News about my next book, and an opportunity for space that I am taking! Get the show notes / newsletter This Creative Life ebook on sale for $2.99 through June! @ amazon @ everywhere else www.sarazarr.com

News about my next book, and an opportunity for space that I am taking! Get the <a href="https://thiscreativelife.substack.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">show notes / newsletter</a> This Creative Life ebook on sale for $2.99 through June! @ <a href="https://amzn.to/3NmLiRi" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">amazon</a> @ <a href="https://books2read.com/u/bradBW" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">everywhere else</a> <a href="https://www.sarazarr.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.sarazarr.com</a>

TCL Mini: Updates & the Future

This is the audio version of the most recent newsletter PLUS some thoughts about what's next for the pod. Get the newsletter version of this post Get the book Get The Inbox Variations www.sarazarr.com

This is the audio version of the most recent newsletter PLUS some thoughts about what's next for the pod. Get <a href="https://thiscreativelife.substack.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">the newsletter version</a> of this post Get <a href="https://thiscreative.life" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">the book</a> Get <a href="https://sarazarr.substack.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Inbox Variations</a> <a href="https://www.sarazarr.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.sarazarr.com</a>

TCL Mini: The Writing Life Audit

Melissa Walker

In late 2016, Melissa Walker was working on her 10th novel when she went to a holiday party and heard then Senator Daniel Squadron talk about the importance of state-level politics—even for the national landscape. She was inspired to take action. That action eventually grew into a pivot from full-time writing to full-time work with The States Project. This conversation is everything I wanted from the Pivots, Comebacks and Reinventions series. It’s a great example of how passion and purpose can realign for a season or a reason, while the writing is still always there. It got surprisingly emotional for both of us; I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. (This conversation is explicitly political in places, which may or may not be your jam!) Selected Links: The States Project - get involved Melissa's books Get the show notes / newsletter Get the book Thanks to Dave Connis for the theme music. www.sarazarr.com

In late 2016, Melissa Walker was working on her 10th novel when she went to a holiday party and heard then Senator Daniel Squadron talk about the importance of state-level politics—even for the national landscape. She was inspired to take action. That action eventually grew into a pivot from full-time writing to full-time work with The States Project. This conversation is everything I wanted from the Pivots, Comebacks and Reinventions series. It’s a great example of how passion and purpose can realign for a season or a reason, while the writing is still always there. It got surprisingly emotional for both of us; I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. (This conversation is explicitly political in places, which may or may not be your jam!) Selected Links: <a href="https://statesproject.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The States Project</a> - get involved <a href="http://www.melissacwalker.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Melissa's books</a> Get the <a href="https://thiscreativelife.substack.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">show notes / newsletter</a> Get <a href="https://thiscreative.life" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">the book</a> Thanks to <a href="https://www.daveconnis.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Dave Connis</a> for the theme music. <a href="https://www.sarazarr.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.sarazarr.com</a>

86. Melissa Walker Takes Action

The audio version of this week's newsletter on living with the uncertainty of writing. Get the newsletter version of this post Get the book! www.sarazarr.com

The audio version of this week's newsletter on living with the uncertainty of writing. Get <a href="https://thiscreativelife.substack.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">the newsletter version</a> of this post Get <a href="https://thiscreative.life" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">the book</a>! <a href="https://www.sarazarr.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.sarazarr.com</a>

TCL Mini: No Sure Things

Michael Bourret

From the supply chain issues that started the year, to the conversation about AI that's ending it, I talk through the year in publishing with Michael Bourret of Dystel, Goderich &amp; Bourret. Also, we answer listener questions! This will be the last episode for the year, and the last one before a break during which I'll go off to Boston to teach and maybe even revise my novel. I'll be back (most likely in February) to pick up the Pivots, Comebacks, and Reinventions series.  Get the show notes / newsletter Get the book (holiday pricing good through 12/21) Thanks to Dave Connis for the theme music Happy Holidays! www.sarazarr.com

From the supply chain issues that started the year, to the conversation about AI that's ending it, I talk through the year in publishing with Michael Bourret of <a href="https://www.dystel.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dystel, Goderich &amp; Bourret</a>. Also, we answer listener questions! This will be the last episode for the year, and the last one before a break during which I'll go off to Boston to teach and maybe even revise my novel. I'll be back (most likely in February) to pick up the Pivots, Comebacks, and Reinventions series.  Get the <a href="https://thiscreativelife.substack.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">show notes / newsletter</a> Get <a href="https://thiscreative.life" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">the book</a> (holiday pricing good through 12/21) Thanks to <a href="https://www.daveconnis.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Dave Connis</a> for the theme music Happy Holidays! <a href="https://www.sarazarr.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.sarazarr.com</a>

