’d count down the hours until I can sit in my bathtub full of melatonin Epsom salts and watch reality dating shows but here I am. Unapologetically, I might add. It’s amazing how the little things, like the right mug for my coffee, can make me so happy. 

What makes you a grown-ass lady?

Since turning 40, I’ve started focusing energy on boundaries, especially professional ones, and putting myself first. I find myself looking at the cost/benefit of a lot of my choices: why am I doing this, how is this benefiting me, and what could I be doing instead? 

Here’s her TueNight 10:

1. On the nightstand: My friend’s upcoming novel, Lunar Love.

2. Can't stop/won’t stop: Blasting music in my car and singing at the top of my lungs.

3. Jam of the minute: Anything Phoebe Bridgers, but particularly Graceland, too, for obvious reasons.

4. Thing I miss: Tranquil Breezes, my old scent from college from Victoria’s Secret.

5. ‘80s crush: Ricky Schroder (ugh, I know).

6. Current crush: Ryan Reynolds. Always and forever, amen.

7. Latest fav find: Pixi Beauty On-the-Go Blush — I use it on my cheeks and lips.

8. Last thing you lost: Medicine. But as usual, it wasn’t actually lost.

9. Best thing that happened recently: I finished a TV pilot that I had always wanted to write. It’s an amazing feeling to finally do something you dreamed about, even if nothing comes of it.

10. Looking forward to: My book coming out! It’s been almost ten years in the making.