🆆 Start Here

Micro bookmarks from the titles of my prose poetry/micro narrative collection, Other Small Histories (Poetry Society of America).

🆆 What is Writer-ish?

Writer-ish is about paying attention and embracing the fluidity of our creative lives. As a bestselling author and writing teacher with three decades of experience, I've found that our most powerful stories often emerge from small moments and careful attention.

I've built my literary career by listening to what is true for me and my work. This includes writing that's fun and commercial as well as writing that pays the bills. I've taken detours and had long stretches of non-writing while finding my way. Each pivot taught me something new about paying attention to what I needed as a writer.

My current passion lies in micro prose (300 words or less), a form that helped me transform a 90k+ novel into an award-winning chapbook of 36 prose poems. I’m all about trusting your instincts when it comes to deciding what to write next. I’m on Substack to help you discover your stories, and find the best form to tell them.

🆆 Join a community of micro prose writers

Everyone is welcome here, whether you're just discovering short prose (flash fiction or flash nonfiction) or micro prose (micro essays, micro narratives, micro shorts, prose poems) or already deep in your practice. At Writer-ish, you'll find a space to explore, experiment, and grow your craft through:

  • Writing exercises that sharpen your skills

  • Short prose techniques that help you write with precision and power

  • Inspiration for building a sustainable writing practice

  • Guidance on trusting your creative intuition

  • Micro Monday posts are out every Monday, offering an inspiring quote and writing prompt.

  • Check out the “Notes” tab for ad-hoc prompts and writing reflections

  • I’m teaching here, there, and everywhere; come take a writing class with me!

  • Pop in for FREE 10-minute live guided writing sessions, right here on Substack. Paid subscribers have access to the replays; you’ll never write the same prompt twice. Upcoming dates are in Micro Monday posts and all subscribers receive a notice when I’m live. Come get some writing done this week!

🆆 Go small, go deep

Writer-ish is here to meet you where you are.

Free subscribers receive:

  • Weekly and monthly micro prose prompts

  • Writing challenges to sharpen your concise writing skills

  • Inspiration for building a sustainable writing practice

  • Guidance on trusting your creative intuition

Paid subscribers join a robust writing circle where you’ll receive:

  • Newsletter writing workshops and lessons, including close reads and observations of writers who have successfully published in the micro, hybrid and/or multi-genre space

  • Access to live guided writing session replays

  • Quarterly and pop-up office hours to discuss your work (challenges, celebrations, questions), including live edit of micro pieces, via Zoom

  • Connect in our community space to explore all things short, micro, hybrid, and multi-genre

🆆 More micro

Here are a few places to read more about micro and my general approach to writing:

🆆 A few quick things

  • You can access all posts through the website or Substack app.

  • I'll be building this space gradually, so if you can't find something or have questions, just leave a comment.

  • If you don't see the newsletter, check your spam folder or Promotions tab (and please mark as 'not spam').

🆆 Everyone has a story to tell

Whether you're new to micro prose or a seasoned writer, there's a place for you here at Writer-ish. This is about discovering your voice in small, powerful moments—no previous experience needed. Whether you're just starting or deep in your practice, micro prose is a profound way to capture the moments that matter, and Writer-ish on Substack is here to support you and your creative life through small bursts of inspiration and encouragement. I’m happy to have you here!