The act and process of writing has well-documented mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health benefits — if we can keep it up. — The idea that writing could be a healing practice is one that academia and the mainstream literary community often overlook or dismiss. Writers understandably want their work to be of value to others, not just to themselves. You might hear a New York Times-bestselling author insist that her writing is…

‘Why don’t you just shut up, man?’ might actually be good advice for all of us. — It is past time to apply the basic tenets of a healthy relationship to our sociopolitical conversations. In a relationship, when one person raises their voice and plugs their ears, they shift the balance. The process of reestablishing balance is stuck; one or more partners might be traumatized. …

Being a mom can be horrifying and humbling — sometimes both at once. — I feel like someone who flirts with her own breaking point on a daily basis, but few things threaten my sanity more than when my son is in pain. When he was 4, my indefatigable and fearless kiddo launched himself off the couch in defiance of gravity and growth plates…

How to find the audience that makes sharing your writing an experience of growth, not stress. — When you think of tips or advice for writers, what comes to mind probably concerns the writing itself. I direct a school, a center, for writing. Of course, we want to help you write more, and write better. I have said before, though, that what sets us apart from other…

Assert your mental, physical, and community presence with these tips for thoughtful self-expression. — When I teach those who aspire to write, I place a heavy emphasis on not only improving their writing skills but establishing a regular writing practice. …

What do we mean when we talk about voice? How to define, develop, and not be afraid to use yours. — For many of us, just getting words down on a regular basis is a huge accomplishment. Generating story ideas and developing them is the bulk of our writing practice. So when aspiring writers hear vague, jargon-y terms like “voice,” it might instill some trepidation. You might think you know what…

Sometimes the best way to accomplish something is by doing nothing. This is not going to be your typical writing advice or productivity post. I have not encountered a single person since the start of this pandemic that has not expressed feeling overwhelm at some point over the last few…

Stop wondering what makes your favorite stories so memorable — and how you can spin memorable tales yourself — and start making lasting connections. — The Wizard of Oz. Old Yeller. Harry Potter. Treasure Island. Les Miserables. Star Wars. Romeo and Juliet. It’s a Wonderful Life. These are unforgettable stories. They are the stories we pass on to our children, or revisit over and over again, enjoying new insights at different stages of our lives…

A vibrant writing life is a balancing act requiring self-awareness and a solid plan of action. — Ten years ago, my writing WAS my life. Fresh out of graduate school, I was used to being immersed in books, magazines, literary websites and blogs, and my own editorial work with the online journal I edited, the university where I worked, and the small press I co-founded. When I…