The Stories Between Us Shawn Smucker

We're back! We're talking about a book that has challenged the way we prioritize writing in our lives, a book that has reminded one of us about the kind of writing we actually want to do, and we're asking for wisdom about a very important topic: how to get your dog to stop eating off the counter.

Maile talks about what she's returned to that is making all the difference in her creative life, as well as why she wasn't crazy about the beginning of one of Shawn's favorite books. There's a brief update on Maile's book submission process. Michelle DeRusha's Seasons of the Soul enters the conversation. And the children are home from school. Fun all around!

Today the wonderful Sarah Westfall joins us to talk about community--is digital community real? Is it good? Is there anything we can do to bring it to a more complete place? 
She also talks about her long and winding (and ongoing) publishing journey and how a devastating loss opened her eyes to her own need for community. 
Check out more of Sarah's writing at Human Together.

At 16 years old, he had a weekly comic in the Lancaster paper. At 19, he had finished writing his first middle grade novel. Now, numerous books and years later, Adam Perry is trying something new: he's written a horror book for kids (or historical supernatural--you be the judge). Adam has a lot of fun and practical things to share about his creative journey. 
And you can still pick up his latest book, Ghosts Come Rising, in time for Halloween!

Today we have a special announcement to make: our online writers' community, also called The Stories Between Us, is now open to any writer who would like to join. And it's free. But registration will only be open for two weeks, so check it out.
You can find out more about the community HERE.
We also talk about being voluntarily brainwashed, what Maile's been reading, and a podcast that Shawn's enjoying. 

Leslie Bustard is a poet, a publisher, and a gatherer of creative people. Ned Bustard is an artist, a writer, and a publisher. Of course, they are both much more than that, but today we take some time to dig into beautiful and difficult topics with them: the releasing of new books, how art is completed, and the role cancer has played in their creative lives. 
Head here to find out more about their books as well as their upcoming conference, Ordinary Saints (where we'll be doing a live recording of our podcast!).