Jami Attenberg, bestselling author, shares insights on starting and sustaining writing. She discusses the value of social media in building a supportive community for writers, the therapeutic nature of journaling, and the power of writing to overcome fear. Favorite sections of her book and impactful letters from contributing authors are also highlighted. The episode ends with a promotion of her social media presence, newsletter, and upcoming writing event.
Social media can foster a sense of community and support for writers, as demonstrated by the success of the #1000WordsofSummer online writing challenge.
Writing is not just about word counts, but about developing a writing practice and being an active member of the literary community.
Deep dives
The Power of Social Media for Building Community
Social media can have positive effects, such as connecting with listeners and creating a sense of community. The host of the podcast mentions the joy she feels when listeners reach out to express their love for the podcast. She discusses how social media can be utilized for good and highlights her series on making social media work for personal goals. Specifically, she talks about how many people expressed their resolution to start writing, and she offers advice on getting started, staying motivated, and being a part of the literary community.
The Origin of '1000 Words'
The guest on the podcast, Jamie Attenberg, talks about how the concept of writing '1000 Words' was born on social media. Initially, a friend and she decided to do a '1000 Words a Day' writing bootcamp during the summertime. They encouraged others to join, and the initiative gained momentum through social media. Over time, it evolved into a yearly event with an expanding community. Jamie highlights the impact of this online writing challenge, the sense of belonging it creates, and the value of consistency and perseverance in writing.
Writing as Communication and Coping
Both the host and guest emphasize the personal significance of writing. Jamie describes writing as her preferred method of communication, a joyful and necessary way to process thoughts and feelings. She also mentions how it helps her manage anxiety. The host agrees, expressing that writing allows her to make sense of the world and find control. They discuss the role of writing in combating anxiety and how engaging with writing can provide stability and calmness in chaotic times.
Writing as a Practice and Community-Building
The podcast explores the idea that writing is not solely about word counts but about developing a writing practice. Jamie suggests that a 'good day's work' can vary for different writers and genres, encouraging writers to embrace their own approaches and goals. They discuss the value of community in writing and the encouragement and support that can be found by being a good literary citizen. The book featured in the podcast, '1000 Words,' is presented as a valuable resource containing a collection of letters from various writers offering advice, motivation, and wisdom to readers.
We talk a lot about the negative parts of social media, but good things do happen online. One of those good things is community. Five years ago the New York Times bestselling author Jami Attenberg started #1000WordsofSummer. It’s an online community that convenes for two weeks in June to write 1,000 words a day. People were obsessed with it. Jami’s new book, 1,000 Words, is inspired by this community. It includes letters from her and over 50 seasoned writers on how to do the work when it’s the last thing you feel like doing. So today we are talking to Jami about how to start writing, how to keep writing and how to be a good member of the literary community.