No Episode This Week

No Episode This Week

Just a quick update — no Write Now podcast and a late (and brief) newsletter this week, as my mom is in the hospital. I flew to Cleveland early Sunday morning and it’s been chaos ever since.

Tunguska

Tunguska

What’s up there, in your brain, influencing you, that you don’t even remember storing? What are you curating (consciously or unconsciously) in your mind-museum, and how does it come out in your creative work?

No Rules, Just Write – WN 142

No Rules, Just Write – WN 142

Are there any absolutely universal writing rules? In this week’s episode, we’re taking a look at not only writing advice but the context surrounding it.

Are We On The “Right” Path?

Are We On The “Right” Path?

At the risk of sounding melodramatic, I’m feeling a little lost and afraid at the prospect of not having a daily dose of The Artist’s Way to prompt, guide, coach, encourage, and heal me every day. I’m afraid to stop making steady forward progress, or worse, relapse, backtrack, or lose my progress altogether.

Discerning Your Path

Discerning Your Path

What do you want out of 2022? I mean, aside from an end to the pandemic, world hunger, violence, etc. Those are all huge systemic and infrastructural problems that we as individual humans can’t control or solve on our own. What do you actually want, for yourself, that is within your control?

Regaining Your Magic with Tomi Adeyemi – WN 141

Regaining Your Magic with Tomi Adeyemi – WN 141

I’m starting 2022 with an interview with the AMAZING Tomi Adeyemi, author of Children of Blood & Bone and all-around incredible individual. We’re talking about getting un-stuck from writer’s block, what it means to be a successful author, the sensory/aesthetic experience of writing, and more. (And Midori loudly plays with a plastic bag in the background!) You won’t want to miss it.

Creative Darkness

Creative Darkness

My morning began, as all mornings do, in darkness. I won’t use this opportunity to describe the beautiful neon-rose-and-gold sunrise that slowly followed as I sipped my coffee, because that’s not the point right now. The point is that we’re starting a new year, and I think that things are dark — or at the very least, seem dark — for many of us.

Here’s To 2022…

Here’s To 2022…

Dear Creators, I’m going to keep it short this week, because I think a lot of us are busy, overwhelmed, tired, and stressed. Basically, thank you. I am grateful for you — for opening these emails, for listening to Write Now podcast episodes, for checking out Girl In...
The Real Questions

The Real Questions

If you ask the wrong questions, you’ll get the wrong answers. What questions are you asking yourself as a writer and creator?

Getting Called Out

Getting Called Out

I like honesty. I like realness. I like truth. I’m drawn to it, I savor it, and I generally don’t have time for anything else. And yet sometimes, when the world boils down around me and it’s just me alone with my thoughts, I find myself neck-deep in… let’s call it crap.

What The Heck Is Up With The Write Now Podcast?

What The Heck Is Up With The Write Now Podcast?

Remember that one time in January 2015 when I launched a new podcast? It was called Write Now with Sarah Werner and its mission was “to give writers the time, energy, and courage you needed to pursue your passion and write every day”. Since then, a lot has changed.

Why Are We Like This?

Why Are We Like This?

Do you ever find yourself sitting on the couch in some uncomfortable position, scrolling through Instagram or reading painful news articles or marathoning something on YouTube or Netflix, and you realize that you’ve had to use the bathroom for the last 45 minutes, but your legs are asleep, and if you get up from the couch, then the realization of all of the time you’ve just spent will come crashing back down upon you like a deadly tidal wave of guilt and self-loathing?

What If It’s Not Actually A Problem?

What If It’s Not Actually A Problem?

