the craft. buckling down for the fall.

The sun is already beginning to set a little earlier, and I’m wondering where exactly the summer had to be. Word on the street is the world is spinning faster on its axis, however, I’m thinking it comes with getting older. Time is flying either way, which has made me want to be a lot more intentional about how I’m spending it.

There is something about the fall that makes me feel like it’s time to dig in. Maybe it’s the whole 22 years of this being back to school time. Maybe it’s the fact that the publishing industry essentially shuts down in August. But it feels like it’s time to get back to work!

The summer has been pretty busy for me. Since June, I’ve been on a plane every month. From flying back home to Philly, to New Orleans for Essence, Austin for Torch’s Writing Retreat, Vegas for Queen Bey. So, writing has been in these in between moments. Scribbles in notebooks, notes on the iPhone, maybe even voice memos here and there.

I did finish some important revisions on one of my works in progress which I sent over to my agent. And I did some leg work on another work in progress. Research, visiting one of the cities in the book, thinking. But I haven’t gotten back to getting words on the page just yet. I’ve been busy reading other authors’ books for the podcast. Putting together materials for some residency submissions, pitching, and trying to establish some business elements for PTW.

But I’m thankful I’ve been writing long enough not to fear the seasons where I’m not writing as much. It’s only a part of the process. And best believe, when I am ready to sit down and get words on the page, I’m locked in. My commitment and focus during my writing seasons gives me the peace of mind I need to do other things sometimes. Which is inevitable for all of us. Some of us have dreamed up this writer's life by the lake where we don’t have to do anything else but write the most prolific prose. But it’s simply not the reality for most of us and especially not Black and POC writers. That type of life is a luxury many of us aren’t privy to. At least at this point. One can dream and we can surely work towards that goal.

In the interim, while I’m waiting for the lavish lake life of a writer, I have to be able to eb and flow. I have to take down the ideas that want to creep up into my subconscious when I’m working on something completely different. I have to work ahead as much as possible because sometimes I’m simply going to be way too busy at work to think about anything else for a month or two.

I watched The Pieces I Am again the other day. 10/10 recommend if you have not yet watched the documentary on Toni Morrison. It’s a masterclass in writing, but in life too. Every time I watch it, I get something different. But in relation to this topic, Morrison had an editing job, two boys, and her writing. And yet, she still found a way to get it all done, friend. Seasons, sacrifice, and focus are key because feeding your art will help you show up better in every other arena of your life. I’m happier at work when I’ve written. A better partner, a better friend.

It’s easy to get a little unfocused in the summer. I mean, as we should. Vacations, day parties, family events, are all happening in the months where we have the most sunshine. But seasons change, and when they do, we can tap back into our creativity and art. There should be a lot to write about after an eventful summer. The only way to see a harvest in the spring, is to plant in the seasons before. We all want to harvest, right?

In what ways do you feel like you might recommit to your writing practice within the last few months of the year? Take a moment to reflect and journal about it.

Writing/Job Opportunities

Cosmo pitch call: The features team is now seeking proposals for deeply reported reads to run in spring 2024 and beyond. Figure 2.5K-4K words, $1.50-$2/word. No theme; just my chronic gluttony for ambitious, original journalism. Pitches by 9/12 extra appreciated. erin.quinlan@hearst.com.

The application for the 2024 Periplus Fellowship — offering mentorship and community to writers of color — is now open! 🥳 Learn more and apply by 10/27 at http://bit.ly/periplusfaq. There's no fee to apply. And please help spread the word: retweets and other sharing welcome!

MIT Technology Review is accepting pitches for their upcoming issue on exploration and hidden worlds. They’re looking for big swings: narrative features, essential profiles, and sharp reported essays. Rates: $1-2/word. Pitch deadline: Sept 18.

The Education Writers Association is accepting applications to join their 2023 “Reporting With Education Research” program. Eligibility is a benefit of EWA membership, which is free for qualifying journalists. (Sept. 20).

Zoom Info is hiring a Community Engagement Manager. ($72-109k).

Sundance is hiring multiple Festival Editors. Editing test required. ($20.32/hr).

Goodreads is hiring a Social Media & Editorial Program Manager. San Francisco based. ($59-142k).