A diner outside Richmond. A napkin. And a flash of inspiration that turned into a global invitation to write. We sit down with author and ghostwriter John Riddle to unpack how I Love to Write Day began, why it stuck, and what keeps it thriving twenty-plus years later. From a long drive to a Writers Digest interview to an unexpected USA Today spotlight, John walks us through the turning points that helped a simple idea become a movement.

We explore why writing matters for everyone, not just “writers.” John breaks down how putting words on the page sharpens critical thinking, opens unexpected doors, and supports mental health. He shares stories that show the day’s reach: students securing a governor’s proclamation, teens helping seniors capture their life stories, schools blanketing hallways with positive messages, and nonprofits using journaling to process trauma. These moments reveal a core truth—writing builds community while giving individuals a way to find and share their voice.

You’ll also get practical tools to start or restart your practice. John’s go-to exercise for beating creative block takes minutes and resets your momentum. His three habits—make time, build confidence, and keep it fun—offer a durable framework for both novices and pros. We talk about balancing business and joy, from ghostwriting deadlines to co-authoring a humor book with his grandsons. Looking ahead, John teases the 25th anniversary plans, including an updated creative journal and a push to bring I Love to Write Day to the UK, Spain, and Australia.

Ready to write a paragraph, a poem, or the first page of your book? Hit play, then join us on November 15 and share what you create. If this conversation sparked an idea, subscribe, leave a review, and pass it to a friend who needs a nudge to start. Your words matter—let’s get them on the page.

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The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is committed to supporting the arts and cultivating creativity to enhance the quality of life in Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Learn more at Arts.Delaware.Gov.

Delaware State of the Arts is a weekly podcast that presents interviews with arts organizations and leaders who contribute to the cultural vibrancy of communities throughout Delaware. Delaware State of the Arts is provided as a service of the Division of the Arts, in partnership with NEWSRADIO 1450 WILM and 1410 WDOV.

 In celebration of the 125th anniversary of Arden’s founding, the Arden Artisans Collective presents A Living Legacy, a two-part exhibition series that honors the vibrant, ongoing tradition of creativity in the Ardens. Featuring the work of past and present artists from this unique Arts and Crafts community, the exhibitions span generations and mediums—offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience the unbroken thread of artistry that has defined the Ardens for over a century. The Division speaks with Jill Althouse Wood and Sadie Somerville about this exciting new exhibition. 

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The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is committed to supporting the arts and cultivating creativity to enhance the quality of life in Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Learn more at Arts.Delaware.Gov.

Delaware State of the Arts is a weekly podcast that presents interviews with arts organizations and leaders who contribute to the cultural vibrancy of communities throughout Delaware. Delaware State of the Arts is provided as a service of the Division of the Arts, in partnership with NEWSRADIO 1450 WILM and 1410 WDOV.

What does it feel like when time slips away and creativity flows effortlessly? For Gina Wilson, this unexpected state of "flow" during writing became the bridge between her established career as an executive coach and her emerging identity as a novelist. 

Wilson brings a unique perspective to her writing, grounded in her Master's degree in Cognitive Psychology and years of helping leaders overcome burnout and self-doubt. During our conversation, she reveals how she discovered writing induced a state of complete immersion and energy that contrasted sharply with the depleted feeling many experience in their professional lives. This revelation led her from non-fiction to her recent novel "Silicon Valley East," which follows a female protagonist navigating the male-dominated tech world of the 1980s.

The conversation explores the discipline behind creative work, with Wilson sharing her structured approach to writing—daily dedicated time blocks, character spreadsheets, and regular revision cycles. Her methods reflect her background in management consulting while allowing space for creative exploration. Most refreshing is Wilson's candid discussion of vulnerability in the creative process, particularly when sharing work with writing groups and beta readers. She credits these communities with providing crucial feedback while acknowledging how difficult it can be to open oneself to critique.