I feel like all of my best realizations come when I’m talking things out with a good friend, preferably over coffee, and I’d like to share one of them with you today. I was having a heart-to-heart via Zoom with my friend Rebecca last week, during which I mentioned an...
I Thought It Was Over…

I Thought It Was Over…

I started working my way through The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron this August as a way to enrich my journaling experience.  It’s a book I had read post-college and dismissed for a number of reasons — I believed I already knew everything she was saying, it was just...
When You Let Yourself Down

When You Let Yourself Down

I was talking with a group of writers last week when someone said that they had let themselves down — they had missed a deadline on a story, failed to show up for their Monday and Thursday writing sessions, and had thus far written zero (0) words for NaNoWriMo. I...
NaNo FoMo

NaNo FoMo

Today is the first day of November, a.k.a. the starting date of NaNoWriMo! Wheee! What is NaNoWriMo, you ask? NaNoWriMo is a yearly challenge where you basically write a 50,000-word novel over the month of November. It comes out to writing about 1,700 words per day,...
When Is It Time To Move On?

When Is It Time To Move On?

Have you heard of the sunk cost fallacy?  A sunk cost is the concept of “​​a sum paid in the past that is no longer relevant to decisions about the future” (definition via Wikipedia), or, more simply put, the money we’ve poured into something and cannot get back. The...
“Cook From Frozen”

“Cook From Frozen”

My 19-year-old cat Midori, like many cats, loves to scratch her claws on cardboard.  I didn’t know this when I first got a cat, but unlike dogs, cats shed the outer layer of their claws so that they stay perennially sharp. (The first time I found one of Midori’s...
Two Videos For You (Plus A Bonus Video)

Two Videos For You (Plus A Bonus Video)

A short post this week, yet still a lot of creativity-related content for you, in the form of two videos.The first is my interview with #1 New York Times bestselling author David Sheff, whose memoir Beautiful Boy was recently adapted into a movie starring Steve...
The Bulletproof Writer – WN 140

The Bulletproof Writer – WN 140

We’re constantly trying to move toward being better writers — but how do we make ourselves bulletproof against life? Is one particular system or another the answer… or is it, as we fear, impossible?

But When Do We Get CAKE?!?!

But When Do We Get CAKE?!?!

How are you with reward systems? Are you the type of writer who says things like: “Okay, just 257 more words, and then I get to eat this piece of cake!” Or are you more like me, telling yourself that: “Maybe if I eat this piece of cake now, it will fuel and/or inspire...
Taking Down Hustle Culture with Amie McNee – WNP 139

Taking Down Hustle Culture with Amie McNee – WNP 139

Are you ready to take on the Hustle Culture? Then tune in to this week’s episode, where I get to interview fellow podcaster, novelist, and journal enthusiast Amie McNee! Together, we’ll talk about transforming the narrative, choosing yourself, and finding your creative stride. Don’t miss out!

Escaping Our Art

Escaping Our Art

Usually, when we choose to do something, it’s for a very specific reason. Sometimes the reason is obvious, and sometimes it’s buried deep within our subconscious, but there’s almost always a reason — often two or more. I complete my “necessary” business tasks each day...
Getting Into Flow – WNP 138

Getting Into Flow – WNP 138

Have you ever experienced that magical moment when the words pour from your fingers and send you into a timeless creative zone? That’s what I call flow, and this week’s episode explores what it is and how to get there.

I Need To Tell You About This Horrible Blanket I’m Knitting

I Need To Tell You About This Horrible Blanket I’m Knitting

Is knitting still cool? Was it ever cool? Is “cool” still the right word to use for things that are, in other words, rad as heck? Huh. It’s… probably not a good sign if I’m diving into tangents in the opening line of my newsletter, is it?  Anyway, I’ve been knitting....
Creative Input & Output – WNP 137

Creative Input & Output – WNP 137

Where do our ideas come from? How intentional are we about curating our input and inspiration — and how does it affect our creative output? Today, we’re exploring different types of creative input and how what we pay attention to affects our art.

