No prizes without practice!
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A short meditation on why sustainable writing comes from small, repeatable choices. We touch on Coetzee, Tom Stoppard, and the quiet ways stories ripple outward—then land on the core: build the habit, revise bravely, and let the work be enough.
Resources & Next Steps:
Build your writing practice with the Handbook : https://storyaday.org/challenge-handbook
Join the Superstars Group: Join the StoryADay Superstars for year-round support
how to build confidence as a writer
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We all have that voice that whispers, “Who are you to think you can write?” In this episode, I share why those inner critics feel so convincing—and how to move past them. From celebrating small wins to journaling the negative voices into submission, this is your prescribed dose of calm, practical ways to rebuild confidence and keep writing.
Transcript
Resources & Next Steps:
Explore more writing challenges: https://storyaday.org
Join the Superstars Group: Join the StoryADay Superstars for year-round support
In which I read you a short story prompt
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People dismiss it by saying “there’s no such thing as bricklayer’s block.” But imagine if the bricklayer had to invent the bricks, build the kiln, and mix the mortar before they could even start. That’s the creative work writers face every day.
In this episode of The StoryADay Podcast, I share why writing is hard (and why that’s normal), and why we don’t have to do it alone. From my years of running the StoryADay community, I’ve learned that the real secret to consistency and confidence as a writer isn’t willpower — it’s community.
If you’ve been struggling with writing in isolation, this conversation will give you both perspective and practical next steps.
What You’ll Learn:
Resources & Next Steps:
Explore more writing challenges: https://storyaday.org
Join the Superstars Group: Join the StoryADay Superstars for year-round support
It’s really nice to know that there is still an outlet or a form of writing that I can do and still keep a full-time job while doing it.
And it didn’t really bend my schedule too much. So that’s how I really started exploring Flash
-K. B. Carle
In the second part of my conversation with author KB Carle (listen to Part 1 here) we talk about what attracted her to Flash Fiction; the challenges of moving from short to novel-length fiction; how to get unstuck ; and how being a writer includes building your community
There’s a ton of practical tips (and resources) to keep you going in this week’s episode. Enjoy!
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In Exchange for the Final Pudding Cup, We Offer Our Inner Thoughts, from The Offing (includes a Venn diagram)
Hello, My Name Is Marley in CRAFT Literary Magazine (this one has a word search!)
Vagabond Mannequin in Jellyfish Review (crossword clues as story!)
How We Survived , in Lost Balloon
Grace Q. Song‘s website
I Keep My Exoskeleton To Myself by M. Crane
Keep writing,
Julie
K.B. Carle lives and writes outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her flash has been published in a variety of places including Lost Balloon, Five South Lit., The Rumpus, JMWW, and elsewhere. K.B.’s stories have been nominated for The Pushcart Prize, and her story, “Soba,” was included in the 2020 Best of the Net anthology. Her story, “A Lethal Woman,” will be included in the 2022 Best Small Fictions anthology. She can be found online at kbcarle.com or on Twitter @kbcarle.
Weekly writing prompts and lessons in your inbox, every Wednesday with the StoryAWeek Newsletter
In which I read you a short story prompt
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How to soar in your writing life…and as a result, the WHOLE of your life.
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What do you need to do to help you soar in your writing life? Join me for a Lesson in Creative Thermodynamics!
See the illustration and leave a comment on the Lesson In Creative Thermodynamics
The only qualification to be a ‘Superstar” is a desire to write and support your fellow writers.
A supportive group of committed writers, who meet virtually, support each other’s efforts, and inspire each other.
Registration for 2024 open now-June 8, 2024
A 6-part journey through the short story.
Starts Jan 3, 2025
