Stuff about "Laura Hurwitz"!
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The Easy Chair
This week, it’s another Mightier Than the Sword, with co-host Steph Spaulding. In this episode, we discuss perfectionism, procrastination, and how both behaviors are the downfall of many a good writing practice. Steph describes herself as a recovering perfectionist, while I was once an aspiring perfectionist. Procrastination is something we both still wrestle with, or have learned to accept, when it comes to writing and life, but perfectionism must be abandoned in the interest of getting work done. When is enough editing enough? Is it really okay to be minimally, rather than maximally, satisfied? This is an uber-enlightening podcast, helpful not only to the writers out there, but also for anyone who has ever struggled with the fear of not being good enough. Tune in! And any questions, comments, or suggestions, just shoot us an email at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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The Easy Chair
This week: “In the Field." Returning guest author Deborah Zervas reads three vignettes about time spent in remote places. Her experience of the wild's simultaneous profound connectivity and separation inform her writing, and her words transport us from of the everyday home and comfort zone to magical terra incognita. It should be noted that during this episode Charlie, my newly-adopted Westie, is curled under our feet, listening avidly to Deb’s recounting, especially when she gets to the part about being pulled by a canine pack on a dogsled into Canada. For those of you craving more of Deb’s work, visit muse.deborahzervas.com to uncover a unique motherlode of creative brilliance. And hey- what could be better than a thick, fabulously rich multigrain shortbread square along with a cup of tea on a cool spring day? Answer: nothing. For this this month only, you can go to jakesmomscookies.com and order up some of my dear friend and talented guest baker Lesley Rowe’s “Not Your Grandmother’s Shortbread.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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The Easy Chair
This week marks the return of "Mightier Than the Sword," the advice podcast for writers. Co-host Stephanie Spaulding and I field a great question from Eric, an astrophysicist/aspiring writer Stephanie met recently. Something is holding Eric back from taking the writing plunge: he finds the challenges of character development and believable dialog intimidating. Stephanie and I reveal our personal go-to strategies for creating believable characters who use authentic dialog, some orthodox, some decidedly less so. Some might be a little freaked out about a few of our borderline stalker methods, but that’s okay. Just like love and war, when it comes to writing, we figure all’s fair. Tune in! Next week: it’s a short story. I’m not sure what it will be about or even where it’s coming from, but I have no doubt you’ll love it. And please, keep those writing questions coming. Email me and Steph at [email protected] with “Mightier Than the Sword” in the subject line. On-line daters with stories to tell me and Hannah, same email address, but “Shoulda Swiped Left” in the subject line. We ALL look forward to hearing from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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The Easy Chair
This week’s episode has me and Steph once again joining writerly forces on Mightier Than the Sword, where we discuss beginnings. Steph savors them. I belabor them. We talk about ways for writers to approach their starting places, and we share some of our all-time favorite first sentences. Steph dazzles with some pretty impressive memorized recitation. We talk about beginnings as springboards and catalysts, and beginnings as dead-ends. Simple truth: a strong beginning determines marketability and overall success. Then, we offer a challenge: craft an awesome opening sentence! Email us at [email protected] and if we declare you the winner, I will personally ship you a dozen fabulous Jake’s Mom’s Chocolate Chip Cookies. You can’t pass this up. And … speaking of Jake’s Mom’s Cookies—try some for a whopping 10% off! Just head over to jakesmomscookies.com, order a classic dozen cookies, baked fresh and delivered pronto, by entering the promo code Mama at checkout. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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The Easy Chair
Today on The Easy Chair: “The Child Who Loved Roads” by Norwegian author Cora Sandel. Physiology dictates that all mortals must age, but is it possible to not grow old? I believe it is, and so does the protagonist in this charming short story. Behind her are the voices of The Adults, telling her to slow down, to be practical, while ahead of her beckons the open road, the fresh air, and the stories in her head. This wistful, enchanting tale of youth is perfect for curling up under a comforter with a cup of tea. Settle in and savor this small gem told in the classic fictional Easy Chair style. And, if you have a story you’d like me to consider for the podcast, please, send it along to [email protected]. I will read it. Absolutely. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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The Easy Chair
