Book:
"A Swim in a Pond in the Rain: In Which Four Russians Give a Master Class on Writing, Readering, and Life," George Saunders
Online:
Paris Review interviews with authors
Rx for writers (under construction)
When you're starting out, insecure, or jealous or anxious:
October 21, 2022
Books:
"Writing Past Dark: Envy, Fear, Distraction, and Other Dilemmas in the Writer's Life," Bonnie Friedman
"Letters to a Young Poet," Rainer Maria Rilke
"Letters to a Young Artist: Straight-Up Advice on Making a Life in the Arts-For Actors, Performers, Writers, and Artists of Every Kind," Anna Deavere Smith
Articles:
"A New Year Brings Fresh Author Envy," Nancy Johnson
"Shitty First Drafts," Anne Lamott
Podcast:
When you're looking for an agent:
October 21, 2022
Roseanne Kenny
Online:
Jane Friedman: publishing & marketing advice & links
Manuscript Wish List (what agents and editors want)
And, if you want to contact a small publisher directly:
Community of Literary Magazines and Presses directory
Six steps to get your query letter to an agent out of of the slush pile
When you're out of ideas:
October 21, 2022
Books:
"I Remember," Joe Brainard (imitate his lists)
"The Artist's Way: A Spritual Path to Higher Creativity," Julia Cameron
"Writing Down the Bones," Natalie Goldberg
"Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life," Anne Lamott
"Writing for Your Life: Discovering the Story of Your Life's Journey," Deena Metzger
Online:
"On Keeping a Notebook," Joan Didion
When your writer's spirit needs refreshing:
October 12, 2022
Books:
"Plain and Simple: A Journey to the Amish," Sue Bender
"The Gift: How the Creative Spirit Transforms the World," Lewis Hyde
Article:
"Fascinated to Presume: In Defense of Fiction," Zadie Smith
When you need funding:
September 28, 2022
Online:
City of Chicago Dept. of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
Illinois Arts Council
National Endowment for the Arts writing fellowships; translation fellowships; list of state & regional arts councils
When you're feeling disorganized:
September 20, 2021
Books:
How to Organize Your Work & Your Life, Robert Moskowitz
The Now Habit: A Strategic Program for Overcoming Procrastination & Enjoying Guilt-Free Play, Neil Fiore
Live video: London Writers' Salon free Zoom write-alongs four times a year
Online resources:
Freedom distraction blocker
Time-management apps & other resources for ADHD adults
32 Tools and Apps Freelance Writers Swear By
When you're feeling anxious:
September 20, 2021
Video:
15-minute meditation for anxiety--Yoga with Adriene
20-Minute Guided Meditation for Reducing Anxiety and Stress--Clear the Clutter to Calm Down
30 minutes de yoga pour débutant (en français)
Guided meditations in English y español & many other languages, UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center
Om chanting that I like for concentration
Wellness Series, U of Chicago: Pilates, yoga, meditation
When you need to connect in Chicago:
September 20, 2021
Chicago Live Lit calendar
Chicago Poetry Center
Guild Complex multicultural literary arts organization
Our Chapter (wimmin)
Inner-City Muslim Action Network: Arts & Culture
Rebuild Foundation Stony Island Arts Bank
University of Chicago Arts + Public Life