The Write Things Newsletter

Write Things Newsletter: On Building Page-Turners

This week’s newsletter is being crafted by a pair of warm, clammy hands.

Tension, in many ways, is the heartbeat of good writing. It can be both intoxicating and agonizing. And through pure coincidence, I not only did a deep dive i...

As a teacher, I’m invigorated by the growth of others. I’m grateful that teaching and coaching are part of my life for this reason.

Today’s newsletter is inspired by a specific type of growth.

Idea: On Perfection

If you’ve been following along for a while, you know I’m no fan of ...

This week, Rachel Small and I had a fantastic conversation about the struggles we see writers face on the journey from writing a story to finishing their revisions with an editor.

Based on how well it went, we’ve decided to release the video to anyone who’s interested. You can chec...

I don’t think there’s anything more important for a writer to understand than uncertainty. 

Specifically, your relationship with it.  I think this is the biggest determinant of exceptional success or spectacular failure for a writer.

And that’s not an overstatement.

Idea: On Unce...

No one has to follow their dreams.

Heck, you don’t even have to acknowledge you have a dream.
But if you’re reading this email, there is a dream inside of you. I guarantee it.

Idea: On Mindset

As a young man, I loved playing with little kids. At parties or family functions, I had ...

I’m sorry, but this one might burn a bit.

You’ve probably heard the old story: if you drop a frog into boiling water, it jumps out. But if the water is room temperature and you slowly bring it to a boil, the frog stays—never realizing the danger.

This week, we’re doing a temperatu...

I’m back!

After some much-needed R&R, I’m excited to get back to talking writing with you. This week, I want to share some insights that arose while mulling over a few words of wisdom from Rick Rubin, author of The Creative Act, and from Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art.

Idea: O...

Hello, writers,

It’s good to be back! A nasty virus ran through our family last week, but today, everyone finally seems to be in the clear.

And that’s good, because there’s something I need to get clear on: telling in our writing.

I’ve been teaching it wrong.

Here’s why.

Idea: ...

Hello writers,

How often do you consider what you’re proud of in your writing? What parts feel most important, vital, and unchangeable in your story? 

More importantly, do you trust these feelings?

Idea: On Self-Trust

When you share your writing with others, pay particular atten...

Hello writers,

I’m working through my Enhance Your Storytelling workshop with a dozen amateur writers, and I came across an obvious truth—one that, perhaps, isn’t often articulated.

Actually, it was the writers I’m working with who pointed it out. So, a big thank you to them for t...

Hello writers,

I figured, with tomorrow being V Day, why not dive into the topic of love?

I think there’s a lot we can learn from it.

Idea: On Mindset

I feel the most blessed and grateful when I experience love.
Whether I was designed by God, an evolutionary force, or something i...

Hello writers,

Technique is a frequent topic in my writing groups, and this week, it took center stage in my Enhance Your Storytelling course.

For many writers, technique can be a source of confidence or doubt—an accolade or an obstacle.

Let me explain. 

Idea: On Mindset

A deep...