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How to actually sit down and write a book (Rebroadcast)
A woman reads a book in a store in Beijing.
Listen
46:15
Months, years, zero words written. How can you turn it around?
Imagine you’re at a desk staring at a blank document on your computer. You’ve written zero words, but your goal is to write…70,000. The days go by. Days become months, months become years, but you’re no closer to that word-count goal.
This probably sounds like a nightmare to some of you. But for others, this nightmare is the only way to attain their dream. If you’ve ever wanted to write a book, you probably relate to this.
Writer Jami Attenberg understands this feeling, too. It’s why shestarted 1,000 Words of Summer in 2018. It’s an online community that convenes for two weeks in June to write 1,000 words a day.
Jami’s new book is inspired by this community. It’s called, “1,000 Words: A Writer’s Guide to Staying Creative, Focused, and Productive All Year Round.” It includes letters from her and over 50 seasoned writers on how to do the work when it’s the last thing you want to do.
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We speak with Jami and two other writers, Isaac Fitzgerald and Deesha Philyaw, about how they do what they do–and how you can too.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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