Archive - A Writer's Notebook

"How To Succeed On Substack"

Anxiety, ambition, professional jealousy, hot tips, vibe shifts, and other things that should make writers wary.

Nov 29, 2023 •

The Five Things Essay

An all-purpose writing prompt to help you find your voice, lose your voice, beat writer's block, or figure out what the hell you want to write about in…

May 15, 2022 •

The Broken Tooth

"I know that isn't how poems are written, but any woman you like in that way will always seem a little magic."

Jan 25, 2024 •

On Second Thought, Maybe Not?

How is a person, and an artist of any kind, supposed to be in the world, anyway?

Apr 14, 2023 •

A notebook entry.

Dec 10, 2023 •

When Words Fall Short

I asked a friend, who has an advanced degree in Shakespeare studies, if there was a word in the English language that means “full of teeth.” There…

Jun 21, 2023 •

A notebook entry.

Nov 9, 2023 •

The Orchid Shop

"I was waiting, for some other time, for some other life, to be settled, to be ready, to be worthy."

Feb 4, 2024 •

Pain Management

A notebook entry.

Nov 26, 2023 •

Eating Pomegranates In The Dark

A notebook entry.

Dec 17, 2023 •

The Essay Series #1: The Essay As Energy

Make your own kind of music: How to write an essay on any topic and of any length that will satisfy your reader.

Nov 15, 2023 •

On Morning Pages

The value and pitfalls of a daily writing practice.

Apr 18, 2023 •

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