by Jackie Johansen At its core, astrology is the study of nature. We are nature. As within so without. As above so below. Just as we know the moon affects the tides (and that we are also mostly water), our moods and physiology can be affected by the moon. TheContinue Reading
by Charlie Fletcher Many highly-revered writers throughout literary history suffered from depression. Classics like Mark Twain and more recent celebrated authors like J.K. Rowling have been known for their struggles with mental illness, and they are far from the only ones. The reason for this correlation isn’t clear, but thereContinue Reading
If you love Halloween, you may be looking for ways to celebrate. In addition to dressing up, checking out the corn mazes and haunted houses, and taking the kids trick or treating, you may also want to consider treating yourself. After all, we writers work hard, right? So just forContinue Reading
Writers rely on their creativity all the time. Usually, our imaginations are like good friends who are always there for us, but then there are those times when we need a new idea or want to get into that “flow” and we run up against a wall. We can’t writeContinue Reading
Have you tried boosting creativity with hypnagogia? I’ve always hated being awakened in the morning. Alarms are the worst. I feel like throwing them across the room. For a long time, I figured I was being overly sensitive, but now I know better. Those precious few moments between being sleepContinue Reading
by Ulrike Selleck Have you ever considered yourself a cosmic writer-creator? I certainly hadn’t! Most of us think of ourselves as localized identities, beings with ups and downs. Lack of inspiration. Fatigue or burn out. Low energy, or even depression. Writer’s block. Self doubt. Perfectionism. Insecurity, and lack of self-confidence.Continue Reading
What is your true motivation for writing? That thing that gets you out of bed to write early in the morning or keeps you going late at night to get that next chapter done? What picks you up off the floor after a devastating rejection or bad review? You mayContinue Reading
“Every single relationship you will ever have in your lifetime is going to end,” writes author Ann Patchett in This is the Story of a Happy Marriage. But if you’re lucky—and smart—there’s one that won’t. There’s one relationship that unlike any other, you have complete control over. As long asContinue Reading
You know your cell phone can be a distraction, but a thief? It’s true. Every day, if you’re not careful, your cell phone will steal from you. Here’s how, and what you can do to protect yourself. 1. Cell phones steal your boredom. Research shows that boredom is beneficial whenContinue Reading
by Virginia Jensen I first became interested in beadwork because I had moved to a new city and was out of a job. I ended up working part time at Michaels craft store demonstrating products and holding classes in craft work. The beading teacher was unable to continue, so IContinue Reading
Self-care is a popular buzzword these days, but are you doing it right? Everybody’s talking about self-care as a way to improve health and well-being. Writers need to be especially conscious about it because the writing life can lead to health issues like back pain, weight gain, burnout, and depression.Continue Reading
Do you feel creatively fulfilled as a writer? A Writing and Wellness reader who commented on a former post (“5 Things Writers Can Do to Live Longer”) got me thinking about this. Mike was talking about his difficulty with getting enough sleep each night, not only because he likes toContinue Reading