Write Now with Sarah Werner

By Sarah Rhea WernerEducation Arts

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Write Now with Sarah Werner episodes

January 14, 2016 Feeling Like A Fraud - WN 034

Oh, my friends. It's time for episode 034 of the Write Now podcast. And I am so glad about that. :)
Before we begin, a quick note that I've made it easier than ever before to support the work I do with the Write Now podcast with my new Tip Jar! :D
All right, enough of that. Let's begin.
"Who gave you permission to be a writer?"
I know that often, on this very podcast, I've encouraged you to stand up (or stay seated, whatever) and proudly proclaim, "I am a writer."
But sometimes (or maybe a lot of the time) saying this can make us feel like a fraud. Or perhaps you feel so fraudulent that you say it with a blush and a grimace, or you never say it at all.
Because despite all the positive, affirming statements, there's always that voice. That mean, nasty little voice in the back of your mind that causes you to doubt yourself. The voice that asks, so viciously, "Who gave you permission to call yourself a writer?
This is all part of something called the Imposter Syndrome, and today we're going to talk about how to respond to it.
Why is it so hard for us to see our own value?
The Imposter Syndrome is described beautifully in a New York Times article by Carl Richards entitled "Learning to Deal With the Imposter Syndrome", published on October 26, 2015.
The article credits psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes for coining the term in 1978, and Richards describes it as follows:
They described it as a feeling of “phoniness in people who believe that they are not intelligent, capable or creative despite evidence of high achievement.” While these people “are highly motivated to achieve,” they also “live in fear of being ‘found out’ or exposed as frauds.” Sound familiar?
Why, yes. Yes it does.
Remembering your worth.
Obviously, it's not healthy to think that you are the most amazing writer in the cosmos, and that your writing is going to, like, liberate all people everywhere from shackles real and imagined.
But it's also not healthy to feel worthless or fraudulent. Because you are neither of those things. You. Are. A. Writer. And you have immense worth as a person... whether or not you are working on a writing project at this moment.
And just think -- the fact that you even deal with imposter syndrome is an indicator that you have the depth of intelligence and creativity that it takes to be a really fabulous writer.
So what I want you to do, right now, is take a deep breath and say, "My name is [your name], and I am a writer." I don't care if you stand up and shout it or remain seated at your desk and whisper it.
Just say it. Believe it. Do it. Be it. Prove that voice in your head wrong. And show the world how amazing you are.
Book of the week.
This week's book is Among Others by Jo Walton. And... wow. Just wow.
Reading this book felt like coming home to myself -- there's no other way of putting it. I've never identified with a character (the protagonist, Mori) so much.
The main character's twin sister has passed away in the climax of a battle between good and evil... and we come in as readers to witness the aftermath.
This book is like nothing I've read before. It's a gently told tale that takes place just as the dust begins to settle, just as Mori's life begins to morph and change with the absence of her sister.
It's also a beautiful homage to the love of books and reading. Throughout this novel (told diary-style), we get unique insights into not only Mori's thoughts and actions but what she's reading as well. Mori loves sci-fi, and I love the way Ms. Walton has woven books (and the reading, processing of, and discussing them) into the story.
It's unique and very much unlike any other fantasy you've read. I urge you to give it a try. I for one can't wait to read it again.
Keep up-to-date with my book-related adventures on Goodreads.
30 min
January 04, 2016 Do I Need A Website? - WN 033
Welcome to episode 033 of the Write Now podcast! Today I am answering the question, "As a writer, do I need a website?" I am also answering the inevitable follow-up questions of "Why?" and "How?" Stay tuned!
Though as you listen, please note: I am not a lawyer! So please take what I say in this episode as my own thoughts & opinions and not official legal counsel. :)
As a writer, do I need a website?
Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Yessssssssssssssss.
Seriously, a website is a great tool for any writer, whether you're a novelist, a blogger, a journalist, a poet, or... you know. Any other kind of writer.
First, I'd like to establish the need for every writer to have an online presence of some type (if not a website). Whether that's a Twitter profile or an Instagram account, there's a community of other writers and (perhaps more importantly) readers online that you can't afford to ignore.
So why would you need a website if you already have a digital presence on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Ello, etc.?
Because you don't own those properties. Not 100%.
But! BEFORE I GET IN TO ALL OF THAT, just a quick heads-up that I now have a Tip Jar live on my site!
If you feel that the content I provide is valuable and encouraging, tossing a buck or two into my tip jar will help me continue to produce fun, interesting, & ad-free content on a regular basis.
Thank you! :D
All right. Now back to the good stuff.
Home... home on the web...
You need a home on the web -- a digital base camp -- that you own and control fully. Here's why:
Branding.
