I didn’t set any goals last year. After previous years of massive, unrealistic lists, I stepped into 2019 with no goals other than to apply myself to what opportunities came my way. The first eight months of 2019 found me juggling 25+ hours a week as an intern at 5280 Magazine, while maintaining my freelanceContinue reading “2020: A Year of Intention”
Category Archives: on writing
Book Review: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert My rating: 4 of 5 stars A refreshing read for the discouraged creative soul, Big Magic is essentially a long, written pep talk encouraging you to stop quivering in fear about your creative projects and go out and make stuff already, for no reason other than:Continue reading “Book Review: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert”
My little siblings might be my new muses
Over vacation, I read my kid siblings the beginning of my chapter book for kids. My 9-year-old sis said to tell her when I was done so she could order it from the library. I told her I’d have her read it before it was published. A day later, I explained the concept of publishingContinue reading “My little siblings might be my new muses”
8 writing lessons I (re)learned through revision
“Crap. Crap. Mega crap.” That’s what I thought when I read my draft three days later. This is what I (re)learned while revising.
Five ways journaling has improved my life
When I’m writing, I’m actively engaged with life. When I’m not writing, I’m just going through the motions. Since the 29-day writing challenge I did in February (successfully writing from every daily prompt), I’ve felt more myself more at peace with life more excited about life, and more interested in the world around me. ThoseContinue reading “Five ways journaling has improved my life”
Inside the Shadow City with Kirsten Miller, an interview
In 2008, I interviewed Kirsten Miller, author of the Kiki Strike series (among other books), for my then-magazine Messenger Girl. All questions and answers were made via email. I was 16. At the end is my original review of Kiki Strike: Inside the Shadow City. Me: Where did you get the idea for the Shadow City? Kirsten: Believe it orContinue reading “Inside the Shadow City with Kirsten Miller, an interview”
29-day writing challenge: an exercise in beginnings
Last week, I participated in a short story challenge where participants received a three-part prompt (genre, basic character, object) and had to write a story of 2,500 words or less over the course of eight days. This week on the spur of the moment (a cliche which is actually really clever when you think aboutContinue reading “29-day writing challenge: an exercise in beginnings”
Motivational quotes, because writing is hard
My sophomore year of college, I started keeping a journal dedicated entirely to writing and all the pain and frustration that comes with it. Today, I share with you motivational quotes from its pages. Read, contemplate, and then get to work! Just as aliens abduct only people who believe in alien abductions, writers block strikes onlyContinue reading “Motivational quotes, because writing is hard”
The Power of Narrative: A recap
Two weeks ago, I attended The Power of Narrative at Boston University, a conference focused on narrative nonfiction. The night before, I noted the sessions I wanted to attend and wrote out objectives. Following are my objectives and the related things I learned while I was there. 1. Make connections I didn’t talk to that manyContinue reading “The Power of Narrative: A recap”
What is art anyway?
I have a fear. A gripping fear that I think about late at night when I realize another day has gone by and the only words I’ve pieced together were about someone else’s work. When I curl up in bed, ready to fall asleep so tomorrow will come, but not ready because it means todayContinue reading “What is art anyway?”
Meredith Sell 