By Katrin Schumann

Do you ever really struggle to find just the right book to fit your mood? When I’m deeply embroiled in my own writing, I get particularly fussy about my reading material. I want to be inspired and energized—I really don’t want to think: How the hell did THIS get published?

So when I find a book that grabs me and won’t let go, I’m filled with pure delight and gratitude

By Katrin Schumann

I've had a hard time writing these last few months, and yet I've written a lot. Many writers and artists are wondering "What's the point?"-- and I've fallen into that trap many a day. Who cares about my little imaginary drama when real life dramas are playing out in such astonishing ways? 

When there's political and cultural upheaval, some artists are galvanized, and some are overwhelmed.

By Katrin Schumann

Let's say you're going to The Muse & The Marketplace in Boston (May 5 - 7), and you've taken the plunge and decided to sign up for the Manuscript Mart. You're going to meet with an agent or editor one on one to get an unvarnished, professional opinion of your work.

By Katrin Schumann

Do you hole up in near seclusion like Jonathan Franzen to create your opus? Do you use social media for ideas and encouragement? Do you read fiction while you write fiction? Where do you find your inspiration and your will to carry on in spite of the self-doubt? Do you search for answers in what other fiction writers do?

Ultimately, the only thing that matters is what works for you.

By Katrin Schumann

All writers need readers for drafts of their work. It’s critical to understand whether your vision for the book has been realized, or whether you might be off the mark. You’re not looking for approval—you’re looking to understand whether your ideas are getting through to the reader or not. As writers, we are so close to our own work that it’s often hard for us to tell.