✨What's the Best Approach to Keeping Your Writing Spark Alive? Jess H. Gutierrez Has Some Thoughts...✨

Plus, an inside look at a cool writing tool, and a reminder about the exciting prizes up for grabs for Deep Dive Virtual Retreat participants!

Happy Tuesday, writing friends!

Writing isn’t exactly a team sport. It’s a (largely) lonely pursuit, particularly if you’re a newer writer who hasn’t found their people yet. And if that sounds like you, what happens when you get stuck? When doubt creeps in? When you start to worry that you’re never going to finish your draft because life in its infinite busy-ness keeps getting in the way? How do you get yourself back into the right headspace? If you find yourself in need of some encouragement, today’s your lucky day because we’ve got an essay for you by debut author Jess H. Gutierrez that’s like getting a pep talk from your best writing bud. Jess (whose memoir essay collection, A Product of Genetics (and Day Drinking) is out now), writes with warmth and been-there-done-that understanding for anyone who feels like they’re drowning in all their non-writing obligations and worried about losing their spark. And it’s always a good idea to pay attention to the advice of anyone who’s managed, in stolen moments, a few words at a time, to write an entire book on their phone. 📱📖

If it’s not time but ideas that are stymieing your writing efforts, our video of Bianca’s conversation with Peter Chiykowski, the creator of the Story Engine Deck, might be just the thing to help get you going again. Peter created the Story Engine Deck precisely with the intent of inspiring writers, and he and Bianca talk about how using tools can provide a starting point when you’re facing creative blocks, as well as help you in plotting, world-building and character development. Just as importantly, one of the conversation’s key takeaways is a reminder of something it can be too easy to lose sight of: writing should be approached not just a career but as a joyful practice. It can be frustrating at times, sure, and disappointments are par for the course, but if you’ve lost that feeling of joy your writing used to bring you, consider this your reminder that it’s time to find it again. ‘Tis the season, after all. 😊

Know what else can help you find community and inspire your creativity? The 2025 Deep Dive Virtual Retreat! And in case you missed our announcement about the prizes all participants are eligible to win, we’re sharing a recap below!

Until next time, happy reading!

❤️ The Shit No One Tells You About Writing Team