Several years ago, I wrote a Literary Mama blog post about using travel to find writing inspiration, but this year, we’re not traveling. We’re being quite dull and saving money for what I consider a very uninspiring and also anxiety-producing endeavor: a kitchen remodel. But that doesn’t mean there is nothing to write about. I […]
I’m a little bit addicted to traveling. While I tell myself that there are worse addictions, the state of the carpet in my home and the 16-year-old sandals in my closet suggest that maybe I ought to focus at least some of my attention on non-travel spending. The writer in me has an opinion about […]
My creative practice, I must admit, felt stuck prior to attending AWP. In the last few seasons of my writing life, I’ve dedicated my energy to freelance opportunities and content writing, as well as teaching. It’s not a choice I regret, but saying yes to these opportunities means less attention to my creative work. I […]
We have been having so much fun with our first ever Literary Mama #MamaAndWriting Week! As we turn the corner on the week, we wanted to highlight what’s still up ahead. On Thursday, May 12, there will be another Virtual Write-In from 8-9pm EST. Give yourself the gift of an hour and come write in […]
“Read. Read the voices of those you want to talk to. Read the conversations you want to be a part of. Read one new thing every day, or every week. I say it’s ok to skip the classics. Find your contemporaries. What can you add to this conversation, through your own experiences and talents? Go […]
“Look to the blank page as an unconditional hug. The white, empty space will embrace you if you commit to the page. Write when you don’t feel like it. That will help you produce your best work. Let the words simmer and then return to the page again. Revise. Get feedback from trusted colleagues. Submit. […]
“When inspiration strikes, stop everything and write. But don’t wait for inspiration, and learn to hold ideas, words, whole paragraphs in your head, just in case. Make, beg, or steal time–from your job, your hobbies, your sleep–and write, whether it’s fifteen minutes a day or an hour once a week; find the time and use […]
Welcome to our newest blog series: Where Are They Now? In this series, our editors interview past Literary Mama contributors to see what they’ve accomplished since publishing in LM, and talk about their writing journeys. This month, Reviews Editor Autumn Purdy corresponded over email with Kyle Potvin about her debut poetry collection, how writing poems helps her […]