Rose Diell's FLEDGING is a beautiful, allegorical novel that considers the decision whether to have a child. It's about Lia, who lays an egg. Her partner on tour on the other side of the world and her mother diagnosed with a terminal illness, Lia finds herself torn, unsure whether she's ready to give up on her songwriting dreams; but time is running out, and she must make one of the biggest decisions of her life.

Beautifully written and brilliantly original, Fledging is a riveting tale that asks what it is to lead a meaningful life, and sounds a resounding call for women to make their own choices, whether that means embracing motherhood or living child-free.

Diell is joined by local writer Kerry Graham, and we look forward to the conversation that will emerge from this poignant, potent book.

ROSE DIELL was born and raised in London but her heritage stems from Italy and Norway, via the USA. She has visited Baltimore numerous times to stay with her aunt, a longtime Baltimorean. Her mom studied at Johns Hopkins.

Rose writes in her spare time, with the encouragement and support of her writing circle, the Southbank Scribblers. Her debut novel, 'Fledging', was endorsed by Ruby Warrington, who coined the terms 'areproductive' and 'motherhood spectrum,' as well as Merle Bombardieri, a renowned 'baby decision' therapist. Rose has been interviewed on numerous podcasts including 'Other Than Motherhood', 'Kids or Childfree', 'Life Without Children,' and the 'NoMo Bookclub.'

KERRY GRAHAM is a Baltimore-based writer, writing coach, and former English teacher. She is a Creative-in-Residence at The Baltimore Banner, and her essays and vignettes have appeared in dozens of publications. HuffPost published her essay about being childfree in three languages. Dan Rather said of Kerry’s writing, “in a sea of doom scrolling, a beautiful island of hope.”