You can more fully brand yourself -- you're no longer constrained by the blue boxes and formatting of Facebook, or the 140-character limit of Twitter. You don't have to worry about being censored or having posts removed if you're a fan of four-letter words.
Trust & credibility.
Your own website lends you trust and credibility. You can refer people to [yourname].com instead of encouraging them to find you on Facebook/Twitter/etc.
Professional email.
And you can set up email on your domain so that your queries and correspondences come from something like [email protected] instead of saucylibrarian82@hotmail.
Blog and write whatever you want.
Your website is also a great place to host a blog, where you can establish yourself as an expert in your field -- whether that's novel writing, poetry, book or music reviewing, technical writing, and more.
Build your audience, readership, or tribe.
Your own website is also a great home base from which to build your tribe, a.k.a. your audience or readership. Build loyalty, collect email addresses, send emails to the list you build, and more.
(For example, check out the black bar at the top of this page, where you have the option to sign up for the Write Now newsletter!)
Make the money you deserve from your work.
Finally! With a bit of finagling, you could sell your books from your website and not deal with the 30%, 60%, 80%, etc. costs of a middleman like Amazon.
How do I get my own website as a writer?
The awesome news is that you don't have to pay an agency $35,000 for your own website. In fact, depending on what you want your site to do, it's quite likely that you can make it yourself for a relatively small investment.
Build it!
Here's what I recommend, depending on your level of comfort with digital & web-based stuff:
Squarespace.com (beginner)
Wordpress.com (intermediate)
Wordpress.org (advanced)
I built my website on wordpress.org, if you're curious. And no, none of these platforms is paying me to shill them (sadly). I actually do recommend them.
Measure your analytics & success.
Web analytics (such as Google Analytics, which is free and easy to install) provide a treasure trove of valuable information.
29 min
December 28, 2015 Your New Year's Writing Resolution - WN 032
It's the most wonderful time of the year! Let's take a look at New Year's resolutions specifically for writers in episode 032 of the Write Now podcast.
Make & keep your New Year's resolution.
Let's be honest -- we are not part of the 8% of the populace that actually sticks to a New Year's resolution. For most of us, a New Year's resolution is lucky to last through the third week of January. And many of us, I'm sure, see New Year's resolutions as dumb, hypocritical, or useless.
But maybe this year we can use the idea of a New Year's resolution to improve ourselves as writers.
8 tips for making and keeping your New Year's resolution:
Keep it positive.
Make it realistic and focus on just one thing.
Make sure it's something you actually want to do.
Establish a way to hold yourself accountable.
Set baby-step goals and celebrate every time you reach one. Remember, you're establishing a new habit and that is hard.
Set the stakes, if you need to.
Start before January 1! (Yes, you can do that!)
Remember to fail a lot.
My New Year's resolution for 2016 is to write 100 words per day, 7 days a week. I'll keep you posted on how it goes.
And I'd love for you to keep me posted, too. Contact me or send me an email telling me about your New Year's resolution. We'll hold each other accountable and make 2016 a year of amazing writing.
Book of the week.
This week's book is the complete Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson. Because I'd been feeling down and cranky and maybe just a little bit cynical.
"Calvin and Hobbes" is a syndicated comic strip that ran in U.S. newspapers from 1985-1996 and, unlike "Cathy", "Family Circus", and "Rex Morgan MD", it wasn't terrible. In fact, it was delightful, and a source of constant and consistent inspiration for my young writer's mind.
This strip follows the adventures of an imaginative boy named Calvin and his best friend, a stuffed tiger named Hobbes. But it's anything but childish.
Bill Watterson has struck the perfect balance of sharp wit and scathing brilliance, raising the question over and over again of why we (whether child or adult) are constantly made to squash our creative impulses.
Through "Calvin and Hobbes", Bill Watterson challenges the reader time and time again to live freely and creatively, and to make the very most of the time we are given.
Keep up-to-date with my book-related adventures on Goodreads.
Support the Write Now podcast!
The best thing you can do to support Write Now is completely free -- simply tell your family, friends, and fellow writers to listen to it!
But you can also help keep the Write Now podcast happily independent and ad-free with just $1/episode (or more or less, depending on how generous you're feeling):
Or! There is also now the option to give a one-time gift or donation through PayPal! Simply type in any amount and you'll be on your way:
Thank you! :D
What's your writing resolution?
I'd love to hear how you're challenging yourself in this upcoming year, and how you plan to stick to your goals. Let me know via my contact page, or simply email me at hello [at] sarahwerner [dot] com. I look forward to hearing from you!
Get weekly inspirational emails.
Confession time: I AM TERRIBLE AT EMAIL. However, that doesn't mean I don't try. So every Wednesday(-ish), I'll send you the inspiration you need to write (or maybe just get through your day). All you have to do is add your name to my email list! >>
Subscribe to the Write Now podcast for free!
You can listen to the full podcast episode using the controls at the beginning of this post.
Or! You can listen and subscribe using your favorite app/website/podcatcher:

