Writing is hard.
Staying motivated is harder.

In this newsletter, you'll find a little advice, a lot of joy, and as many themed calls for submissions as I can find each month.

It’s free of cost. It is not free of terrible puns and Muppet gifs. You have been warned.

(P.S. If you liked my letters in The Writer magazine, you'll love my newsletter.)

Why subscribe?

I know! Another newsletter! But this one has…

Calls for submissions!

I like external motivation. I suspect you also like external motivation. So each month, I’ll include as many themed calls for submission as I can find. Where are the cool journals that want your themed poetry about The Breakfast Club? Who is seeking 666-word horror stories this month? Which editors are on the hunt for essays about Stove Top Stuffing for their next issue? They’re all right here, in a handy list delivered to your inbox each month.

Encouragement!

Every writer – every single one – needs someone in their life who’s cheering their heads off from the sidelines. Preferably someones. This newsletter aims to be a virtual cheerleader for all of its subscribers, waving its pom-poms merrily from the margins of each manuscript you write.

Advice & insight!

I most recently served as the longtime editor of The Writer magazine, the oldest publication dedicated to the craft of writing in the U.S. Before that, I worked in food media for a number of publications, including at America’s Test Kitchen.

I’ve spoken at writing conferences across the country, crafted 1600+ manuscript critiques (and counting), helmed 75+ magazine issues, taught webinars, edited oodles of recipes, and profiled writers like Mary Karr, Heidi Pitlor, and Louis Sachar. And I love sharing what I’ve had to learn the hard way in the hopes it smooths the path for fellow writers & editors.

Community!

My goal is to build a joyful place for writers to gather and share advice and swap stories in an environment that is…well, not Twitter. The opposite of Twitter.

Writing may be a solitary endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be a lonely one. I hope you’ll meet fellow writers here and learn from them just as much (if not more so) as me.

Bonus: Moose pics!

(My resident neighborhood moose and writing partner is named Moosille Ball and I have no doubt she will make an appearance. As may other Alaskan wildlife, like Catherine O’Beara and Lynx Floyd.)

Subscribe to Keep Writing

A little advice, a lot of joy, & a monthly list of themed calls for submissions.

People

Writer. Editor, formerly at The Writer magazine and America's Test Kitchen. Muppet enthusiast. Believer in good books and good biscuits.