On radical vulnerability

Susan DeFUncategorizedLeave a Comment

On my last live masterclass, “The Bones of Winter,” I decided to do something that felt risky, right there at the beginning of the call: I admitted to everyone that I was now being called upon to start a medical treatment that could come with long-term cognitive consequences. Honestly? For a writer—or really, maybe anyone whose identity and livelihood has … Read More

Today! The Writing Brave Summit

Susan DeFUncategorizedLeave a Comment

Hey there, writer friend, Free!  Four-day! Writing! Summit! Forgive the gratuitous use of exclamation points, but I think free online writers summits packed full of awesome info that you can attend *without having to put on pants* are one of the best things the internet has given us… …and the Writing Brave Summit, hosted by my colleague Brooke Adams Law, … Read More

Two free live events this month!

Susan DeFUncategorizedLeave a Comment

Hey there, writer friend, It’s been a while since I’ve been able to appear at online events, which is one of my very favorite things (right there after appearing at in-person events—really, I love to connect with you all!). This month, I’ll be appearing at not just one but TWO free online events. I’d love to see you at one … Read More

What Makes a Story Feel Like a Story?

Susan DeFcraft, fiction, UncategorizedLeave a Comment

young woman with bangs holding a red phone up to her ear

What’s the difference between a story and a narrative relating a series of events? Once upon a time, dear reader, I might have answered, “Causality.” Because it’s a basic truth I’ve discovered as a book coach and editor: if you have plot that’s basically episodic—this happens, then that, and then this thing over here—the single most effective thing you can … Read More