This week, talking about the power of staying in place and riding out the creative challenge.

Book recommendation: HAMNET, by Maggie O'Farrell.

We're talking about endings this week — and how most writers tend to charge past where their story's natural ending truly lies.

Reading rec: BOG QUEEN, by Anna North.

This week, we're discussing whether Lorrie Moore was right when she said "life will disappoint you" is the theme of all great literature.

Reading rec: ALL THINGS UNDER THE MOON, by Ann Y.K. Choi.

This week, we're thinking about how everyone's story is more complex than we think, and every character deserves nuance in your story.

Reading rec: FOX, by Joyce Carol Oates.

This week, I tackle the idea in Lorrie Moore's novel that "life will disappoint you" is the theme of all great literature. Agree? Disagree?

Reading recommendation: Ann Y.K. Choi's ALL THINGS UNDER THE MOON.

This week, discover how complex everyone's story is — and how even peripheral characters in your story have their own lives to live.

Reading recommendation: FOX, by Joyce Carol Oates.

This week, imagine yourself in the room that really matters in your story.

Reading recommendation: Your Steps on the Stairs, Antonio Munoz Molina.

My favorite reads of 2025. Were any of these your favorites?

This week, we're talking about narrative filtering, and how much of it you can lose to make your story better.

Book recommendation: FLASHLIGHT, by Susan Choi.

This week, turn your narrator's eye outward and see the world around them.

Reading recommendation: THE ROSE FIELD, by Philip Pullman.