There are plenty of authors who are superstitious and refuse to talk about their works-in-progress, believing that it taints the process in some way. But as I walked away after being asked twice that day about my work, I couldn’t help but feel a small throb within. I am writing. I am a writer. Tell them, folks.

Writers can also benefit from setting intentions. So often we sit down at our desks, stringing together words and pages, but how often do you consider whether you are working in a way that aligns with your values?

Sometimes when we are writing and facing questions about our work, we crave the certainty of what is known and then it becomes nearly impossible to remain in the silence—to think about anything else but the distraction that grows ever larger.

Let the world enlarge your vision and you’ll discover story ideas everywhere.

Life gives us something to write about even when we’re away from the page, tending to other obligations.

Yet puppy, for all the ways he has altered my writing has also reminded me the importance of living. In order to be absorbed by your work, you need time away from your desk, gathering experiences, having your schedule shattered, your heart broken, your favorite book chewed up and left in the corner.

Come on, admit it. I know you have some writing superstitions. Perhaps you won’t title a thing until it’s finished. Maybe you won’t even begin to draft the first word of your story without being utterly sure about the ending.

Such cageyness can undermine a project. Things aren’t going the way you imagined? No problem. It isn’t like anyone is waiting to read your essay…. and therein lies the problem.

When I was working on Glory Days I kept a notebook of words and images that felt particularly powerful or “popped” when I read them. I’d read and re-read these words each morning before I began to work. What ideas do you have to remain inspired?

Every writer loses their way. It is next to impossible to write a book and not take a wrong turn or fall into a hole or doubt yourself until you feel like you’re sick with the flu.

Every day life can feel like a challenge. How can you possibly work on your book, and is it selfish to do so? On an airplane, if you are traveling with a young child, they advise you that if there is a change in cabin pressure to put your own mask on before tending to a minor. Writing is similar. Once you establish a writing routine, you may feel off balance when you do not write. And yet you want to write—how can you make this happen? Start SMALL.