At its heart, Wilson's message centers on personal agency—the belief that we aren't victims of circumstance but can make meaningful choices that transform our lives. Whether through coaching or storytelling, she aims to help people recognize their power to pivot when one path doesn't work out. For writers still finding their voice, her advice resonates with authenticity: write in your own voice, because no one else shares your unique perspective and experiences. In a world increasingly populated by AI-generated content, Wilson's emphasis on genuine human expression feels both timely and essential.

Ready to discover how your creative pursuits might transform your professional journey? Listen to this episode, then reflect on when you last experienced true flow in your own life—that magical state where time disappears and energy abounds.

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The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is committed to supporting the arts and cultivating creativity to enhance the quality of life in Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Learn more at Arts.Delaware.Gov.

Delaware State of the Arts is a weekly podcast that presents interviews with arts organizations and leaders who contribute to the cultural vibrancy of communities throughout Delaware. Delaware State of the Arts is provided as a service of the Division of the Arts, in partnership with NEWSRADIO 1450 WILM and 1410 WDOV.

Storytelling has the power to transcend barriers, even prison walls. Meet Cassandra Lewis, an award-winning writer whose creative journey illuminates how literature can build bridges where society often constructs divides.

When Lewis began mentoring through PEN America's Prison and Justice Writing Program, she expected to guide an incarcerated writer. What emerged instead was a profound partnership with Geneva Phillips, an accomplished writer whose memoir and poetry had already garnered recognition. Their exchange of letters evolved beyond writing critique into a friendship that transformed Lewis's own creative work. Through Phillips' guidance, Lewis finally unlocked a personal manuscript she'd struggled with for years—a testament to mentorship's reciprocal nature.

The conversation explores how incarcerated writers consistently return to themes of community and connection in their work. As Lewis describes it, these narratives reveal the resilience of the human spirit in maintaining relationships despite systematic attempts to sever them. Yet practical obstacles abound: mail digitization means incarcerated people never touch original letters from loved ones; censorship creates communication uncertainty; and unexpected facility transfers can abruptly end friendships without goodbyes.

Lewis's own creative work sits at the intersection of arts and advocacy. Her fellowship-funded play examines extreme sentencing through the story of an estranged grandmother and granddaughter reconnecting across prison barriers. Rather than providing easy answers, Lewis uses storytelling to explore complex questions about criminal justice, mental health systems, and human connection. "Great storytelling inspires conversation," Lewis explains, "and that's how things get started, that's how things get moving."

For writers considering similar mentorship programs, Lewis emphasizes the importance of literary citizenship—supporting other writers and participating in the ongoing conversation of ideas. Her experience with PEN America surpassed all expectations, personally and professionally transforming both mentor and mentee.

Ready to discover how storytelling can build empathy and inspire change? Listen now to this thought-provoking conversation about writing, justice, and the power of human connection.

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The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is committed to supporting the arts and cultivating creativity to enhance the quality of life in Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Learn more at Arts.Delaware.Gov.

Delaware State of the Arts is a weekly podcast that presents interviews with arts organizations and leaders who contribute to the cultural vibrancy of communities throughout Delaware. Delaware State of the Arts is provided as a service of the Division of the Arts, in partnership with NEWSRADIO 1450 WILM and 1410 WDOV.

What does it mean to be fearless? To be American? To pursue your dreams against all odds? These questions lie at the heart of "Fearless," a groundbreaking new opera by composer Derrick Wang that tells the extraordinary true story of Hazel Ying Lee, one of the few Chinese-American women to serve as a pilot during World War II.

Derrick Wang, known for his critically acclaimed opera "Scalia-Ginsburg" about the unlikely friendship between Supreme Court Justices, brings his unique creative voice to this remarkable story of courage and determination. Wang joins us alongside OperaDelaware's Kerriann Otaño to discuss the journey of creating this world premiere production, which opens May 16th in Wilmington.

The opera approaches Hazel's story through an innovative narrative lens, told from the perspective of her fictional younger sister Iris. This framing device allows audiences to experience Hazel's remarkable achievements through a deeply personal connection, humanizing a historical figure who defied expectations and broke barriers. As Wang explains, "Rather than minimize the challenges and twists and turns of her story to fit into a neat little package, I wondered what if the structure of this musical drama embraced the unexpected paths that Hazel took?"