85. The Publishing Year in Review with Agent Michael Bourret

Bennett Madison

What do you do when you've established a writing career and then it's not giving you what you came for? What does it look like to be a person who writes but whose entire identity isn't wrapped up in Being a Writer? Is there life on the other side, if you can just let go? Bennett Madison joins me for the first time since 2013 to talk about the work of deprofessionalizing his writing life to pivot to joy in creative work--and a steady paycheck doing something else. Get the show notes / newsletter Get the book Thanks to Dave Connis for the theme music! www.sarazarr.com

What do you do when you've established a writing career and then it's not giving you what you came for? What does it look like to be a person who writes but whose entire identity isn't wrapped up in Being a Writer? Is there life on the other side, if you can just let go? Bennett Madison joins me for the first time since 2013 to talk about the work of deprofessionalizing his writing life to pivot to joy in creative work--and a steady paycheck doing something else. Get the <a href="https://thiscreativelife.substack.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">show notes / newsletter</a> Get <a href="https://thiscreative.life" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">the book</a> Thanks to <a href="https://www.daveconnis.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Dave Connis</a> for the theme music! <a href="https://www.sarazarr.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.sarazarr.com</a>

84. Bennett Madison's Permission to Let Go

One from the 2013 archives to get you ready for next week's episode, when Bennett Madison comes back for the Pivots, Comebacks, and Reinventions series. 

One from the 2013 archives to get you ready for next week's episode, when Bennett Madison comes back for the Pivots, Comebacks, and Reinventions series.

TCL Archives: Bennett Madison in 2013

New full episode next week! Until then, here's the audio version of this week's newsletter, with a question for YOU about your dream writing podcast. Get the newsletter version of this post Get the book www.sarazarr.com

New full episode next week! Until then, here's the audio version of this week's newsletter, with a question for YOU about your dream writing podcast. Get <a href="https://thiscreativelife.substack.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">the newsletter version</a> of this post Get <a href="https://thiscreative.life" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">the book</a> <a href="https://www.sarazarr.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.sarazarr.com</a>

TCL Mini: Year In Review

Letting go of the idealized version of your writing experience. Get the newsletter version of this post Get the book Take  the Google survey on 2023 classes. Happy Thanksgiving! www.sarazarr.com

Letting go of the idealized version of your writing experience. Get <a href="https://thiscreativelife.substack.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">the newsletter version</a> of this post Get <a href="https://thiscreative.life" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">the book</a> Take <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSecQbgDzw2wtbVj_sjDKiAK8uBMPRiqsTXh8RMy4HmenfFw4A/viewform?usp=sf_link" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> the Google survey</a> on 2023 classes. Happy Thanksgiving! <a href="https://www.sarazarr.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.sarazarr.com</a>

TCL Mini: Writing In Reality

The audio version of this week's newsletter on resting before making the next creative decision. Find the text version here!

The audio version of this week's newsletter on resting before making the next creative decision. Find <a href="https://thiscreativelife.substack.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the text version here!</a>

TCL Mini: Creative Rest

Author Sara Zarr reads between the lines of the writing life in interview episodes as well as solo minisodes, with a focus on the practical and psychological aspects of writing and publishing, the creative process, and the strange landscape where art meets commerce. Past guests include filmmaker Scott Derrickson, author Malinda Lo, and literary agent Michael Bourret.

Tara Altebrando

In the third episode in the Comebacks, Pivots, and Reinventions series, my longtime friend and one-time (?) collaborator Tara Altebrando talks to me about her multiple pivots over a couple of decades as a working writer, and the driving forces behind those choices. Currently, she's working in scripted audio as the creator and writer of the Dream Breachers podcast at Pinna Audio and the President of Listen Like Thieves Productions. Get the show notes / newsletter  Dream Breachers Thanks to Dave Connis for the theme music! www.sarazarr.com

In the third episode in the Comebacks, Pivots, and Reinventions series, my longtime friend and one-time (?) collaborator Tara Altebrando talks to me about her multiple pivots over a couple of decades as a working writer, and the driving forces behind those choices. Currently, she's working in scripted audio as the creator and writer of the Dream Breachers podcast at Pinna Audio and the President of Listen Like Thieves Productions. Get the <a href="https://thiscreativelife.substack.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">show notes / newsletter</a> <a href="https://pinna.fm/library/kids-shows/pinna-podcasts/dream-breachers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Dream Breachers</a> Thanks to <a href="https://www.daveconnis.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Dave Connis</a> for the theme music! <a href="https://www.sarazarr.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.sarazarr.com</a>

