Hey, Writer!

Before I say anything, I wrote a Dear Writer post yesterday that some of you might be interested in; it's about how now, more than ever, writers and artists are desperately needed.​

And we are. So if you're reeling and not sure what to do next, my suggestion is... make something.

It doesn't have to be that big. Yesterday, I finished knitting a sweater for my eldest. I've been watching restoration videos from a YouTuber who reminds us that restoring is also making. I really like this one. Bake a pie. Sing a song. Make your bed.

And when you're ready, you can get back to writing.

In that vein, I wanted to announce that the ebook and audiobook versions of How Story Works: An Elegant Guide to the Craft of Storytelling are now free via my website. The audiobook, broken up into chapters, are being released one chapter a day starting Tuesday, November 12 via the How Story Works podcast.

Why?

Why am I giving away the end result of 20 years of work for free?

Huh. Good question.

Huh. Good question.

Because I believe in it. Because I believe the world becomes a better place with every story told. Because I want storytellers to have the tools they need to do their work, and I have those tools.

And because, honestly, I believe that How Story Works is better than any other writing book out there, and the more people have it, the better the stories I’ll get to read.

Baby, my humble era is over.

Year of Writing Magically 2025 applications are open

Also, Year of Writing Magically applications are open for 2025, and I want as many people as possible to apply. Which means I need as many people as possible reading How Story Works and understanding what I have to offer as a teacher.

I didn’t write for nine full years before I started teaching the Year of Writing Magically in 2023. Now, about eighteen months later, I've got one fully edited novel done, and I’m well into the next one.

That's not a coincidence; it’s because of this workshop. I write my novel right alongside you while offering my expertise and experience in not just writing stories, but being a writer. Not only are you learning, growing, and writing, but you're doing all of that the way we need to be doing everything; in community.

In this workshop, I teach you how to manage your energy so you can find the space to write, how to face and manage your fears around writing so you don’t get creatively blocked, and how to do all of this in a small, supportive community of writers cheering you on every step of the way.

I feel confident this year that I can increase enrollment for the Year of Writing Magically, and it will still work just as well. So I need to get the word out, and here's how you can help:

• Get your copy of How Story Works, either via the website or the podcast.
• Apply to be in the 2025 Year of Writing Magically cohort.
• Tell writers you know about the free How Story Works digital versions.
• Tell writers you know about the Year of Writing Magically.

Keep calm. Keep writing.

—L