For OperaDelaware, premiering "Fearless" represents their ongoing commitment to redefining what opera can be. As the 11th oldest opera company in America, they're challenging preconceptions about opera being intimidating or inaccessible. With "Fearless" sung entirely in English and featuring tuneful, melodic music that audiences can connect with immediately, the production creates a direct emotional impact while maintaining the artistic excellence opera lovers expect.

Beyond the performances (May 16th and 18th), OperaDelaware has organized special community events including a free preview at Market Street Music (May 1st) and a presentation at the Air Mobility Command Museum (May 4th) featuring discussions about the Women Airforce Service Pilots and their historical significance. These events reflect the company's dedication to making opera relevant and accessible to diverse audiences throughout Delaware.

Experience this powerful new American opera that celebrates courage, challenges expectations, and honors an unsung hero whose remarkable life reminds us all what it truly means to be fearless. Don't miss your chance to be part of this historic world premiere—visit operadelaware.org for tickets today!

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The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is committed to supporting the arts and cultivating creativity to enhance the quality of life in Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Learn more at Arts.Delaware.Gov.

Delaware State of the Arts is a weekly podcast that presents interviews with arts organizations and leaders who contribute to the cultural vibrancy of communities throughout Delaware. Delaware State of the Arts is provided as a service of the Division of the Arts, in partnership with NEWSRADIO 1450 WILM and 1410 WDOV.

Ready to be inspired by the literary world? Join us for an engaging conversation with Tanerra Willis, the powerhouse author and visionary behind The Amazing Corner. Tanerra shares her journey to becoming a beacon of empowerment for self-published authors, especially women and teens. Discover how her online bookstore and community hub are breaking down traditional publishing barriers, all while promoting diverse literature and encouraging a love for reading among families.

Self-published authors often face a labyrinth of challenges, and we're peeling back the layers to reveal how Tanerra is paving the way for them to shine. Listen in as we discuss how The Amazing Corner offers a sanctuary for authors to showcase their work, despite the ever-evolving social media landscape and financial constraints. By curating inclusive and diverse books, Tanerra is fostering a community where children can see themselves in the stories they read and families can engage in meaningful literacy-driven events.

Empowerment through literature goes beyond just books; it's about building communities and mentorship. Tanerra's dedication to providing what she once needed herself is transforming lives, particularly for women who seek guidance and resources. From the Dream Builder Series to extraordinary stories like "Extraordinary Jordan," Tanerra is challenging stereotypes and inspiring children to pursue their dreams, regardless of their background. Don't miss this episode filled with passion, empowerment, and the relentless pursuit of creating a more inclusive literary world.

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The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is committed to supporting the arts and cultivating creativity to enhance the quality of life in Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Learn more at Arts.Delaware.Gov.

Delaware State of the Arts is a weekly podcast that presents interviews with arts organizations and leaders who contribute to the cultural vibrancy of communities throughout Delaware. Delaware State of the Arts is provided as a service of the Division of the Arts, in partnership with NEWSRADIO 1450 WILM and 1410 WDOV.

Unlock the cultural richness and transformative power of art with Estefania, the dynamic new executive director of the Hispanic American Association of Delaware (HAD). Estefania shares her compelling vision of empowering Latino families through art and culture, revealing the heartbeat of community programs that celebrate heritage and foster belonging. From the vibrant Folkloric Ballet that educates and entertains with traditional Mexican dances to the inclusive nature of HAD's initiatives, listeners will gain insight into how these artistic expressions become a thriving source of pride and connection.

Join the conversation as we explore the profound impact of HAD's diverse offerings, like the spirited Fiesta en el Jardin and the therapeutic Amarte initiative. Learn how these programs not only enhance cultural pride but also promote healing and empathy within the community. With an exciting array of year-round events, including the much-anticipated Day of the Dead festival, Estefania's leadership promises to keep the spirit of unity and celebration alive. Don't miss out on this opportunity to discover how art can empower and unite communities in remarkable ways.

