When writer’s block threatens to derail, one writer finds a way forward in music, baking, friendship and the practice of “living it a while.”
Songwriting and Writing: “Adorning the Dark” by Andrew Peterson
“Adorning the Dark” by writer and songwriter Andrew Peterson speaks to the mystery at the center of writing, creativity, and inspiration.
“The Art of the Essay” Book Club: Slant
In a tell-all environment, how do we write essays when we can’t tell it all? We tell it slant. Join us for our book club on ‘The Art of the Essay.”
The Writing Life: Somehow Beginnings
Callie Feyen reflects on coming to the place in our writing life where we are both ready and willing and can “somehow begin.”
Friendship Project: On Writing Well — Just Say It
Callie Feyen finds the page more forgiving than the podium, and friendship more forgiving yet.
Dress Up for Twirl—Or Dress Twirl Up!
Get ready for an inspiring read that will leave you dreaming about the reading and writing life, in full color. We’re happy to wait for your pic, once you get the book in hand. And we can’t wait to see what you decide to wear, to open this story and make it your own.
Poetry Prompt: Angry Poem Stacks
Join author Callie Feyen as she shares how editor L.L. Barkat helped her pay attention to her anger using the Jealous Poem Stacks model.
5 Simple Tricks to Make Space for Your Writing
At every stage of the writing process, mental space is a must. Try these 5 simple tricks to create must-have space (and avoid the McDonald’s Effect). One of the tricks might especially surprise you.
Wait, Do I Need to Write a Query Letter?
“I will write about feeling the pressure of cabbage, as a way to discuss writer’s block. It will be poetic and meandering. I’m thinking you’ll like it.” Join us for this exploration of whether (and how) you should write an article query.
8 Ways Writers Can Enrich Each Other’s Work
Bethany Rohde shares 8 ways that writers can encourage one another—from dealing with ideas that feel question-marky to fending off the censor bullies—served up with warm wit and warm cookies.
Writing Workshop: Writing the Journey
Choose the exotic. Or choose the everyday. Either way, take a journey with us, in this special “Writing the Journey” workshop, and step into discovery!
Writer Friends: Helping Each Other Get Published (From Olympic Gold to MTV)
From interviewing an MTV cast to passing along a potential Jim Carrey feature, these friends have worked the writing scene together—to their mutual benefit over time. Learn the secrets of how they’ve done it.
Writer Friends: The Lunchtime Literary Discussion Society
Friendship forms among coworkers after the perfunctory question ‘How are you?’ gets an unexpected answer.
Writer Friends: Luci, Madeleine, and a Lean Leather Jacket
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4 Smartphone-Free Tips to Help Sustain Your Writing Life
Charity Singleton Craig has tips to help you conquer your smart phone habits to take care of your writing and your brain.
3 Ways to Improve Your Writing This Summer with Booth Tarkington
Got the summer writing blues? Charity Singleton Craig shares 3 tips inspired by Hoosier author Booth Tarkington to improve your writing this summer.
Life Notes: Figuring
In this Life Notes edition, a little girl’s lament turns into an evening of make-believe. If you’re feeling stressed, you might want to walk away—and into play—too.
On Finding Stories—And Maybe Myself
Callie Feyen invites readers to consider not just what is in a picture, but what’s not in the picture, when finding the story to tell.
Can Your Distractions Make You a Better Writer?
Can being distracted make you a better writer? Charity Singleton Craig explores the ways we can use our distractions to fuel creativity and even improve our writing.
The Writing Life: Paterson’s Blank Page
In the film Paterson, Charity Singleton Craig finds the routine of doing the same thing in the same place day after day forms a canvas on which to create.