Help support this podcast on Patreon! >>
The Write Now podcast is on social media, too.
29 min
December 22, 2015 Coffee Break 007: Vanessa Blakeslee
Episode 007: Vanessa Blakeslee

Hi friends! Welcome to your weekly Coffee Break.

Today I'm talking to Vanessa Blakeslee, the acclaimed short-story writer (and, I can add, distinguished and delightful personage) who has published her first novel, Juventud.

Juventud (or "Youth") is a beautifully and vividly written coming-of-age novel set in Santiago de Cali, Colombia, and follows the story of Mercedes Martinez, a young woman who is in love and determined to make her own choices in life -- until tragedy strikes.

Vanessa was a pure delight to talk to and I think you'll enjoy our conversation, which delves into the agency that we give our characters when we write about them, the differences between crafting a novel and a short story, giving your subconscious the time to "stew" over your story, and more!

Curious to learn more about Vanessa Blakeslee? Check out her official website, snag your own copy of Juventud, or enjoy her award-winning volume of short stories, Train Shots. Want to be on Coffee Break? I'm always looking for exciting people to showcase with casual conversations about creativity, writing, and work/life balance. Send me an email at hello [at] sarahwerner [dot] com or contact me if you're interested in a guest appearance. I will send you emails. You won't regret it if you sign up for my email newsletter! Probably! Subscribe to Coffee Break (& Write Now). You can listen to the full Coffee Break episode using the controls at the beginning of this post.

Or! You can listen and subscribe using your favorite app/website/podcatcher:

Help support this podcast! >> I'm on social media. Connect with the Write Now and Coffee Break podcasts on your favorite social media platform(s): Twitter | Facebook | Ello | Google+ | Pinterest | Tumblr

