The Reading

The Reading is an occasional advice newsletter for artists I've been writing since 2020. To receive these letters in your inbox and to access Postscripts and The Writing, subscribe to this free newsletter. To write me a question for this series, check out my Contact page.

15 Nov 2020 • 8 min read

‘I Think I’m a Writer, But What Kind Am I?’

Certainty comes from mistakes.

8 Nov 2020 • 7 min read

‘Am I Allowed Writing Resources If I Don’t Belong?’

Hi everyone, I finished this letter earlier yesterday right when AP called the US presidential election for Joe Biden. I write to you with a sense of renewed determination for what is still possible and what the future might hold. Today’s letter is one I’ve been sitting on

1 Nov 2020 • 9 min read

‘How Can I Work, Write, and Be Part of a Family?’

Hi there, Most of us think of writing as a solitary pursuit. But today’s letter reminded me of what there is to be lost when we write without each other. The Reading started in empty classrooms and dark bars; it started on those afternoons and nights not writing, but

25 Oct 2020 • 7 min read

‘Why Can’t I Do My Edits?’

Hi everyone, I’m so grateful to each of you who have written, shared, and signed up for paid subscriptions since last weekend. Thank you to each letter writer, whose questions help me clarify my own positions on what it means to write. I had no idea that I had

18 Oct 2020 • 9 min read

‘I’m Tired of Working So Hard for So Little.’

Hi there. This week, I’m kicking off “pre-orders” for paid subscriptions to The Reading. The experience you’re getting now is what you’ll continue to receive in a subscription after November 15: a Sunday letter, its audio format, and Wednesdays’ The Writing. As ever, Sunday’s letter will

11 Oct 2020 • 6 min read

‘Am I Too Old to Emerge?’

Author’s note: Since I started The Reading this summer, I’ve had the joy of giving away the help I wish I had had when I first started writing. Next month, I’m going to start offering subscriptions. Your support would help me stay independent for all that I

4 Oct 2020 • 9 min read

‘I’m Successful, But I Feel Like a Fraud.’

Your power is uncertainty.

27 Sep 2020 • 6 min read

‘When Will I Know That I’m Good Enough?’

Goodness is a pyramid scheme.

20 Sep 2020 • 6 min read

‘How Do I Feel Less Lonely?’

Loneliness is a condition of being your only original.

13 Sep 2020 • 9 min read

‘I Hate Hating When My Friend Gets Ahead of Me!’

Your power is precious. Do what responds to it.

6 Sep 2020 • 2 min read

‘Is the Bird I Am Holding Living or Dead?’

Another kind of letter.

30 Aug 2020 • 8 min read

‘I Can’t Bring Myself to Write Anymore.’

Now is not a time to be alone.

23 Aug 2020 • 9 min read

‘Do I Have to Be Out as a Writer?’

You're trapped in a mirrored closet. Close your eyes.

16 Aug 2020 • 8 min read

‘How Do I Get Through My MFA Program?’

Not everyone earns the honor of reading your work.

9 Aug 2020 • 7 min read

‘Can My Novel Include a Country’s Stereotype Responsibly?’

Brazil needs you, but not in the way you think.