The Brilliance of Young Writers
5 things I want to share with you.
This fall I started a Teen Author Cohort at the bookstore. They are a small but lively group of avid writers, quirky and fun and creative. Their writing is fluid and free (when they volunteer to share) and they delight in the macabre and fantastical.
It is incredibly inspiring.
I spend our sessions writing alongside them, watching their faces grow serious as they puzzle out a scene, listening to their laughter as they delight themselves, seeing their confidence grow with every word they put on the page. We play games with writing, building cooperative stories that are completely nonsensical yet somehow seem…right.
I’m sharing this today because I want us all to find a way to return to this sense of play, as often as possible. So as you skim my list of things I want to share, please know that I’m looking for the joy right alongside you.
But first:
I have four open slots for Booster Calls between now and the end of the year. Want to get a jumpstart on your 2025 writing goals? Now’s the time to schedule! I’d love to chat with you. And I guarantee you’ll walk away with clear next steps.
Without further ado, here are five things I want to share with you this week.
📖 What I'm reading:
Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout. No one meanders through the day-to-day the way Strout does, and I’m savoring every little word.
Also reading Our Strangers by Lydia Davis (my personal writing hero) and rereading Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman for our November Book Club!
📚From the bookstore:
Here are your independent bookstore bestsellers this week. »
For reference, the ABA bestsellers are based on actual sales from independent bookstores across the country (vs. the NYT lists, which are compiled in a dark room by elves).
And here’s what’s on my Staff Pick Shelf at the store right now!
📺 What I'm watching:
Bad Sisters, Season 2 (Apple TV) - I’m so delighted that this hilariously complicated family is back!
Shrinking, Season 2 (Apple TV) - even better than the amazing first season.
Yellowstone, the final season (Paramount) - because I committed to it with my husband and I have to see it through. I think I’m done with the way Taylor Sheridan writes women, though.
Abbott Elementary (ABC) because the cast’s chemistry is perfection.
🎧 What I'm listening to:
I’ve been listening to this song on repeat for the past two weeks. Maybe it will bring you some peace, too.
✍️ Around Writing Town:
There are many wise people talking about writing in this current climate. Here are a few of my recent favorites:
Words Can Change Every Constellation, by
On Stillness, by
Finally, from me to you:
You’ve waited long enough to become the writer you’ve always wanted to be. Right now is as good a time as any to give yourself the gift of becoming.
Warmly,
Stephanie
P.S. Remember to check out my monthly First Draft Craft workshops. The next one is on December 7! Click here to learn more! »
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