The post Coffee Break: Vanessa Blakeslee appeared first on The Write Now Podcast with Sarah Werner.
32 min
December 14, 2015 Creating In A Time of Destruction - WN 031
Talking about creation and destruction go hand-in-hand. And I think that writers play a special part in not only conveying the destruction of the present, but creating the future.
Makers gonna make, yo. Let's do this together in episode 031 of the Write Now podcast.
Creation, destruction, & writing.
Destruction is hard to talk about -- it's so deeply tied with loss and grief and pain. But it's a reality that we as writers have to deal with, whether it's the latest in a string of mass shootings, the bulldozing of a beloved local forest, or an illness that's ravaging the body or mind of someone dear to us.
Today's episode is based on a quote that I love by Maxine Hong Kingston:
"In a time of destruction, create something."
-- Maxine Hong Kingston
And so when we're in the midst of a time of destruction, a long and vast stretch of wilderness, I think what matters is how we respond to it.
Because we are powerful, creative beings. I've said it before and I'll say it again until the day I die -- words have power. The power to create and the power to destroy. The power to expose truth and shape the future.
The world is changing. Let's change it for the better, together.
Book of the week.
The book this week? The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins.
What did I think? Well, I'm never one for hype -- back when the movie "Juno" came out, approximately 1.3 million people told me how much I'd love it, and when I finally got around to seeing this movie that was "MADE FOR ME" and would "CHANGE MY LIFE", according to everyone else... it was good, but it didn't quite live up to the hype.
This book, much like "Juno" and Gillian Flynn's somewhat comparable Gone Girl, came to me with a similar amount of hype. So I went into it with a fair amount of trepidation.
And for the first couple chapters, I was disappointed. The book seemed to be about a bitter British woman who rode around on a train staring out at the world around her.
But. I sallied forth to give it a fair chance, and soon found myself lost in a wonderfully subtle psychological mystery that didn't so much smack you in the face as creep under your skin.
Because you are the narrator. Even if you're not an unemployed alcoholic who commutes via train. You are her. And you get to learn with her and grow with her and develop at an extremely well thought out and strategic pace.
This book has been compared to Gone Girl because it's subtle and psychological and full of murder. But I think it stands very well on its own. I think you'll enjoy the slow-burning character development, the recurring themes, the artful writing, and the sweetly optimistic ending.
Recommended to folks who don't mind taking a harrowing journey with a flawed heroine, who appreciate a solid murder mystery, and who don't mind a bit of sex and violence in the mix.
Keep up-to-date with my book-related adventures on Goodreads.
Support the Write Now podcast on Patreon.
Help keep the Write Now podcast happily independent and ad-free. It doesn't take much -- just $1/episode (or more or less, depending on how generous you're feeling).
Just click this link and you'll be on your way:
Thank you! :D
What do you think?
What destruction are you facing today? What is your wilderness? Have you tried using writing to overcome it? How has it worked for you -- or against you? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Submit your insights, comments, or questions on my contact page, or simply email me at hello [at] sarahwerner [dot] com. I look forward to hearing from you.
Get weekly inspirational emails.
I think we can all agree on one thing: I AM TERRIBLE AT EMAIL. However, that doesn't mean I don't try. So every Wednesday(-ish), I'll send you the inspiration you need to write (or maybe just get through your day). All you have to do is add your name to my email list!
27 min
December 04, 2015 Coffee Break 006: Kate Dyer-Seeley
Episode 006: Kate Dyer-Seeley My friends, I have to admit: this episode of Coffee Break almost turned me into a hypocrite.

Earlier this week, I released an episode of Write Now titled Letting Go, especially re: perfectionism. I proclaimed, several times, that "done is better than perfect!"

This episode of Coffee Break really challenged that belief. The audio quality is not very good, thanks to a shoddy Skype/internet connection and echo-chamber-like setting, and my interview questions were total lame-sauce. I considered simply deleting this episode and sending an effusive apology letter to the interviewee, Kate Dyer-Seeley, who despite my flailing was absolutely delightful.

But I couldn't do that, because on top of everything else I am stubborn as heck. So instead I'll apologize to you, lovely listener, for the substandard audio quality, let it go, and move on. :) Kate Dyer-Seeley on mystery plotting, hiking, & the magic of editing: Today's Coffee Break focuses on Pacific Northwest author Kate Dyer-Seeley. She's the author of several mysteries in the "cozy" genre (one of my faves), and a pure delight to talk to.

Mystery writers need to be particularly strategic with their craft to keep the reader guessing, and Kate very graciously goes into detail about her strategizing and sketching process, from mapping out the murder on her whiteboard to creating suspect sheets, "adding the magic back in" with editing, and more.

