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”

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”

New Year’s Resolutions for Writers

I don’t know about you, but I am one of those people who believes in the beauty of the new year and in making resolutions. I think there’s something about writing down your goals and giving yourself a deadline to achieve them that makes them especially powerful. This applies to writing, too. But there areContinue reading “New Year’s Resolutions for Writers”

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”

Write every day: Bad Writing Advice (Part One)

If you’re new to writing (or even if you’re not) you’ve definitely received this advice: write every day. People tell you about Stephen King and how he writes several thousand words a day. And of course you want to be successful like Stephen King, so you need to do that too: write a thousand words,Continue reading “Write every day: Bad Writing Advice (Part One)”

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”

6 things I learned about writing from Markus Zusak

When I heard that Markus Zusak, author of The Book Thief, was visiting Denver, I actually gasped out loud. The Book Thief has been influential in my writing and reading life in more ways than I can name. Suffice it to say that I have about a million favorite books, but when forced to choose just one, I say TheContinue reading “6 things I learned about writing from Markus Zusak”

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?”

The importance of community for writers

John Green, author of beloved YA novels such as The Fault in Our Stars and Paper Towns, once described writing as “a profession for introverts who want to tell you a story but don’t want to make eye contact while doing it.” While amusing, the quote points to an overwhelming belief that writing is somethingContinue reading “The importance of community for writers”