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In this episode, I reconnect with the brilliant and multifaceted Sean Murphy—poet, fiction writer, founder of 1455 Literary Arts, director of the Center for Story at Shenandoah University, and host of the podcast Some Things Considered. Together, we explore what it means to create during challenging times, why writing is a long game built on endurance, and how generosity—both to others and to your own process—can sustain your creative spirit. We talk about literary citizenship, artistic joy, and the mindset shifts that help us keep going when the road feels steep. We also tackle one of my most persistent writing problems—something I know I’m not alone in: how to capture all those great ideas that come to me when I’m shampooing my hair. 

Episode Highlights

• 2:57: Juggling the Hardships and Hopes of the Writing Life
• 5:29: Differentiating Writing from Publishing
• 7:34: The Process is the Reward
• 12:33: Writing While Wearing Many Hats
• 18:45: Developing a Creative Mindset
• 30:34: Why You Must be a Good Literary Citizen

Resources Mentioned During this Episode: 

• Some Things Considered: Karen E. Bender & Robert Anthony Siegel | How to Adapt & Thrive as a Writer
• Information on the connection between dopamine and our endeavors: Dr. Kay Tye: The Biology of Social Interactions and Emotions
• Writing to Heal with Laura Davis
• How to Navigate the Business of Writing and Publishing: Expert Advice from Jane Friedman

Sean’s Bio: Sean Murphy is founder of the non-profit 1455 Lit Arts, and directs the Center for Story at Shenandoah University. He has appeared on NPR's All Things Considered and been quoted in USA Today, The New York Times, The Huffington Post, and AdAge. A long-time columnist for PopMatters, his work has also appeared in Salon, The Village Voice, Washington City Paper, The Good Men Project, Writer’s Digest, and others. His chapbook, The Blackened Blues, was published by Finishing Line Press in 2021. His second collection of poems, Rhapsodies in Blue was published by Kelsay Books in 2023. His third collection, Kinds of Blue, and This Kind of Man, his first collection of short fiction, published in 2024. He has been nominated four times for the Pushcart Prize, twice for Best of Net, and his book Please Talk about Me When I'm Gone was the winner of Memoir Magazine's 2022 Memoir Prize. To learn more, a

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Produced by Espresso Podcast Production