Today on The Easy Chair, it’s a very special episode of Mightier Than the Sword. Steph and I recorded this on Steph’s actual 40th birthday. Because it is such a landmark occasion, I agreed to let her surprise me, which meant playing a game that Steph’s been obsessed with of late. Basically, it’s a toned-down philosophical version of “Would You Rather.” Steph poses questions that have us pondering some weighty choices relative to age, mortality, incarceration, and purple feathers vs. pink fur. We also ask you, dear listeners, to belatedly celebrate Steph’s b-day by writing to us with your own Would You Rathers at [email protected]. Any and all submissions will be read on our next podcast. Promise! We want to hear from you. And as Steph says, keep it clean. Today’s episode is brought to you by RXBAR. If you haven’t tried these protein-packed energy bars, made from authentic ingredients like egg whites, nuts, organic cocoa and dates, you don’t know what you’re missing. RXBAR calls BS on non-transparency and unnecessary additives and the result is uniquely delicious. For 25% off your first order, visit rxbar.com/chair and enter promo code CHAIR at checkout. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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The Easy Chair
This week, it’s Mightier Than the Sword. Co-host Steph Spaulding and I show by example the leap of faith and specific intentions of editing in general, and peer editing in particular. We have swapped manuscripts for editing purposes, with different editorial goals for our work, and we walk you through the process of editing. Aspiring writers and editors, pay attention! Speaking of editing, in editing this podcast, I realize how insecure I sound. I think many of you out there will empathize with my plight- seeking editorial help and constructive criticism, but also deathly afraid to actually receive it. Our next Mightier Than the Sword is the follow-up to what happened with this foray into peer editing. It’s an honest look at a sensitive subject, but just so you know- Steph and I remain the best of friends. Writers with questions/suggestions, daters with stories/insights, email us at [email protected] with the appropriate podcast (here’s a thought-use acronyms!- MTTS or SSL) in the subject line. Hannah and Jake and Steph and I want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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The Easy Chair
This week on The Easy Chair, I read the first chapter of my YA novel under consideration (working title, Sisterhood of the Porcelain God). Sophie is 18, a senior in high school, and her life should be poised for takeoff, but the eating disorder that has turned her life upside down since she was 13 makes forward momentum all but impossible. Publicly, she seems to be making progress, but privately, she is still locked in a fight for her life. This is the beginning of a difficult but important story. 30 million people suffer from eating disorders in the United States, and every 62 minutes, someone dies as a direct result of an eating disorder. Sisterhood is about Sophie’s journey. The road to recovery is marked by daily struggles for survival, and the people you meet along the way. Tune in! Let me know if you like what you’ve heard so far at [email protected]. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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The Easy Chair
This week, it’s Mightier Than the Sword #3! Co-host Stephanie Spaulding and I have a question from a new writer about blogging. Does vetting- something artists in every form turn to, before launching their creative work into the world- have a critical place in the blogger’s universe? Stephanie and I weigh in. Our fears, insecurities, and tendencies to wear our hearts on our pens might surprise you. What makes for a successful blog post? How do we feel when our message is overlooked but our grammar is nitpicked? Find out. This is a freewheeling episode. I go off on tangents, and Steph reins me in. I think this is what they call co-hosting chemistry. Writers out there- ask us questions! Give us your opinions! Stephanie and I are here for you. Write in to [email protected], with Mightier Than the Sword in the subject line. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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The Easy Chair
