July's writing experiment is here! Welcome to the first half of 2026, Reader. Has it snuck up on you, as it did with me? And an extra welcome to those of you who are new to this email. Because this is the first Wednesday of the month, I offer you a writing experiment. In addition, you'll find three other writing-related posts or events that may inspire you as we embark on the second half of the year. July's experiment: An unexpected Muse Looking for a quickly supply of fodder for your writing...
26 days ago • 1 min read
A rant, a book, and an audiobook Hello again, Reader. I've just returned from a week in the mountains, and it was just what I needed after a busy May. Lots of walking in nature, observing wildflowers and mountains and birds and rivers and a lake. Four stars. A few things for you today: A (slightly ranty) post about the AI-by-default infecting our writing environments A book give-away (related to the rant) News about The Writer's Process audiobook Resisting AI defaults I have a nuanced...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
A new creativity experiment Welcome to June, Reader! Summer feels like it has finally arrived, and I'm winding down the book launch and stacking up my summer reading and writing projects. How about you? I've got a few things that might interest you today: June's writing experiment—a fun creativity stretch Workbook Workshop reminder (registration closes next week) A lightly revised workbook for The Writer's Process Summer's about here, so let's not waste time. The experiment: Wide, deep, wide...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
An excerpt from the new edition of The Writer's Process Hi, Reader. Whew. I have survived another book launch; the new edition of The Writer's Process is out in the world. Thank you to everyone who purchased a copy—and blessings to everyone who leaves a review! (Jane Friedman published an excerpt from the chapter on the Imposter Phenomenon on her blog—check it out.) New research linking flow and practice Today's post comes from research added to the new edition of The Writer's Process. Today:...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader! At last, the 10 Year Anniversary Edition of The Writer' Process is published! I am really proud of this update—it takes everything I loved from the first book and makes it stronger. Revising it was a ton of fun. What's new: New research into creative and flow Advice/guidance on integrating AI in the writing process without losing your writing soul or voice New experiments to try in your writing life A perspective enriched by ten years of coaching, teaching, and of course writing...
2 months ago • 1 min read
A new writing experiment, and a book preorder! Dear Reader, The next edition of The Writer's Process releases next week, and it's been quite a journey getting here. If you want a print copy, wait for next week. You can preorder the ebook today. (See the post below for links.) You'll hear more from me about that. But first, here's a writing exercise that I've done most mornings lately and really enjoyed. Yes, even during book pre-launch activities! It's inspired by a story Ray Bradbury's Zen...
3 months ago • 1 min read
A simple test for using AI, and a book about beliefs Hi Reader, This week's post is about writing and AI. If you are in the "never mention writing and AI in the same sentence" camp, I hear you and respect your decision. Skip below the post to the book give-away for April—I think you'll like it. For everyone else, here goes. The AI Transparency Test I have tried to sit on the sidelines, to avoid the AI and writing debates as I firmed up my own opinions. But questions about writing and AI are...
3 months ago • 2 min read
The April writing exercise and launch team invitation Hi Reader, Happy first day of April! The world feels so upside-down lately (AI-generated books???) that April Fool's pranks seem unnecessary and potentially cruel. So let's just welcome the new month with a fresh energy. Fun, yes. No fooling. How's your writing going? Mine has shifted from the deep work of writing and revising a book to the wide-ranging work behind supporting a book launch: drafting blog posts, emails, instructor guides,...
4 months ago • 1 min read
A book give-away, energy, and endnotes Hello Reader, How's your writing energy holding up in these crazy, uncertain days of March? Even the weather in March is predictably unpredictable. So, let's lean into writing and telling stories. The book give-away: How to Tell a Story The March book may inspire your inner storyteller. It's How to Tell at Story: The Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling from the Moth. It's a terrific guide to oral storytelling, and many of its practices apply to...
4 months ago • 1 min read