Deep Work: What it is and how to do it

Does this sound like you: You sit down to write, but only get a few sentences down before a text comes in and you have to check it. Then you try to write some more, but an email pops up and you need to respond. Then you’re barely back to writing before an Instagram notificationContinue reading “Deep Work: What it is and how to do it”

10 books to read to celebrate Black History Month

Even though I feel like I’m still recovering from 2018, a month of 2019 has already gone by! That means that, here in the U.S., it’s Black History Month. While, of course, our TBR piles should feature diverse authors and characters all year long, this month gives extra motivation to celebrate books by and aboutContinue reading “10 books to read to celebrate Black History Month”

Dealing with creative burnout: Part Two

Last week I talked about what being burned out looked like for creative people, and some potential causes. Of course, the most important thing you can do to fight burnout is to avoid these causes as much as possible. Sometimes, though, this isn’t possible, and so incorporating other habits into your life can help preventContinue reading “Dealing with creative burnout: Part Two”

Dealing with creative burnout: Part One

Thanks to a recent Buzzfeed article, it seems like burnout is on everybody’s mind. As a millennial, I can certainly relate to the original article about being the burnout generation, but it also made me think about how burnout affects creative people in unique ways. It often takes a toll on our confidence as creatives, perhapsContinue reading “Dealing with creative burnout: Part One”

Why self-forgiveness is crucial to writing

Ever since I was a kid, I considered myself a writer. The very first story I remember writing was when I was in kindergarten, and was something akin to Pokémon fanfic, except before the internet existed. In second grade I decided I wanted to be a published author. I eventually went to college to getContinue reading “Why self-forgiveness is crucial to writing”

Interview with author Shanthi Sekaran

Today I am thrilled to share an interview with award-winning novelist, Shanthi Sekaran! Shanthi has written two contemporary fiction books, and her most recent novel Lucky Boy has received numerous accolades, including being named an IndieNext Great Read and an NPR Best Book of 2017. Lucky Boy has struck a chord with readers as it weaves together the storyContinue reading “Interview with author Shanthi Sekaran”

5 useful online tools

Ah, the internet. What did we even do before it existed? I may be a bookworm, but I am still eternally grateful for the internet and the many benefits it brings. Whether you’re writing a book or working on a school assignment, these websites will make your life infinitely easier. The Hemingway Editor I couldContinue reading “5 useful online tools”

What is Parkinson’s Law and how can it help your writing?

Have you ever dedicated an entire afternoon to writing, only to get to the end of the day and realize you only wrote a couple hundred words? But then later when you’re squeezing in an hour of writing between your busy schedule, you can suddenly write a thousand words. What’s up with that? There areContinue reading “What is Parkinson’s Law and how can it help your writing?”

How having a routine can help your creativity (and how it can hurt it)

For any creative work, there is a myth of inspiration that surrounds it. Many people believe that writing, painting, or otherwise creating involves simply waiting for the Muse or Inspiration or something similar to strike you, and all of a sudden you have a perfectly formed piece. Or maybe it’s not that dramatic, but a belief alongContinue reading “How having a routine can help your creativity (and how it can hurt it)”

How to preserve creative energy by removing decision fatigue

Do you ever spend all day running around, whether it’s working, going to school, or just doing errands, then come home in the evening and feel like you’re incapable of writing? You have the time, maybe you’re even sitting at the computer, but the words just won’t come. If this happens over and over, itContinue reading “How to preserve creative energy by removing decision fatigue”