We also talk a bit about the New Adult genre, writing places as characters, "NaNo-ing" throughout the year, and more.

Talking to Kate just really made me want to go home, shut myself in my office, and WRITE. I hope our conversation makes you feel the same way. :)

Curious to learn more about Kate Dyer-Seeley? Check out her official website, or curl up by the fireplace with a mug of cocoa and one of her delightful cozy mysteries. Want to be on Coffee Break? I'm always looking for exciting people to showcase with casual conversations about creativity, writing, and work/life balance. Send me an email at hello [at] sarahwerner [dot] com or contact me if you're interested in a guest appearance. WOOOO, email! You won't regret it if you sign up for my email newsletter! Probably! Subscribe to Coffee Break (& Write Now). You can listen to the full Coffee Break episode using the controls at the beginning of this post.

Or! You can listen and subscribe using your favorite app/website/podcatcher:

Help support this podcast! >> I'm on social media. Connect with the Write Now and Coffee Break podcasts on your favorite social media platform(s): Twitter | Facebook | Ello | Google+ | Pinterest | Tumblr ++Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee++

The post Coffee Break: Kate Dyer-Seeley appeared first on The Write Now Podcast with Sarah Werner.
27 min
November 30, 2015 Letting Go - WN 030

Letting go is one of the hardest things a writer (let alone a human being) has to do. It speaks of loss -- whether willful or not -- and grief and all manner of unpleasant things.
But as a writer, you have to do it. And it would benefit you to learn to do it well, and with grace.
Today, in Episode 030 of the Write Now podcast, we'll talk about the different types of letting go you may face in your daily writing, work, and life overall.
And I'll try not to get that Disney song stuck in your head.
How to let go of:
Perfectionism. Remember, done is better than perfect.
Things that have changed and you cannot change back. And how to be OK with it.
Needing to change other people (and letting go of your own ego). You are a finite resource, and you may need to pick your battles.
Your own self-deceit. Sometimes clinging to a good idea prevents you from working on a great idea.
Finally, we'll talk about how to know when to let things go, and how to give yourself some breathing room.
This is important stuff. I hope you like it.
Book of the week (x3!).
This week, I read three books that ended up in my "started-but-never-finished" pile. :/
YES, I am one of those people who is willing to put down a book that isn't particularly engaging or to my liking. The way I see it, there are just too many amazing books in the world (and too little time) to spend time on books I'm not enjoying.
Here's what I read:
The Killing Floor by Lee Child
Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs
Orchid Beach by Stuart Woods
None of these books are bad books. I think I was just in a wrong place/wrong time scenario with them.
Keep up-to-date with my book-related adventures on Goodreads.
What do you think?
Do you have trouble letting go -- of words, of situations, of your own ideas or ego? I sure do. And if you do, too, I'd love to hear from you. Submit your thoughts or questions on my contact page, or simply email me at hello [at] sarahwerner [dot] com.
Get weekly inspirational emails.
Every Wednesday, I'll send you the inspiration you need to write (or maybe just get through your day). All you have to do is add your name to my email list! >>
Subscribe to the Write Now podcast for free!
You can listen to the full podcast episode using the controls at the beginning of this post.
Or! You can listen and subscribe using your favorite app/website/podcatcher:

