Why Writers Should be More Mindful
Plus Poe, a time-saving tip, and TONS of writing resources
*For writing resources scroll down*
Mindfulness, Writing, & You
Recently I’ve been working my way through a FREE 8-week online mindfulness course officially called the MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) program. I’m not anywhere close to done, but I am recommending this course because:
It’s way comprehensive with weekly readings, videos, formal and informal practice, and worksheets. (As a former teacher, I love a worksheet.)
It’s free.
It’s based on the program founded by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. So the practices are based on research and science.
Here are a few things I’ve taken from the course so far:
Writers need to notice the world around us. So often we’re so caught up in our thoughts we don’t really see our surroundings. How will we describe the world to our readers if we’re not paying attention to it?
That being said, I like to go for a walk and let my mind wander, get caught in my own thoughts, because I get ideas for stories that way. But I think I need to take mindful walks sometimes, too. Notice the light filtering through the leaves, listen to the birds, smell of the lilacs blooming in someone’s yard. I don’t have to turn my noticing of things into words at that moment. I can simply absorb what I’m seeing and let it inform my writing later.
The other day I was driving to pick up my daughter from daycare, and when I stopped at a red light, I took a moment to look up and actually notice how blue the sky was and how pretty the clouds were. How often do I do that? Never. But I’m going to take more little moments like that to stop and really see what’s around me.
What we practice gets stronger. The course talks a lot about neuroplasticity and how every time you do something it strengthens that particular pathway in your brain. So it stands to reason if you make an effort to sit down regularly and write (perhaps at the same desk, at the same time of day, drinking the same tea), even if not much comes out at first, you will train your brain into the habit of regular writing.
Check in with your body (instead of checking your email). Sitting at a computer for long stretches is hard on the body. I’ve been having neck and shoulder pain again lately. So I’ve decided every time I feel the urge to check my email or social media, I’m going to check in with my body instead. I’m going to take a few deep, mindful breaths. I’m going to relax my neck and shoulders; I’m going to check my posture. Maybe I’ll get up and stretch for a minute. I’m going to be more mindful about my body and hopefully that will also train my brain to stop checking my email obsessively.
Still Loving Poe
My recent visit to the Edgar Allan Poe Museum in Richmond, VA sparked my interest in the life of this beloved author, and I’m currently reading A Mystery of Mysteries: The Death and Life of Edgar Allan Poe by Mark Dawidziak.
One thing that’s clear from the book so far is that, sure, Poe was a melodramatic genius with a wealth of tragedy to draw upon for his writing, but he also worked really hard. He got rejections and terrible reviews, he had very little money. But he kept trying and he never stopped believing that one day he could make a living from his writing. Just more proof in my theory that the people who succeed in publishing are the ones who absolutely refuse to give up.
Here’s a Poe anecdote for you:
At the age of 16, orphaned Poe got engaged to his beautiful 15-year-old neighbor, Elmira, who described him as “a beautiful boy” whose “general manner was sad.”
Elmira’s father, however, disapproved of the engagement, so when Poe went off to The University of Virginia, Elmira’s father intercepted all of Poe’s letters to her, leading her to believe she’d been ghosted. When Poe returned to Richmond, she was already married to someone else, and he was heartbroken.Many years later, at the age of 40, and after the death of his wife Virginia, Poe once again encountered Elmira, who was now a widow. They rekindled their teenage romance and made plans to get married. But Poe died under mysterious circumstances before the wedding day ever arrived.
So, yeah, Poe wins the award for Most Tragic Life. But also, I really feel that someone needs to write a YA historical fiction novel based on Poe and Elmira. (Not me; I’m no good at writing historical fiction.) I also feel that someone (perhaps Tim Burton?) needs to make a Poe biopic film starring Timothee Chalomet. How can we make that happen?
Lastly, if anyone has any Poe-related movies or books to suggest to me, bring ‘em on. It’s almost spooky season!
Presto Chango!
One of the things I’m enjoying about Instagram these days is thinking of my IG posts as mini blog posts. This satiates my need to share words, even on a platform that’s mostly about images. Plus, I can repurpose IG micro posts for my website and/or newsletter!
For example, here is an Instagram post I shared a while ago that I then expanded into an article for my website: Can YA Fiction be Literary (And What IS Literary Fiction Anyway?). And THEN I made an Instagram reel about the difference between literary fiction and genre fiction, using some of the ideas I wrote about in the article.
So basically, I was able to use the same content in different forms: an Instagram post, a website article, and an Instagram reel (video). Sure, it took time, but it didn’t take as much time as if I’d come up with three different ideas. Something to think about for those of you trying to market yourself or your books on various platforms.
And you know what? I had fun doing it! The most important thing when it comes to social media!
Writing News & Resources
For All Writers:
As always, Nathan Bransford coming in strong with tough love and practical advice for writers: it’s harder than ever to rise above the noise, he says. But it’s also a golden era for writers.