83. Tara Altebrando Is Solving the Puzzle

Malinda Lo

In the second episode in the Comebacks, Pivots, and Reinventions series, Malinda Lo and I talk about her huge year with Last Night at the Telegraph Club and what it has meant for her writing and life. But is it really a “comeback” if she never went away in the first place? Also we talk about her brand new book, A Scatter of Light. Get the show notes / newsletter Get  A Scatter of Light Thanks to Dave Connis for the theme music! www.sarazarr.com

In the second episode in the Comebacks, Pivots, and Reinventions series, Malinda Lo and I talk about her huge year with Last Night at the Telegraph Club and what it has meant for her writing and life. But is it really a “comeback” if she never went away in the first place? Also we talk about her brand new book, A Scatter of Light. Get the <a href="https://thiscreativelife.substack.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">show notes / newsletter</a> Get <a href="https://bookshop.org/lists/from-the-this-creative-life-show-notes" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> A Scatter of Light</a> Thanks to <a href="https://www.daveconnis.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Dave Connis</a> for the theme music! <a href="https://www.sarazarr.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.sarazarr.com</a>

82. Malinda Lo Never Went Away

When author Faith Gardner grew frustrated with the slowly grinding gears of traditional publishing and wanted to spread her wings a bit, she took matters into her own hands. This is the first episode of this fall's Comebacks, Pivots, and Reinventions series! Get the show notes / newsletter Get the This Creative Life book Thanks to Dave Connis for the theme music!

When author Faith Gardner grew frustrated with the slowly grinding gears of traditional publishing and wanted to spread her wings a bit, she took matters into her own hands. This is the first episode of this fall's Comebacks, Pivots, and Reinventions series! Get the <a href="https://thiscreativelife.substack.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">show notes / newsletter</a> Get the <a href="https://thiscreative.life" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This Creative Life book</a> Thanks to <a href="https://www.daveconnis.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dave Connis</a> for the theme music!

81. Faith Gardner Takes Control (Comebacks, Pivots, and Reinventions)

What's coming this fall from This Creative Life! Show links: the newsletter the audiobook www.sarazarr.com

What's coming this fall from This Creative Life! Show links: <a href="https://thiscreativelife.substack.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">the newsletter</a> <a href="https://thiscreative.life" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">the audiobook</a> <a href="https://www.sarazarr.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.sarazarr.com</a>

Comebacks, Pivots, and Reinventions - Coming Fall 2022

When it feels like the world is burning down, is writing something you want to save from the fire? Get the newsletter version of this post Get the book Thanks to Dave Connis for the theme music www.sarazarr.com

When it feels like the world is burning down, is writing something you want to save from the fire? Get <a href="https://thiscreativelife.substack.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">the newsletter version</a> of this post Get <a href="https://thiscreative.life" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">the book</a> Thanks to <a href="https://www.daveconnis.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Dave Connis</a> for the theme music <a href="https://www.sarazarr.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.sarazarr.com</a>

TCL Mini: Writing When It Doesn't Feel Like It Matters

Get the newsletter version of this post Get the book Thanks to Dave Connis for the theme music. www.sarazarr.com

Get <a href="https://thiscreativelife.substack.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">the newsletter version</a> of this post Get <a href="https://thiscreative.life" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">the book</a> Thanks to <a href="https://www.daveconnis.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Dave Connis</a> for the theme music. <a href="https://www.sarazarr.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.sarazarr.com</a>

TCL Mini: Becoming a Good Self-Editor

Get the newsletter version of this post. Get the book. Thanks to Dave Connis for the theme music.

Get <a href="https://thiscreativelife.substack.com/p/accepting-your-limitations?s=w" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">the newsletter version</a> of this post. Get <a href="https://thiscreative.life" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">the book.</a> Thanks to Dave Connis for the theme music.

TCL Mini: Accepting Your Limitations

Michelle Huneven

I’m so happy to be back with one my favorite contemporary novelists, Michelle Huneven. I love the compassion, humor, and reality in how she renders life and relationships. She’s got a brand new book out, Search, which we talk about along with her other books, her background, and process—including the 20-year circuitous journey to the publication of her first novel, Round Rock. I hope you enjoy the episode and, if you’re not already a fan, go explore her catalog. Get the show notes / newsletter Theme music by Dave Connis Support the pod via PayPal or ko-fi Get the This Creative Life book

I’m so happy to be back with one my favorite contemporary novelists, Michelle Huneven. I love the compassion, humor, and reality in how she renders life and relationships. She’s got a brand new book out, Search, which we talk about along with her other books, her background, and process—including the 20-year circuitous journey to the publication of her first novel, Round Rock. I hope you enjoy the episode and, if you’re not already a fan, <a href="https://www.michellehuneven.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">go explore her catalog</a>. Get the <a href="https://thiscreativelife.substack.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">show notes / newsletter</a> Theme music by <a href="http://www.daveconnis.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dave Connis</a> Support the pod via <a href="https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=SLF54QZJAHVBL" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PayPal </a>or <a href="https://ko-fi.com/sarazarr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ko-fi</a> Get the <a href="https://thiscreative.life" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This Creative Life book</a>

