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Rx for writers (under construction)
 

When you need to know how others wrote it:

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

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When you're starting out, insecure, or jealous or anxious:

 

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:

The Anxiety Guy

 

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When you're looking for an agent:

Roseanne Kenny

Online:

Agent Query

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 

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When you're out of ideas:

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

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When your writer's spirit needs refreshing:

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

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When you need help with the business of writing:

Online:

Authors Guild

National Writers Union (includes help with health insurance)

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When you need funding:

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

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When you're feeling disorganized:

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 day, five days a week

 

Online resources:

Freedom distraction blocker
Time-management apps & other resources for ADHD adults
32 Tools and Apps Freelance Writers Swear By

Printable monthly calendar

 

 

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When you're feeling anxious:

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

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When you need to connect in Chicago:

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

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