How does your magic work?

Everyone has a spark of magic in them—whether you fan it into a flame is up to you. That’s where the rest of the work comes in.

I know someone who runs 100-mile races (not a typo!). Before the most recent race, he said his superpower is being able to recover quickly from the absolute beating his body takes during 25+ hours of running.

That’s the spark of his magic.

Fanning that spark into a flame involves a rigorous training program, many spreadsheets, the right nutrition before and during the race, and a network of support. My husband is one of those supporters, helping our friend replenish supplies, recharge devices, and stay ready to run.

That’s the rest of the work. Whether you’re prepping for an ultramarathon or writing a book, it looks like taking care of yourself, putting in the reps, doing your homework, and calling in your network of support.

Many of the books I’ve been reading on witchcraft, alchemy, and creativity have a central argument in common: The magic only works if you do.

Making magic work isn’t just about ~manifesting~ a publishing deal, plopping into a chair, and waiting for success to land in your lap (if that’s how it went, wouldn’t we all have six-figure book contracts by now?).

Unlocking your unique creative magic is about tuning into your intuition long enough to identify what that magic is and then building supportive, comfortable structures around it so it can grow.

Maybe your magic is coming up with a constant stream of ideas, or you have an incredible ear for realistic dialogue. Maybe you’re a world-builder extraordinaire, or you love digging into a complex real-world topic and making it easy to understand.

The rest of the work might look like focusing on other aspects of your mindset, practice, and craft and identifying where you need support.

• How’s your self-talk when it comes to creativity and writing? What do you do when the inner critic goes on a rampage?
• Do you have a writing practice that feels supportive, or are you relying on outside advice to tell you when and how to write?
• How are you building up the skills you need to finish the book only you can write?
• Where do you feel stuck in your practice? Who do you turn to for accountability and a fresh perspective?

🗨️ Words from the Wise

Here are some of the best writing-related resources I've encountered recently:

• I’m speaking at the Book Finishers Summit in early November (and it’s free)! Get your ticket here. (affiliate link*)
• I worked with Steph Sprenger on her memoir proposal—and she got a book deal! Read about what’s next for her in this excellent post about the publishing process.
• Academic writers: Have you signed up for this year's AcWriMo yet? It's not too late—and there are so many good resources!
• I really, really loved this newsletter about spontaneous vs. deliberate mind wandering (especially pertinent for ADHD writers!).
• This interview with editor Yahdon Israel is incredible, especially if your goal is to get a traditional book deal.
• I chatted about habits of mind with Beth Barany for her podcast, How to Write the Future!

My magic shows up most clearly in my work as a book coach and editor.

When I’m talking with a writer, I become a wayfinder. All the possible routes open up before me—my role is to point them out and maybe take a few steps with you, just to see how they feel.

My intuition, which I’ve honed through decades of intense reading, becoming a writing studies scholar, and coaching, editing, and interviewing dozens of authors, is strong. I can feel where things aren’t working and sense what needs to happen to fix them.

That’s true whether we’re untangling a plot snarl or trying to figure out how to fit more writing into a complicated schedule.

It’s why people who sign up for Get Unstuck Sessions and my full coaching program often say things like, “Thanks for talking me off that ledge,” and “I’d never thought of it that way.”

When it feels like you’re standing on a ledge, all you can see is the drop in front of you. The nice safe pathway just to one side isn’t visible, because you’re doing all you can to hang on and not fling your whole manuscript into the abyss.

But I can see that pathway (and a dozen others). I can hold the pages of your draft until you find your footing again. That’s my job. That’s my whole entire deal.

If you’re ready to figure out what your creative magic is—or if you already know and need a little help unlocking its full potential—it’s time to call me in to be part of your support network.

My Get Unstuck Sessions are on sale through the end of next week, and the first 10 people who sign up get $50 off.

These sessions are unbelievably fun. It’s like a chat over a steaming mug of hot tea (or a bubbling cauldron) with a wordy, witchy friend who has exactly the elixir you need to break the dreaded curse of writer’s block or banish imposter syndrome.

We get to spend an hour exploring what makes your writing magical and figuring out exactly what you need to fan the flame of your practice and finish that book.

Then, I’ll send you a recording of our chat and even more resources. (And you can always email me to keep me posted on how your writing is going! Nothing would make me happier.)

If you’ve ever wanted to work with me one-on-one, now is a great time to try it out.

The long winter nights are ahead of us. It’s the season to hunker down and tell our stories. I’d love to help you tell yours.

Ready to work some magic?

I want to Get Unstuck!