The last Writing Practices email of 2024

Dear Reader,

Here we are, at the last Writing Practices email of the 2024! For you today:

1. The book drawing: The Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
2. A gift for you: the audiobook of Get the Word Out: Write a Book That Makes a Difference
3. Finishing up writing projects: where to put your time and attention

I hope something here gives you joy and support.

The book drawing: The Year of Yes

Several people recommended this book in my Nonfiction Reading Survey, and the premise is fascinating. Shonda Rhimes is scriptwriter and television producer, and the inspiration behind Gray's Anatomy, Scandal, and now head of the Shondaland production company.

Her sharp, funny voice comes through beautifully in this memoir of a year (more, actually) in which she committed to saying "yes" to things that scared her.

It's mostly memoir, a dash of self-help, and, if you look closely, writing advice. In one section, she talks about her writing zone being behind a metaphorical door, and she has to dash past five miles of distractions to reach the door. Her advice:

If you'd enjoy this high-energy memoir, reply to this email by Sunday, December 22nd, and share something you'd like to say "yes" to in 2025. (It might be getting serious about your writing.) The winner should receive the book in time to read before the new year. Maybe you'll start your own Year of Yes!

An audiobook gift for you

Are you thinking of writing a nonfiction book in 2025?

For my advice on the topic, listen to the audiobook of Get the Word Out: Write a Book That Makes a Difference. And as part of the Writing Practices community, you can access the audiobook for free on the BookFunnel app.

​Access your copy here.

Finishing your work

A couple of my book coaching clients are working furiously on self-imposed deadlines to finish their first drafts by the year's end. I'm cheering them on!

As the last calendar page flips over, many of us try to complete projects so we can start the year on a new foot.

Sometimes, though, we look on the unfinished projects of the year and feel disheartened or uninspired. We're torn on whether to start fresh or wrap up older work.

Whether you're trying to figure out which projects to finish or where to invest your writing time in the new year, today's post may help. I'll share my advice about sorting your work into four buckets.

Bonus: more book recommendations:

If you love reading nonfiction, check out the Rewired Mind substack for monthly book recommendations. Chris Boutté reads widely and curates his thoughts—and gives a lovely shout-out to The Curious Reader's Field Guide in his latest issue.

May your holiday season be filled with peace, rest, community, and of course reading! I'll be settling in with a pile of books to read, of course.

Until next year,

Anne

Want to support this email?

• Buy a Book: Expand your writing journey with titles like The Writer's Process and Writing to Be Understood. 📚 You can buy PDFs of The Writer's Voice and The Curious Reader's Field Guide to Nonfiction directly from me.
• Forward this email to another writer. If you know someone who would enjoy this, share the love.
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Your support enables me to continue helping writers like you find more joy and effectiveness in their craft. Thank you! 💕

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PO Box 66285 Scotts Valley, CA 95067

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