Another New York Times Bestselling Author 👀

Another New York Times Bestselling Author 👀

I hope you had the chance to watch my interview with New York Times bestselling author Anne Lamott this summer. (And if not, here’s a replay link!) I am excited to announce that I am partnering once again with Strengthening The Heartland to bring you another interview...
Making Your Own Opportunities – WNP 136

Making Your Own Opportunities – WNP 136

If you’ve ever wasted time waiting for the perfect creative opportunity to come along, then you need to listen to today’s episode! In it, we talk about what it takes to stop waiting for opportunities and start creating our own!

All Aboard The Struggle Bus!

All Aboard The Struggle Bus!

Last week, I re-launched both my I Am A Writer and Seriously Successful Podcasters Facebook communities. I’d neglected them for a LONG TIME (yikes), and decided to take action and either revamp them or shut them down.  … I’d continue with this story, but, uh, you...
Never Enough vs. Too Much Time

Never Enough vs. Too Much Time

I’ve noticed I have a LOT of scarcity when it comes to time. Maybe you do, too. Time is one of the few things in life I feel I don’t have control over — and when I keep an eye on the clock, counting down the minutes that remain for me to work on a project, read a book...
Too Afraid To Create – WNP 135

Too Afraid To Create – WNP 135

Like all creatives, I deal with the fear that comes with producing new things—and I don’t always deal with it well. This fear is the reason I haven’t created a solo episode in weeks, and it might just be the reason why you’re stuck in a creative rut right now. So tune in, and let’s tackle the fear together!

Takeaways From My 2021 Writing Retreat

Takeaways From My 2021 Writing Retreat

I just returned from a week-long writing retreat with my sister, Bec, and wow, was it amazing.  I’ve come a long way since my disastrous 2015 retreat experience, and I strive to make each year’s retreat a little better, more productive, and (paradoxically) more...
Creativity & Survival with Charlie Jane Anders – WNP 134

Creativity & Survival with Charlie Jane Anders – WNP 134

Charlie Jane Anders has a list of publication credits as long as my arm, so you can imagine my excitement when she agreed to let me interview her! Join us as we talk about her new books, her experience writing for TV, her past in journalism, and more!

42 Books: Part 3

42 Books: Part 3

I never intended this to be a 3-part series, yet here we are: part 3 of the list of all the books I’ve read so far in 2021. Whew! Ready? The Witch Elm by Tana French — This was the first mystery I’d ever read by Tana French, and holy heck was it powerful. I was glued...
Judgment & Acceptance with Rebecca Wiener McGregor – WNP 133

Judgment & Acceptance with Rebecca Wiener McGregor – WNP 133

Is your fear preventing you from releasing your creativity into the world? Then you’ll want to check out the recent interview with my friend and mentor, Rebecca Wiener McGregor! Rebecca is a transformational hypnotist, love amplifier, and all-around life coach, and she’s ready to shed some light on our fears as creators. It’s an insightful interview that you shouldn’t ignore!

42 Books: Part 2

42 Books: Part 2

In another life, I would have liked to have been a librarian. Or… whatever you’d call a professional book pusher. But as Kazuo Ishiguro said, “There was another life that I might have had, but I am having this one.” And in this one, I’m reading a lot of books. 😀 I...
Doing All The Things with David S. Dear – WNP 132

Doing All The Things with David S. Dear – WNP 132

Have you ever wanted to write an audio drama but didn’t know where to begin? Then you need to join me as I interview fellow audio dramatist David S. Dear! David is the creator of A Ninth World Journal, and we discuss everything from plotting an audio drama, where to find inspiration, how to use elements of theater, and more!

42 Books: Part 1

42 Books: Part 1

My goal this year (and every year) is to read 52 books — essentially, a book a week. Many years, I don’t make it, largely because I de-prioritize reading for one reason or another. But this year, since I allowed myself to prioritize reading every day, I’m going to hit...
Surviving Burnout with K.B. Wagers – WNP 131

Surviving Burnout with K.B. Wagers – WNP 131

Want to talk about Science Fiction? Then I’ve got the perfect interview for you! Join me as I interview the one and only Kate (K.B.) Wagers, author of the Indranan War trilogy, the Farian War trilogy, and more! It’s a show you won’t want to miss!

