

Writing Lessons Episode 8: A Balance Of Making & Living Art Featuring Rebecca Gayle Howell
10 snips Mar 5, 2025
Rebecca Gayle Howell, an acclaimed poet and editor known for her works like 'Render' and 'Apocalypse,' joins the discussion on balancing art with the demands of a writing career. She shares personal experiences of navigating the financial realities of making art and the transformative power of imagination. The conversation transitions to the MFA debate, examining the value of formal education versus community mentorship. Howell also emphasizes the importance of rituals in writing practice, offering insights into techniques like meditation to enhance creativity.
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Working-Class Bond
- Rebecca Gayle Howell and Silas House bond over their working-class upbringing.
- They discuss the challenges and advantages of this background in the literary world.
Howell's Mother's Story
- Howell's mother had to leave school at 15 to work, cutting short her love of reading.
- Howell reflects on her mother's potential as a novelist given different circumstances.
Creating Opportunities
- Writers should actively create opportunities and set their own deadlines.
- Howell emphasizes intrinsic motivation and belief in one's work.