Writing

A wall with a small white-bordered black square sign displaying "LOREM IPSUM DOLOR" in white text, adjacent to a rough, partially damaged white brick wall.

Tender, edgy, darkly funny stories from the front lines of growing up and growing older as a Gen X woman.

Read My Work

Working Without a Net — Blog

For Gen X women who've spent their whole lives being the high-functioning one — good daughter, self-sacrificing employee, wife and mother who handles everything — and are now, finally, messily, sometimes ragefully, figuring out what they actually need and want. Essays on endurance culture, mental health, marriage, motherhood, grief, and my one-eyed rescue dog.

Read the blog →

A woman walking on a tightrope high above fluffy clouds in the sky. Stefanie Gunning. Working Without a Net, Blog.

Modern Love — The New York Times

My essay in the New York Times Modern Love column tells the story of loving my husband through severe depression and electroconvulsive therapy — from a surreal afternoon in an Apple Store to the double doors of a psychiatric unit. It's become the seed of a memoir. Selected for narration on the Modern Love podcast.

Read the essay →

A woman picks bees into a jar, while a man stands nearby among tall plants with bees on his shirt, all depicted in a minimalist blue line drawing style. Stefanie Gunning. Modern Love, The New York Times.

Rom-Com Rehab — Substack

A serialized novel about heartbreak, hitting bottom, and redemption by romantic comedy. Set in late-90s New York City.

One new chapter, every monthish.

Read on Substack →

Text that says 'ROM-COM REHAB' in pink font on a pink background. Stefanie Gunning. Rom-Com Rehab, Substack.

It Could Always Be Worse — Memoir in Progress

A literary memoir about what it costs to be the one who always keeps everything together, and what becomes possible when that coping mechanism finally fails. About inherited vigilance, a chaotic childhood, a husband's hospitalization, a workplace ambush, and the long overdue reckoning that followed.

More when there's more to say.

  • "Stef is magnetic, a natural leader, a visionary creative, an enthralling storyteller, and the person you want in the room with you when the work feels impossible. With Stef by your side, you know you'll be able to crack the problem together."

    ~ Janeen Ritson

  • "Her wit, wisdom, acumen, and compassion make any creative endeavor better for her presence. She commands a room, weaves an amazing story, builds a strong relationship with her clients, and fearlessly champions truly good creative ideas."

    ~ Heather Linnell

  • “From her impeccable work ethic to her wicked sense of humor, Stefanie has a lot to offer. She is a decisive leader, a fair judge of work and character, and a skilled magician to the clients. Stefanie is also a lovely human being who understands, listens, and knows how to make everything better, smoother, and kinder for her team.”

    ~ Yana Hunt

  • "Stef doesn't need much to make something beautiful—she listens with a honed ear and picks up on the subtlest prompts to make work that's sharp and smart."

    ~ Sarah Dick

  • "It's rare to find someone as motivated, thoughtful, and kind."

    ~ Ben Waldman

  • “Stefanie is the kind of leader I aspire to be: collaborative, yet powerful. Loyal, yet flexible. Empathetic, yet direct. A keen love of craft, with incredible insight and intuition. She has the uncanny ability to find the most salient kernel of truth in an idea to make it great and also give her team the room to play. She creates a safe space for everyone who is lucky enough to work with her and can navigate the trickiest situations with grace and humor.”

    ~ Erica Boynton

Have questions? I might have the answers below.

  • If you found me through Modern Love, start there and then come to the blog. If you found me through the blog, the Modern Love essay is worth reading next. If you're new to all of it — welcome. Start anywhere. You'll find your way.

  • Yes. A memoir. More when there's more to say.