I needed help remembering to break. And I found an app for that!
I've been struggling to remember to take five-minute breaks every hour. It turns out I'm not alone, so there are a lot of apps for that. Here's the one I picked. Source
Andy Dehnart
advice and writing on the art of reality
Latest posts
Can I give my body a five-minute break? Many breaks?
My work involves lots of sitting and staring at screens. So I'm intrigued by the idea—from Manoush Zomorodi's reporting and writing—that five-minute movement breaks can have wildly positive impacts on my brain and body. Source
Rejection is normal for writers and creators, so let’s not hide it!
Yulia Denisyuk's public celebration of a rejection is an outstanding model for what all writers and creators should do: be honest about the parts of our process that are not fun! Source
Priorities
We just can't afford that! Source
60+ writers, one book. Meet one!
I love annual anthologies, including The Pushcart Prize, which introduce me to new pieces and new writers. And I'm hosting an event with a 2023 Pushcart Prize winner, Survivor's Stephen Fishbach! Source
Now is not the time to silence yourself
It's easy to stop yourself from writing or using your voice. But we need your voice and your words more than ever right now. Source
New year, my not-quite-new writing strategy
It's a new year, and time to become a brand-new person! Just kidding. But for me, the new month and year does is providing an opportunity to take steps forward in my writing, with others' help. Source
Does the blank page freak you out, too?
Is getting started writing the hard part for you? It is for me. Both accountability and community help me through that, and I'd like to help you, too! Source
Why I love Scrivener, and how it changed my writing life
Scrivener made my writing life so much easier by helping me organize everything from drafts to research materials—and this weekend, it's 25 percent off a one-time charge. Source
Write a book this November! Or, try this instead.
It's Novel November, the replacement for NaNoWriMo, which never really worked for me. Here are some ideas to help instead of trying to write a book from scratch in 30 days. Source
Substack is full of shit
What will it take for people to understand how full of shit Substack actually is, and why they shouldn't make their brand synonymous with such steaming stool? Source
5Ws and H: the building blocks of writing’s building blocks
Scenes are critical to compelling writing, and if you're struggling to craft one or find your way into a scene, I have advice: start with the 5Ws and H. Source
Nonfiction writing resources I recommend
Creative nonfiction writers: Here's my curated list of trusted resources—anthologies, journals, podcasts, and newsletters—to help you in your writing life. Source
These truths are no longer self-evident
Thoughts on July 4, 2025, about what's evident and what we do about it. Source
Say what
Orlando. Pulse. Nine years. Source
A few ways to make money blogging
If you're blogging, you can be earning money, too, and I have advice about monetizing through ads, affiliate links, sponsorships, products, and more. But your creativity and content should always come first! Source
How to get people to read your blog or newsletter
Here are my tips for finding and growing your newsletter subscribers or blog readers, while trying not to tie your self worth and your content's value to views and follower counts! Source
How to make your blog and newsletter writing more readable
My tips and advice for making your writing more visual, so people will actually read the words you write, instead of scrolling past them. Source
Why I’m boycotting my favorite store this month
I know a store owned by a massive corporation should not be my personality, but holy shit do I love Target. But I'm still boycotting them for six weeks. Source
Protect your blog, newsletter, and yourself: know media law
Bloggers, newsletter writers, and others who publish online need to understand the law, so they don't get sued and so they know how to protect their own work. Here's my not-a-lawyer advice! Source
Tools to help you write and create your blog posts or newsletters
More than 30 tools I recommend to help you with your blogging, newslettering, or whatever content you produce! Includes easy ways to find public domain media; resources for transcription and language; and inspiration in the form of kittens and puppies. Source
Plan your blog and its personality
Doing a bit of planning—and thinking about what you already do—will help set you up for blogging success. Advice and recommendations in part three of my Start Your Blog series. Source
Martin Luther King Jr.’s words, today
These excerpts from Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham Jail" are still very relevant today—especially today, Jan. 20, 2025. Source
Choose a platform for your blog or newsletter
Here are 10 options for blogging and newsletter platforms and tools to help you choose the best direction and path for you—and to make sure you're not locked in to that road forever. Source
Name your blog baby and buy a domain
Welcome to my series about starting your own blog or newsletter. First up: It's time to be master of your domain and register a name. Source