I feel deep in my bones every reason in the universe to give up writing. 

The inner critic circles me like a crow in a blackened sky, eyeing my every move.

But writing is deep in my bones, too. … Read MoreDeep in My Bones

Read MoreBurning

“I’ve tried before. I’ve put in the work last year, and it came up ashes on a field of dead pages.” But Hope says… … Read MoreAshes

I’m passionate as a fired-up book coach about helping people doing their best work. Cheering them on as they put their hat in the ring, to signal to the world, “I’m doing this thing!” and then I see them blow away the watching world’s expectations, just like I know they could. … Read MoreThis Year: Courage

Read MoreUnfolding

Writing sometimes feels a lot like wandering:

Which way is it again to a two-book deal? Stephen King said left. Jane Friedman said right.

How can I finally get up to that Platform? Where are the steps?

It can feel like our eyes are fooling us, and we’re not getting anywhere. … Read MoreAll who wander are not lost: the recovery of wonder in writing

You always have the choice to get up again, and no one else can make that choice for you. You have to hoist yourself, your hands pushing off, your legs finding ground. You have to trust that someone will be happy to see you up and at ‘em—even if that only Person is God. … Read MoreKeep Going: No One Can Make You Stop Writing