It’s only two letters long, but the word “no” can be one of the hardest words to say out loud. In this episode, we talk about why no is every bit as important a word for a creative as yes. We’ll talk about earthworms, the trifecta of yes, how to strengthen your no muscle and Christmas candles. Then we interview the international bestselling “anti-guru” Sarah Knight, author of the No F*cks Given guides and ask her these two questions: 1) How do you decide when to say no? And 2) What’s the best way to say no? We’re interested in your answers to these questions, too. 

Episode Notes:  

The Craft of Science Writing: Selections from The Open Notebook

Poetry of Presence: An Anthology of Mindfulness Poems

Rosemerry’s book Charity: True Stories of Giving and Receiving

Rosemerry’s book Celebration: The Christmas Candle Book with Poems of Light

Veronica Dewey, costume designer extraordinaire

David Plotz’s trick for saying no (which he admits he stole from his wife, Hanna Rosin, and her friend, the writer Margaret Talbot)

Sarah Knight (photo of Sarah by Alfredo Esteban)

Sarah’s article Just Say F*ck No!

Sarah’s F*ck No page 

To buy her most recent book, F*ck No: How to Stop Saying Yes When You Can’t, You Shouldn’t or You Just Don’t Want To: visit Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Indiebound. 

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