Ep 81: Author Michelle Huneven

It's launch day for the This Creative Life ebook, with the paperback close behind! I was recently on Jenn Laughran's Literaticast digging into the content and ideas in the book, and she graciously let me crosspost the ep into the TCL feed.  The Literaticast on Apple Podcasts Get the show notes / newsletter Get 30% off the book with this link and this code: QWBODLO8MX Or find it just about everywhere that sells ebooks! B&amp;N, Amazon, Kobo, Google Play, Apple. All the links at www.sarazarr.com

It's launch day for the This Creative Life ebook, with the paperback close behind! I was recently on Jenn Laughran's Literaticast digging into the content and ideas in the book, and she graciously let me crosspost the ep into the TCL feed.  <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/literaticast/id1261036909" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Literaticast on Apple Podcasts</a> Get the <a href="https://thiscreativelife.substack.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">show notes / newsletter</a> Get 30% off the book with <a href="https://payhip.com/b/BxdKL" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this link</a> and this code: QWBODLO8MX Or find it just about everywhere that sells ebooks! B&amp;N, Amazon, Kobo, Google Play, Apple. All the links at <a href="https://www.sarazarr.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.sarazarr.com</a>

Ep 80: The This Creative Life Book on Literaticast 55

Jo Knowles

Jo Knowles is one of my favorite book people, and she has a new one out this week. That inspired me to pull her 2013 episode up from the archives, where it’s been under lock and key for awhile. Jo writes for and about almost all ages on the young reader spectrum, from picture book (Ear Worm) to YA (Read Between the Lines) to Middle Grade (See You at Harry’s). Her latest, Meant to Be, sounds like it has a lot in common with A Song Called Home. Which doesn’t surprise me a bit—Jo and I have always been interested in similar themes and settings in our work. Check out her work if you don’t know it, and enjoy this trip back in time! Selected Show Notes Jo Knowles online Jo and other guests at the TCL Bookshop shop NEW! thiscreative.life Theme music by Dave Connis

Jo Knowles is one of my favorite book people, and she has a new one out this week. That inspired me to pull her 2013 episode up from the archives, where it’s been under lock and key for awhile. Jo writes for and about almost all ages on the young reader spectrum, from picture book (Ear Worm) to YA (Read Between the Lines) to Middle Grade (See You at Harry’s). Her latest, Meant to Be, sounds like it has a lot in common with A Song Called Home. Which doesn’t surprise me a bit—Jo and I have always been interested in similar themes and settings in our work. Check out her work if you don’t know it, and enjoy this trip back in time! Selected Show Notes <a href="https://www.joknowles.com/books" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Jo Knowles online</a> <a href="https://bookshop.org/lists/from-the-this-creative-life-show-notes" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Jo and other guests at the TCL Bookshop shop</a> NEW! <a href="https://thiscreative.life/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">thiscreative.life</a> Theme music by <a href="https://www.daveconnis.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dave Connis</a>

Ep 29A: Jo Knowles from the Archives

Great podcast for writers--warm, relaxed, funny, honest.

lovely & useful

Entertaining, informative and inspiring.

This Creative Life

Brandy Colbert

Sara talks to author Brandy Colbert (The Only Black Girls in Town) about writing, career envy, mortality, and the Real Housewives. For the full show notes, go to patreon.com/ThisCreativeLife

Sara talks to author Brandy Colbert (The Only Black Girls in Town) about writing, career envy, mortality, and the Real Housewives. For the full show notes, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/thiscreativelife" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">patreon.com/ThisCreativeLife</a>

Author and Teacher Brandy Colbert - Ep 53

Sara talks with Dan Bowman, Jr., about writing, teaching, and about being #ActuallyAutistic. Watch for Notes from the Spectrum next year and stick around to the end of the episode to hear Dan read a poem. For the full show notes, go to patreon.com/ThisCreativeLife

Sara talks with Dan Bowman, Jr., about writing, teaching, and about being #ActuallyAutistic. Watch for Notes from the Spectrum next year and stick around to the end of the episode to hear Dan read a poem. For the full show notes, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/thiscreativelife" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">patreon.com/ThisCreativeLife</a>

Ep 54: Writer & Teacher Daniel Bowman, Jr.

The best self improvement podcast episodes. From improving productivity, to finding purpose in your life to what constitutes freedom, this topic is on anything and everything that can help people to improve their lives. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Self Improvement, Growth & Development

The Best Multi-Part Documentaries, with documentaries on Obama, Federer vs Nadal, the making of Star Wars, Netflix vs Blockbuster and more. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!