Author and humorist Helen Ellis is in the house. And no topic is off-limits!

We talk professional poker, menopause, friendships, marriage, and the wherewithal it takes to become a successful writer. (Also, if you didn't know that the phrase "bless your heart" has negative connotations, Helen explains why.)

If you want to be Helen's friend, you've got to be willing to open up about your sex life and be prepared to show up in one of her books. To that, we say, "Sign us up!" She's so delightful, we think you'll be ready to sign up, too.

Helen is the author of Southern Lady Code, American Housewife, and Eating the Cheshire Cat. Her newest book, Bring Your Baggage and Don't Pack Light explores friendships between women and what it's like to be a woman in midlife.

Raised in Alabama, she lives with her husband in New York City. You can find Helen on Twitter @WhatIDoAllDay and Instagram @HelenEllisAuthor.