It is difficult to be physically active when writing and this is a challenge for me as I am a very active person. Furthermore, when I write I consume large quantities of gummy bears. I ride intervals on a stationary bicycle five times a week. I walk a lot; thisContinue Reading
She’s been one of my favorite authors since I was in my early 20s. I couldn’t believe she was coming all the way from Toronto to Idaho. I’ve attended readings/lectures/signings with several of my writing heroes, including Andre Dubus III, Dennis Lehane, Ann Patchett, and Daniel Woodrell. They were allContinue Reading
I think one of the biggest challenges is setting up a consistent exercise routine. Some of my best writing time is early in the morning, but that’s also my best workout time. When I’m on a writing streak, it’s hard to take a break to exercise, but I’m always gladContinue Reading
If you’re an unhappy writer, you may think that writing isn’t for you. It’s possible—but it could be that you’re thinking about it the wrong way. Ask most writers what they dream about and you’ll probably get some variation of the SWD—Standard Writer’s Dream. It usually includes a book onContinue Reading
Being both writer and artist is a double-whammy in terms of the long-term health consequences of a sedentary lifestyle. I developed severe near-sightedness in my early teens (which made me even less likely to go outside or get active) and I’ve always struggled to maintain a healthy weight. While IContinue Reading
In writing critiques, writers hear a lot about their weaknesses. Critiques are a way of life for us. We’re always asking people what’s wrong with our work. We feel like we have to hear criticism in order to improve. This may be true to some extent, but the longer IContinue Reading
Time is the biggest challenge I face. Oddly enough, I often feel like I have too little and too much time. The reason is this: I need large blocks of time (90 minutes or more) to get into the proper mental space for good writing to happen. But instead, IContinue Reading
“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” ~Carl G. Jung Are you struggling to take a new path in your life? Is that little voice inside you urging you to try something new, but you have yet to take action? Be careful—you may have allContinue Reading
Fortunately for me, I paid my dues with unwise behaviors long ago. For years now, I haven’t eaten sugar or drunk alcohol or used drugs. I still drink loads of coffee, though! During my time herding goats in the mountains of France, I learned how good it feels to liveContinue Reading
Do you crave that creative euphoria writers sometimes get from writing? Unfortunately, many writers turn to alcohol to get it. Look at the list of famous authors who were alcoholics and you get names like Raymond Chandler, John Cheever, Tennessee Williams, Dylan Thomas, Edgar Allen Poe, Truman Capote, Jack Kerouac,Continue Reading
Since my physical health is not typical, the obvious, typical answer for me would likely not apply to, or benefit, most authors and aspiring authors. So, I will direct attention to another physical “matter,” which is sometimes a challenge and sometimes a blessing: Yes, I speak of the hours weContinue Reading
Are you suffering from the writing blahs? When you sit down to work, do you sigh deeply and resort to eating chocolates until your writing time is over? In other words, has it been awhile since the muse graced your doorstep? If so, it’s time to woo her back. BecauseContinue Reading