Several years ago, I created a list of my beliefs about writing. We hold beliefs that affect our writing, whether we are conscious of those beliefs or not. Some beliefs hinder us and some help. I created the list so I could become more aware of how my beliefs affect my writing process. It has become my habit to revisit … Read More

Wondering what it might be like to be a writer-in-residence at Kerouac House? Here, Sion Dayson reflects on her experience. (And a cool mug makes a cameo appearance.)

Joan Crawford plays a novelist in this film. You know how you can tell she’s a writer? She wears glasses with her spectacular gowns.

Close the door. Write with no one looking over your shoulder. Don’t try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say. It’s the one and only thing you have to offer. —Barbara Kingsolver Writers have many ways of sabotaging themselves. One of the most insidious ones, in my opinion, is … Read More

“Every writer understands the importance of drawing readers in from the very first sentence—but how do you do that? As this sampling of first lines of first nonfiction books shows, there are as many possible approaches as there are stories to be told.” [via Creative Nonfiction]

A beautiful meditation on being comfortable with being alone, the practice every writer must cultivate.

“Revision” means to “see again.” How can you to see your writing from the detached perspective necessary for revision when you’ve been immersed in it? Here are five ways you can approach your manuscript with a fresh perspective. 1) Put It Away Take the longest break possible between finishing your draft and revision. Time away from your work will give … Read More

Awhile back, several articles about the relationship we have with our minds drew my attention. 1. Sion Dayson, who some of you will remember from her Kerouac House residency and  “Getting Unstuck” workshop there, wrote a beautiful piece about her stay at Kerouac House. “My writing practice, so fraught and strained, needed to reconnect with play. It’s a requirement for creativity, … Read More