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.)

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.