StoryADay presents: I, WRITER - A Writing Podcast about Building a Successful Writing Practice

In the light of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America organization's statement on AI and eligibility for the Nebula Awards, I recorded this bonus episode of the podcast to give you my perspective on where we are and where we're headed, regarding AI and the creative arts and, well, civilization as a whole. For more like this, subscribe and follow along at StoryADay.org And please share this with a friend.

A story got accepted… and another came back not accepted — and I'm weirdly thrilled. Here's why embracing rejection can strengthen your consistent writing habits, PLUS: a holiday writing prompt to keep you writing in December. Links: StoryADay Podcast episode 109: https://storyaday.org/episode109 The 3-Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc

Hi writers! This week I'm sharing a surprising example of how writing (and writers) can help people in the real world, inspired by a project announced by Brandon Sanderson. It leads to one clear lesson about what it actually takes to build a sustainable writing life — especially if you want to write consistently, keep your momentum, and grow beyond the "solitary writer" myth. Plus: a quick writing prompt about conflict you can use right away.

A short meditation on why sustainable writing comes from small, repeatable choices. We touch on Coetzee, Tom Stoppard, and the quiet ways stories ripple outward—then land on the core: build the habit, revise bravely, and let the work be enough.

We all have that voice that whispers, "Who are you to think you can write?" In this gentle, thoughtful episode, Julie Duffy shares why those inner critics feel so convincing—and how to move past them. From celebrating small wins to journaling the negative voices into submission, she offers calm, practical ways to rebuild confidence and keep writing. A soothing reflection on self-doubt, creative courage, and what it really takes to keep showing up for your stories.

Writing is hard — but it's even harder alone. In this episode, Julie shares why connecting with other writers is the key to overcoming blocks, staying consistent, and building a joyful writing life. Discover how community keeps you motivated, accountable, and growing as a writer. Join the Superstars group: storyaday.org/superstars

On Day 14 of the StoryADay Challenge, how's it going? Perfectly? Oh, you magical unicorn you. For the rest of us, I have some thoughts... 00:00 StoryADay Update - Limit Your Choice, Do Hard Things 04:51 Creating artificial limits for freedom 05:43 Recommit 05:46 Make It Public 06:44 Make It Smaller and More Specific 08:37 Have A Theme 09:24 Commit To The Prompts 10:13 Be There For Yourself Even When Its Uncomfortable 14:05 Quantity vs Quality

Join Julie from Story A Day on Day 10 of Story A Day May as she discusses using strong emotions like rage as fuel for your writing. Julie shares personal insights on transforming negative emotions into positive creative energy and how it can lead to problem-solving and positive thinking. She also highlights today's writing prompt from Patricia A. Jackson, which encourages writers to pen a story from the perspective of a banned book. Embrace your irritation, channel it into your writing, and elevate your mood through creativity! https://storyaday.org 00:00 Introduction and Personal Update 00:08 Harnessing Rage for Creativity 00:48 Positive Problem-Solving Frameworks 01:26 Life Lessons from a Former Boss 01:58 Turning Frustration into Creative Fuel 02:07 Today's Writing Prompt: Banned Books 03:11 Mission for Today: Write with Passion 03:39 Final Encouragement

Creativity brings its own rewards - how writing more helps you write more... join us: https://storyaday.org

I wasn't feeling great, on Day 7 of the StoryADay Challenge, so here's what I dd to get my inspriation back.... Join us: https://storyaday.org

(and yes, episode four comes from Day 5. You didn't miss anything. I just don't do these every day) This update from the StoryADay challenge comes on Day 5, but works for you any time you're trying to write. Join the challenge: https://storyaday.org 00:00 Introduction to StoryADay Challenge 00:15 Taking a Break: The Importance of Rest 01:07 Dealing with Prompts: Inspiration and Flexibility 02:14 Community Insights: Diverse Perspectives on Prompts 05:10 Personal Reflections: Knitting and Writing 06:57 The Value of Persistence and Experimentation 08:02 dig deep into the ideas that come from the writing prompts 10:07 Encouragement and Community Engagement

Maybe you're tired, sad, or otherwise struggling emotions when you're trying to write. What do you do, to keep going? I have two suggestions, today. Find more at https//storyaday.org

On writing flash fiction to a writing prompt by F. E. Choe, the art of Flash Fiction, and the benefits of brainstorming. Get a sneak preview of my Flash Fiction Workshop here (first 3 lessons, free!): https://stada.me/flash-preview

These mini episodes bring you in-the-moment updates from my StoryADay May challenge, in the hope that what I'm learning will also be helpful to you! Episode 1 - In which I talk about confidence and humility as a creative person join the challenge: https://storyaday.org/

Warm up for the StoryADay May Challenge (or any writing) with these character exercises. Create your raw materials this month; write like the wind, next month! LINKS All the warm up tasks: https://stada.me/april-warm-ups

Get ready for StoryADay May with these warm-up tasks in April PLUS: hear about the wonderful writers who have sent us prompts for this year's challenge sign up at: https://storyaday.org

During StoryADay I like to give you meaty writing exercises disguised as prompts. This week I'm giving you seven mini-prompts that you can use to juice up an existing work-in-progress or to spark a new one. You can find all these prompts here: https://storyaday.org/sftw101 Playlist of YouTube Short writing prompts Sign up for the StoryADay May Challenge here: https://storyaday.org/signup

What's life really like as a writer? Well, the answer is as varied as the number of writers you ask, but for me, this is how things are going: Listen in, you might be inspired! LINKS Join Superstars + I, WRITER Course at a discount before Dec 15, 2024 https://storyaday.org/superstars Writing Prompts: https://storyaday.org/writing-prompt-archive/ Flash Fiction Primer: https://storyaday.org/flash-fiction-essentials/ The StoryADay blog: https://storyaday.org/blog CHAPTERS 00:27 Bluesky/BSKY 05:16 Flash Fiction Notes 11:49 The Power Of Others 20:32 Recap

It's that time of year again, when we look back at what happened last year in our lives and what we hope to make happen next year in our writing lives. 1-6 projects Planning Pie: LINKS: Register for the Annual Planning Workshop Join the StoryADay Superstars

This week I rant about the Best American Short Story Collection...and more 00:00 20241018Podcast 06:00 Read literary fiction if you like it 07:29 Read in your chosen genre 10:38 Using Your Knowledge In Your Writing - How I Wrote A Story 14:28 Read widely 18:55 Reading from Critique Week 21:40 Book Club