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writing

Apr
11
The members of Ben Folds Five pose in front of a forested area. Ben Folds looks at the camera; the other two look away.

April mailbag

9 min read
Apr
04
Gemma and Mark sit in a room, looking at each other with wistful sadness. She's got a great grey coat.

The wife's tragic backstory every single fucking time

6 min read
Feb
20
The cover of Woodworking depicts the title cover text tumbling over a series of disorganized desks.

Your novel-writing questions answered

By someone who has (almost) published one novel.
11 min read
Feb
17

Ask Emily Anything (about writing novels)

You have questions? Emily possibly has answers.
1 min read
Jul
24
A view of a person with long blonde hair sitting on a blanket and reading. We see them from above.

Does anybody KNOW themselves? REALLY?

Or: Why do I struggle with the concept of interiority so much?
6 min read
May
22
Margot Robbie, in a red dress, rides atop a throng of people, borne up by their hands, at a massive party.

The difference between creation and criticism

It's not what you think!
5 min read
Apr
12
Elmo, the tiny, furry, red Muppet from Sesame Street, smiles. He's shrugging for some reason.

April mailbag!

7 min read
Mar
15
A man and woman, both in robes, face an unseen person just offscreen.

March mailbag!

6 min read
Jan
24
Steve Carell plays Michael Scott in The Office. He's sitting at his desk!

How I create (hopefully) memorable characters

Hint: It involves more than one character.
6 min read
Oct
04
The members of the writers room in 30 Rock stare incredulously at something off-camera.

How to become a TV writer in 700 easy steps

Now that I've been a TV writer for one day, I have some advice for you.
10 min read