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The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is committed to supporting the arts and cultivating creativity to enhance the quality of life in Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Learn more at Arts.Delaware.Gov.

Delaware State of the Arts is a weekly podcast that presents interviews with arts organizations and leaders who contribute to the cultural vibrancy of communities throughout Delaware. Delaware State of the Arts is provided as a service of the Division of the Arts, in partnership with NEWSRADIO 1450 WILM and 1410 WDOV.

Discover the fascinating tapestry of Delaware's history and culture with our special guest, Laura Earls, the director of Read House and Gardens. Laura's passion for museums and local history is infectious as she takes us on a journey through Delaware's rich past. From exploring the architectural gems of the Reed House to uncovering its connections to Declaration of Independence signer George Read, Laura provides a captivating look at the community's commitment to preserving its heritage. Don't miss her insights into programs like Dr. Melissa Benbow Flowers' tour, which celebrates the homes of Black communities in Old New Castle, highlighting the area's diverse historical narratives.

Venture into the vibrant world of Delaware's arts scene as we spotlight the Delaware Division of the Arts and their mission to nurture creativity statewide. Tune in for an engaging discussion on the transformative impact of art and history in our communities.

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The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is committed to supporting the arts and cultivating creativity to enhance the quality of life in Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Learn more at Arts.Delaware.Gov.

Delaware State of the Arts is a weekly podcast that presents interviews with arts organizations and leaders who contribute to the cultural vibrancy of communities throughout Delaware. Delaware State of the Arts is provided as a service of the Division of the Arts, in partnership with NEWSRADIO 1450 WILM and 1410 WDOV.

Unlock the future of ballet in Delaware with our special guest, Joan Beatson, from  First State Ballet Theatre. Learn how Delaware's only professional ballet company is revolutionizing the local arts scene, with their academy ranking in the top 5% of U.S. Ballet Academies. Discover the magic behind their intimate "Up Front on Market" series, offering a unique close-up experience for both dancers and audiences, and get an inside look at their dynamic team of choreographers who are set to bring fresh, innovative productions to the stage next season.

We also explore the theatre's commitment to expanding community access to ballet, from providing platforms for new choreographic works to opening a satellite location in Middletown. Hear about the rigorous routines of professional dancers and the importance of proper training for young students, underscored by the theatre's adoption of the Beau Biden Foundation Shield for safety and well-being. Plus, get a sneak peek into the exciting upcoming productions, like "Romeo and Juliet" at Copeland Hall, and learn how First State Ballet Theatre is enhancing Delaware’s cultural landscape—making world-class ballet accessible without the need to travel to larger cities. Don’t miss this enriching conversation about the vibrant future of ballet in Delaware.

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The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is committed to supporting the arts and cultivating creativity to enhance the quality of life in Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Learn more at Arts.Delaware.Gov.

Delaware State of the Arts is a weekly podcast that presents interviews with arts organizations and leaders who contribute to the cultural vibrancy of communities throughout Delaware. Delaware State of the Arts is provided as a service of the Division of the Arts, in partnership with NEWSRADIO 1450 WILM and 1410 WDOV.

What happens when a state representative doubles as a stand-up comedian? Meet Representative Madinah Wilson-Anton, who took the unconventional path from Delaware's 26th District to the halls of the state legislature, with a side gig in the comedy clubs. Initially inspired by her comedian uncle and Saturday Night Live, Madinah's career took a sharp turn during a revealing internship at the Delaware State House, steering her from international relations to domestic politics. Throughout our conversation, Madinah emphasizes the power of humor and relatability in both political and comedy realms, detailing how she uses her comedic chops to connect with people and lighten tense situations.

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The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is committed to supporting the arts and cultivating creativity to enhance the quality of life in Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Learn more at Arts.Delaware.Gov.

Delaware State of the Arts is a weekly podcast that presents interviews with arts organizations and leaders who contribute to the cultural vibrancy of communities throughout Delaware. Delaware State of the Arts is provided as a service of the Division of the Arts, in partnership with NEWSRADIO 1450 WILM and 1410 WDOV.