Help support this podcast on Patreon! >>
The Write Now podcast is on social media, too.
Connect with the Write Now podcast on your favorite social media platform(s):
Twitter | Facebook | Ello | Google+ | Pinterest | Tumblr
Leave me a review.
Like the Write Now podcast? Help me reach more listeners on iTunes when you write a five-star review. I might even read your review on the air! FUN! xoxo
The post Letting Go – WN 030 appeared first on The Write Now Podcast with Sarah Werner.
45 min
November 23, 2015 Writing With All of Your Senses - WN 029
I'm back from my mission trip to Jamaica, my friends. And I have several stories and writing insights to share with you. It's all here in episode 029 of the Write Now podcast.
Is travel a "must" for writers?
Travel is a great way for writers to learn, grow, and gain an entirely new perspective. The only downside is that it's not feasible or accessible for everyone. Travel can be expensive, and not everyone can take an extended leave of absence from work, family, or other duties.
This is why I'm so grateful to my employer, Click Rain, for sending me on an annual overseas mission trip to inland Jamaica for the past three years. In today's podcast episode, you'll hear all about my trip and how it affected me as a writer.
A more complete and engaging story.
I acknowledge the irony of lauding "writing with all of your senses" in the same episode in which I visit a village for the deaf. But I'm not saying that you need all five senses (or only five senses) to be a good writer. Not at all.
I think that films and movies have done great things for our imaginations, but they have rather limited the way we tell stories. I've read many writers that rely on the same two elements -- sight and sound -- that movies use... and nothing else.
But what about touch and taste and smell? Or any other kind of knowing?
Today's podcast episode encourages you to create a multi-sensory experience for your reader, and not just convey sights and sounds in the tradition of the silver screen.
Book of the week.
This week's pick is Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn, an incredibly fun mashup between historical fiction and mystery.
Lady Julia Grey is recently widowed and GASP! is there the possibility that her husband could have been murdered?
This book has everything I love about the mystery genre, from lovable, genuine characters to smart and snappy plot twists, and in some ways pays a gentle homage to Elizabeth Peters' Amelia Peabody series.
Lady Julia completes an enjoyable character arc that leaves us with a spunky, satisfying heroine who's quite progressive for her time. Plus, there's a dashing, mysterious, and very Heathcliff-ian hero named Brisbane, plenty of tea, a tiny dog named Mr. Pugglesworth, and a raven named Grim. I think you'll like it.
Keep up-to-date with my book-related adventures on Goodreads.
What do you think?
I'd love to hear from you. Submit your thoughts or questions on my contact page, or simply email me at hello [at] sarahwerner [dot] com.
Get weekly inspirational emails.
Every Wednesday, I'll send you the inspiration you need to write (or maybe just get through your day). All you have to do is add your name to my email list! >>
Subscribe to the Write Now podcast for free!
You can listen to the full podcast episode using the controls at the beginning of this post.
Or! You can listen and subscribe using your favorite app/website/podcatcher:

Help support this podcast on Patreon! >>
The Write Now podcast is on social media, too.
Connect with the Write Now podcast on your favorite social media platform(s), for the low low price of FREE:
Twitter | Facebook | Ello | Google+ | Pinterest | Tumblr
Leave me a review.
Like the Write Now podcast? Help me reach more listeners on iTunes when you write a five-star review. I might even read your review on the air! FUN! xoxo
The post Writing With All of Your Senses – WN 029 appeared first on The Write Now Podcast with Sarah Werner.
33 min
November 19, 2015 Coffee Break 005: Abraham Allende
Episode 005: Abraham Allende It's time to sit back, relax, and enjoy another episode of Coffee Break.

I love talking with people who have interesting stories to tell. And Abraham Allende -- former Cleveland sportscaster and current bishop of the Northeastern Ohio Synod of the ELCA -- has many.

Language has been a central part of Bishop Allende's career, from teaching high-school French to broadcasting Cleveland Indians games under the name Allen Davis. And he continues to speak, teach, and write professionally today -- though now it's from the pulpit.

Despite any misgivings you may have about organized religion, I think you'll enjoy our conversation about the power of language and the messages we choose to share.

We also talk about what it means to be called to a vocation. (You know, like writing. Or teaching. Or whatever it is you feel called to do.) Oh, and the importance of being authentic. All good stuff.

Visit Bishop Allende's blog, or read more about him at Cleveland.com. Want to be on Coffee Break? I'm always looking for exciting people to showcase with casual conversations about creativity, writing, and work/life balance. Send me an email at hello [at] sarahwerner [dot] com or contact me if you're interested in a guest appearance. WOOOO, email! Find out all of the latest haps when you sign up for my email newsletter! I promise I won't spam you. :) Subscribe to Coffee Break (& Write Now). You can listen to the full Coffee Break episode using the controls at the beginning of this post.