This week’s episode: “Learning to Dress My Mother” by Australian writer Rosemary Jones. Rosemary has written a moving micro-memoir about the shift in roles between her mother- a former word-loving historian, now an octogenarian with Alzheimer’s- and her. Guaranteed, tears will mix with laughter as Rosemary recounts the assumption of her new role: handmaiden. She wasn’t raised to be one. Unless, perhaps, she was. Next week, it’s Shoulda Swiped Left Episode 17! Hannah and Jake came home for the holidays where they got a chance to really catch up on any number of things, from relationship status to real estate investment. Stuff is happening. It’s a great, high-energy episode. If you have a dating story, send it along to [email protected] with Shoulda Swiped Left in the subject line, and we will happily share it (anonymously, of course!). If it’s writing advice you seek from me and Stephanie Spaulding, just put Mightier Than the Sword in the subject line. We’d love to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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The Easy Chair
This week, Steph and I are back with Mightier Than the Sword. Our topic: the difference between writing and storytelling. I step out of my comfortable narrative distance to tell a very difficult true story. Two weeks ago, I was the victim of a sexual assault. The ways people- from friends and neighbors to law enforcement- reacted to my story made me realize that I may be a decent writer, but I am not a reliable storyteller. Steph and I talk about how women who have been victimized often detach from their feelings in order to relate a traumatic event. This is not your typical MTTS. What was a tough episode to record is an important episode to tune into. Take a listen, and if you have anything you’d like to weigh in on, get in touch with us at [email protected]. This week’s episode is brought to you by Quip, the world’s smartest wireless toothbrush. It’s lightweight, cordless, sleek and awesome. Just think of it as the iPhone of toothbrushes. When it comes to oral hygiene, Quip is a game-changer. Check it out at getquip.com/easychair. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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The Easy Chair
This week, it’s back to Mightier Than the Sword, and Steph and I are coming at you with two very interesting book reviews. This has been a particularly unsettling week for our country, and sometimes the best antidote to the sturm und drang of modern American life is to temporarily escape into a good book. I love to open up my home and the mic to Steph at the end of my solitary baking/writing/listening obsessively to NPR day. Steph has read a great non-fiction book, and she weighs in very eloquently. I’ve got a work of fiction by a new writer to critique. If you have a book you’d like to tell us about, or even promote your own writing, write to us at [email protected]. We’ll happily give you some air time. Steph and I want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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The Easy Chair
This week on The Easy Chair, it’s a relaxed return to Mightier Than the Sword, with co-host Steph Spaulding. This week Steph and I share our reading list summer picks. Here’s the context: the weather is hot, the air is heavy, and if you’re like us, you don’t feel like moving. You might consider this the perfect time to pick up a good read (and to this listen to podcast!) Steph’s top choice is a work of historical non-fiction, and mine is good ol’ literary fiction. We both weigh in. And just so you know…the heat has made me a bit more laissez-faire than usual, so I didn’t edit this episode as aggressively as I am generally inclined. You’ll feel like you’re in the room. I hope you’ll join us! Questions, comments, insights- direct to [email protected]. We want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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The Easy Chair
Co-host Jane Gross and I get together again after a too-long break for Heart to Heart, healing wisdom for creative souls (though really, for all listeners)! It’s been a while, and for Jane, life has taken some wild hairpin twists and turns, but always, there’s something to be learned, and Jane shares with you some hard-won insights on grieving, coping, and overcoming. It’s a very honest look at heartbreak, loss, anger, and new beginnings. Please join us for a deep, frank, and revealing look at life after upheaval. The sponsor of this week’s podcast is Rothy’s, the flats for women and girls that hit the trifecta- comfortable, stylish, and sustainable! Go to Rothys.com and enter code chair to get your new favorite shoes, free shipping with no minimum. I love my Rothys and I guarantee you will too! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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The Easy Chair
It’s Mightier Than the Sword, with co-host Stephanie Spaulding! Today we talk about one big writerly conundrum: when to abandon a writing project, when to push through and finish it, and when to put it on the back burner. We offer useful strategy and compassionate empathy to those writers out there who have ever questioned the worth of their work, which is to say every writer ever. We also discuss some tangential stuff, like the particular cruelty of summer viruses, the nightmarish start to every school year, and what fall is good for (I say apples). Tune in for this informative, frank, and funny discussion. And writers out there: we want to hear from you! Questions? Insights? Email us at [email protected]. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.