CRAFT TALK $5 / month

CRAFT TALK, curated by author Jami Attenberg, delves into writing, creativity, and productivity, offering insights from personal experience and professional journey. It emphasizes the value of reflection, encouragement, and evolution in the writing process, addressing both the emotional and practical aspects of storytelling and authorship.

Writing Process and Creativity Personal Development in Writing Productivity and Motivation Editing and Feedback Navigating the Publishing Industry Storytelling and Character Development Self-Care for Writers Reader Engagement and Book Marketing

The hottest Substack posts of CRAFT TALK

And their main takeaways

On Literary Sidepieces

2338 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing Authors Books
  1. Having side projects can help keep momentum if feeling frustrated with the main project.
  2. Sometimes working on a lighter side project can provide a break from emotionally heavy writing.
  3. Sidepiece projects can evolve into something more significant and meaningful.

1000 Words Tour Report

2653 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
📚 Literature
  1. The book was in high demand online and sold out quickly, but independent bookstores supported the author.
  2. The author expressed gratitude to those who attended events and engaged in meaningful exchanges about writing.
  3. Upcoming events were mentioned, along with the importance of writing together and creating a supportive community.

A Few Good Questions

2358 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing Books Newsletters
  1. Consider the value of your time and energy when starting a project.
  2. Ask yourself why you're working on a project and understand its importance.
  3. Embrace the process of creating art, even if it means facing failure before success.
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The Arc of it All

3636 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing Novels Books Creativity Inspiration
  1. The author reflects on their writing journey and the unexpected evolution of their career.
  2. Writing novels is challenging but familiar, while exploring self-help books presented a new set of difficulties.
  3. The upcoming book focuses on creativity and writing, drawing inspiration from various voices to guide aspiring writers.

Breaking Up with Your Words

3144 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
📚 Literature Writing Editing Author
  1. Editing ruthlessly is important in creating a concise and impactful story.
  2. Letting go of words during the editing process is necessary for the evolution of the story.
  3. Receiving praise for your work brings relief and joy, validating the effort put into crafting your story.

Fall Vibes

3321 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing Creativity Self-care
  1. Fall is a good time to reflect on accomplishments and creative projects.
  2. Identify blind spots in your work and seek feedback to improve.
  3. Take a gentle and nourishing approach to self-care and writing in the final season of the year.

On Buying (and Selling) Books

2279 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
📚 Literature Books Advice Fiction Publishing Reading
  1. Pre-orders are important for books to indicate interest and potentially get on bestseller lists.
  2. Advice and how-to books may have a longer sales trajectory compared to fiction.
  3. People can buy books whenever they want, but pre-ordering can support authors and their books.

Start Fresh

3085 implied HN points • 29 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Writing Creativity Self-Improvement
  1. Reflect on distractions and blocks in your creative process.
  2. Find what works for you and stick to it consistently.
  3. Start fresh, don't blame yourself for past struggles, and focus on a positive relationship with your creative work.

Hitting Reset

2437 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23
📚 Literature Writing Novel Revision Inspiration Process
  1. The process of writing can involve hitting reset on a project, revising and starting over.
  2. Feedback from others, like editors, is crucial in shaping and improving a book.
  3. Writing is a journey where initial ideas may evolve through revisions and feedback.

Hitting Reset Part 2

2358 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Authors Rejection Career
  1. Rejection is a common part of a writer's career, but it's important to bounce back and find the right fit.
  2. Finding the right publisher/editor is crucial for an author's success and growth.
  3. Building a supportive community and staying focused on writing are key to navigating the ups and downs of the publishing world.