Or! You can listen and subscribe using your favorite app/website/podcatcher:

Help support this podcast! >> I'm on social media. Connect with the Write Now and Coffee Break podcasts on your favorite social media platform(s): Twitter | Facebook | Ello | Google+ | Pinterest | Tumblr

The post Coffee Break: Abraham Allende appeared first on The Write Now Podcast with Sarah Werner.
27 min
November 16, 2015 My Writing Retreat - WN 028
Welcome to Episode 028 of Write Now. I've returned from my annual writing retreat and we've got some catching up to do.
Should I take a writing retreat?
I've spoken with a lot of writers over the years about the merits of a writers' retreat. And the question of Should I? isn't really fair to ask, since the answer has been a resounding Yes! from all surveyed.
Perhaps a better question to ask is: How do I keep the good effects of a short-term writing retreat going throughout the year?
Takin' it to the woods.
I know the woods aren't for everyone, but they're where it's at for me. And this year, I witnessed a lot of cool stuff, including a tiny snake, a toad that sat on my foot, and something mysterious howling in the night.
But best of all, I found stillness and silence. I had time to process my thoughts (and time to even have thoughts in the first place). I ate when I was hungry and slept when I was tired, and read and wrote whenever the urge struck me -- which, in this environment, was often.
You don't need to escape to a one-person cabin in the middle of nowhere to have a great writing retreat. I mean, I do because I am the introvert's introvert. But you can do whatever speaks to you -- whether it's taking a weekend at a hotel, bed & breakfast, or retreat center, a week at a friend's loft in Chicago, or simply a couple hours barricaded in your basement away from your kids.
Read. Write. But most importantly, listen. Get back in touch with who you are as a person and as a writer. And don't expect to have your life changed (though that might happen), but rather leave yourself open to finding meaning in even the most mundane experiences.
Book of the week.
During my retreat/hermitage, I read several books. But my absolute favorite was Charles Yu's How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe.
It's the story of the man who invented time travel and mysteriously disappeared, and his son, a time machine repairman who tries to find him.
I've said it before and I'll say it again -- I'm a huge sci-fi nut. But even if you aren't, chances are you may still enjoy this book. It's a quick read, full of wit and humor and deep human feeling.
It's also incredibly accessible -- Yu writes with plain language so that even talk of the space-time continuum and matters of physics are easily understood. There's none of the "parsecs" and "terraforming" and characters with a thousand apostrophes in their names (U'Zorge'drr) that can turn people off to sci-fi. Just a really interesting story about a father and a son, and a nonexistent but ontologically valid dog named Ed.
Keep up-to-date with my book-related adventures on Goodreads.
What do you think?
Have you ever taken a writing retreat? What are the benefits you've taken away? And has your writing life changed at all because of it?
Submit your own thoughts or questions on my contact page, or simply email me at hello [at] sarahwerner [dot] com. I can't wait to hear from you!
Get weekly inspirational emails.
Every Wednesday, I'll send you the inspiration you need to write (or maybe just get through your day). All you have to do is add your name to my email list! >>
Subscribe to the Write Now podcast for free!
You can listen to the full podcast episode using the controls at the beginning of this post.
Or! You can listen and subscribe using your favorite app/website/podcatcher:

Help support this podcast on Patreon! >>
The Write Now podcast is on social media, too.
Connect with the Write Now podcast on your favorite social media platform(s), for the low low price of FREE:
Twitter | Facebook | Ello | Google+ | Pinterest | Tumblr
Leave me a review.
Like the Write Now podcast? Help me reach more listeners on iTunes when you write a five-star review. I might even read your review on the air! FUN! xoxo
25 min

About Write Now with Sarah Werner

From the publisher's feed

A podcast for all writers (aspiring to professional) looking to find a healthy work/life/writing balance. Get the encouragement, honest advice, and inspiration you need to pursue your passion and…