Applications for Tin House’s 2024 Winter Online Workshop are now open!
- has another excellent newsletter issue. In this one, she dispenses advice on a variety of writing-related questions.
Nanowrimo is offering a variety of virtual events to help you prep for National Novel Writing Month (November).
The Yale Review is now accepting pitches on a rolling basis. Seeking diverse, sharp, intelligent voices on a wide range of subjects, from literature, art, history, and politics to film, television, music, & more.
Writers on Writing presents bestselling author Rebecca Makkai in conversation with bestselling author Lauren Groff, talking about an author’s whole career, Inside-the-Actors-Studio-style. In-person at the Newberry in Chicago and livestreamed on Zoom. FREE on October 4 - RSVP required.
Story Mastermind, a small-group online workshop for serious writers from
is a five-month program for Novel and Picture Book writers, and applications are due by October 15. Want a FREE sneak peek of the program? Register for these upcoming online workshops and submit your own pitch for potential feedback.The folks at Cheshire Novel Prize host a FREE group on their private app called Writers Space where you can talk about writing, ask for BETA readers, and connect with other writers.
Check out free events for writers, both on Zoom and in person, from The Writer’s Center in Bethesda, MD.
Ready to submit a story? Check out this list of 40 Free Writing Contests! And of course, check outNewPages for submission calls from literary magazines and journals.
Poets & Writers is offering Mapping the Maze, an online workshop for poets who have developed their craft and are ready to make a concrete plan for getting their work published. Begins November 3.
Check out the Chestnut Review for stubborn artists. Their submissions are always open and they pay $120/piece. They promise to respond in 30 days, which is HUGE in the lit mag space. Free submissions in most genres and free issues online, plus paid feedback options. They also offer workshops and international retreats. Sounds pretty amazing to me.
I updated my list of writing and publishing resources — my very favorite books, websites, and podcasts and writing, publishing, and creative life.
Thinking about self-publishing? This detailed guide tells you all the steps you need to take: How to Self-Publish a Book: A Guide for Aspiring Authors.
For KidLit Writers:
Check out Literary Rambles for information on kidlit agents and agent interviews.
The Highlight's Foundation is offering the Whole Novel Workshop: a life-changing retreat with amazing faculty members for those with a full novel manuscript they want to workshop. In-person all genres November 5-10
From Bitsy Kemper’s blog: over 100 publishers accepting unsolicited picture book manuscripts. (Updated June 2023)
WowCon, WriteMentor’s annual online conference for writers of children’s fiction, will be held September 22-24.
Check out this incredible list of upcoming events for KidLit writers!
For Querying Writers:
The SmoochPit Mentorship program applications for all unagented romance authors (YA and adult) will be open until Sept. 19th. Must have a complete and unpublished romance novel manuscript.
Check out Literary Rambles for information on kidlit agents and agent interviews.
Here’s a query letter template from agent Samantha Wekstein and lots of querying advice from agent Eric Smith.
Find a long list of example query letters on Quite the Query.
Every Friday, Operation Awesome offers one free query critique through their #QueryFriday contest.
Every month I will chose one subscriber for a FREE submission package critique. Send me your query letter and the first two pages of your manuscript, and, if you’re the winner of the month, I will send you back in-depth feedback on both. Interested in receiving a critique? Fill out the form here.
Twitter pitch contests (I refuse to call it “X”) continue to happen, and it certainly doesn’t hurt to try. After all, I found my agent through a Twitter pitch party. I am now an official success story. So mark your calendar for these upcoming Twitter pitch parties. And be sure to read my updated article 13 Things to Know About Twitter Pitch Events.
#LatinxPitch, Sept. 15, for Latinx writers of kidtlit.
Writing Conferences & Events:
The Writing Day Workshop “How to Get Published” Conferences will held both online and in person this year. I attended one of these conferences in person a few years ago, and I thought it was fantastic. I can’t vouch for the virtual version, but there are some benefits: recorded classes, no travel expenses, attend in your comfy pants. Plus, sign up for pitch sessions with agents for $29 a piece. Check out the upcoming conferences:
Portland Writing Workshop: October 14, 2023 (live and in-person)
Writers Digest offers loads of virtual conferences on a variety of publishing and writing craft topics.
WowCon, WriteMentor’s annual online conference for writers of children’s fiction will be held September 22-24.
The Dallas/Fort Worth Writers Conference is happening October 7-8!
The Hampton Roads Writers Conference will be held in Virginia Beach November 9-11. Their conference writing contest deadline is September 15!
AWP 2024 will be held in Kansas City February 7-10, and early bird registration and community scholarship applications are now open!
For more writing conferences, check out this list or this list of 19 Writing Conferences for Emerging and Established Writers.
Thank you for all the resources! I am checking out the course.