Every year, writers around the world make their wish lists. And every year, friends and family scratch their heads trying to figure out what to get them. Mugs and novelty t-shirts may be fun, but I feel like the best gifts for writers are the ones that actually help us live the writing life: cozy, […]
November 10, 2025 by 61 Comments PodcastReflections on Turning 40 (+40 Things You Might Not Know About Me)
Today, I turn 40. Behind the scenes, I’m taking an intentional day to myself (no computer or phone) to celebrate the massive decade that is behind me and to lean into the excitement I feel for the decade ahead. When I turned 30, someone told me my 30s would be the best decade. I often […]
August 25, 2025 by 87 Comments PodcastWhat’s Happened to Modern Storytelling? (+ 6 Ways Storytelling Can Find Its Soul Again)
I’ve been feeling it for a while now—that dull, uninspired thud when the credits roll on modern storytelling. More and more, movies in particular leave me feeling unmoved and oddly detached. Bored, really. Once upon a time, I’d walk out of the theater buzzing. I’d carry that story around with me for days, sometimes weeks. […]
July 28, 2025 by 40 Comments Podcast7 Ways to Watch and Read More Intentionally
In a world flooded with stories—books, shows, films, and endless social content—it’s easy to fall into passive consumption. But as writers and creatives, what we take in matters just as much as what we put out. To write with depth, clarity, and resonance, we must first learn to read more intentionally and watch with greater […]
July 7, 2025 by 39 Comments Writer's HelpWhy Intentional Storytelling Matters in an Era of AI and Algorithm-Driven Content
These days, it’s easier than ever to write stories that look like stories. I’m talking about stories follow beat sheets, mimic bestselling formulas, and say all the “right” things. But more and more, I see authors tempted to make creative choices based on convenience rather than imagination or integrity. When that happens, we have to […]
March 24, 2025 by 421 Comments Editing Your NovelFind a Writing Buddy (2025 Edition!)
Need a writing buddy? A critique partner? A beta reader? Here’s your stop! Writers need feedback. And friends! 🙂 But sometimes it can be difficult to find someone willing to read your work who is also a good fit for you and your writing. There are many different forums and groups online designed to help […]
February 17, 2025 by 21 Comments Writer's Help5 Proven Ways to Conquer Self-Doubt in Writing
Self-doubt is one of the biggest obstacles a writer will ever face. It creeps in at the worst moments—undermining confidence, stalling progress, and making you question whether your stories are even worth telling. Conquering self-doubt in writing isn’t about eliminating it altogether; it’s about learning to work with it. The key is recognizing self-doubt for […]
February 3, 2025 by 20 Comments Writer's HelpThe Writer’s Road to Creative Burnout Recovery
Creative burnout can feel like a wall between you and your writing goals. Whether it’s the result of stress, distractions, or feeling creatively drained, creative fatigue and even injury is something many modern writers experience. Because writers are generally a solution-forward bunch, we often think we can ten-step our way out of the problem. However, […]
January 6, 2025 by 29 Comments Writing LifeReflecting on 6 Life-Changing Lessons in 2024
No lie—it feels strange to be sitting here writing you this post. Every year, I open the new year with a reflection on everything I learned in the previous year and a look forward into my intentions for the year to come. When I first started this tradition, I focused mostly on the specific lessons […]
December 16, 2024 by 31 Comments Writing LifeTop 10 Books I Read in 2024
I wasn’t sure how my reading was going to fare in 2024. This year was a such a different year for me. I spent the first half cramming a year’s worth of work into a few months, and the second half settling into a new house. But, not surprisingly, reading remained my anchor throughout all […]