Writing: Hobby Or Discipline?

Writing: Hobby Or Discipline?

Writing is a paradox. It’s always been a paradox for me — a truth-filled thing that somehow contradicts itself at every turn.  Writing is simultaneously hard work and deep joy, hobby and profession, something I do to make money and something I do to relax and unwind....
Dormant Creativity with Lee Shackleford – WNP 130

Dormant Creativity with Lee Shackleford – WNP 130

There’s nothing quite like a deep conversation with a good friend, and that’s why I’m excited to bring you this week’s episode! In it, I get to talk with Lee Shackleford, the creator of RELATIVITY, about loss, the burnout of creativity, and how to accept ourselves for who we are. Don’t miss it!

Too Scared To Create

Too Scared To Create

I have a confession for you this week: I’ve been letting fear get the better of me for the last several months. You may have noticed that all of my Write Now podcast episodes since May 2021 have been interviews with other (amazing and brilliant!) writers and creators,...
Sick Days

Sick Days

I haven’t been feeling great lately, and some kind of Sickness (hopefully not Covid) has descended onto me and completely wiped out my energy. I told a friend earlier that if I had a traditional job, I would be calling off sick. I almost said “if I had a...
Hooks & Characters with Kate Brauning – WNP 129

Hooks & Characters with Kate Brauning – WNP 129

This week, I had the honor to sit down with Kate Brauning, one of the developmental editors at Dovetail Fiction, the creator of the Breakthrough Writers’ Boot Camp, and the author of several YA novels with an unusual twist. If you’re an author or writer of any capacity, then you need to listen to this interview!

Who Are You?

Who Are You?

I had a great Zoom call with my friend Kate Brauning last week, during which she asked me to consider who I am outside of my identity as a creator and entrepreneur.  Hilariously/sadly/insert your own adjective here, I did not have an answer.  The tunnel has been...
Structure, Genre, & The Craft with Jamieson Ridenhour – WNP 128

Structure, Genre, & The Craft with Jamieson Ridenhour – WNP 128

This week, I get to visit with my good friend (and acclaimed author) Jamieson Ridenhour! Join us as we discuss Jamie’s work on acclaimed audio drama “Palimpsest”, as well as his upcoming play, “Bloodbath: Victoria’s Secret.” We’ll also explore what it’s like to have a Ph.D. in 19th Century Gothic Literature, writing for different narrative forms, and more! Don’t miss it!

My Lawn Is Dead And I Don’t Care

My Lawn Is Dead And I Don’t Care

Originally, I was going to title this “My Neighbors Hate Me,” but that felt clickbait-y, so I went with something more explanatory.  My grandfather always had the nicest lawn. Lush, green, well-watered, and tender, with no pine needles or burgeoning thistles to stab...
Honoring the Dreamer with Marguerite Croft- WNP 127

Honoring the Dreamer with Marguerite Croft- WNP 127

Join us this week as we sit down with author and fellow audio-dramatist Marguerite Croft to talk about honoring the Dreamer in our lives and stories. We’ll also talk about her work with Point Mystic, as well as what it means to figure out what you want from your life, and to be surrounded by people who support you. Tune in today!

The Dark Side Of Productivity

The Dark Side Of Productivity

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how I spend my time.  Our society is obsessed with productivity — there are entire books, podcasts, courses, and lifestyles devoted to the topic.  But while we think a lot about how much stuff we can do in a day (or a week or...
Fun Is Better Than Perfect with Jimmie Bise, Jr. – WNP 126

Fun Is Better Than Perfect with Jimmie Bise, Jr. – WNP 126

This week, I get to interview my good friend, author Jimmie Bise, Jr.! We talk about the uncertainty and fear involved in claiming the title of “Writer”, starting and giving up on projects, and the necessary but often overlooked element of fun in our craft. It’s an interview you won’t want to miss!