Verified by Psychology Today

The Heart of Writing

Self-help for writers

Career
What to Write When It Feels Like Your Writing Doesn’t Matter

Kendra Levin on June 3, 2022

If current events have left you feeling like that novel or screenplay you're working on doesn't matter, here are five suggestions for how to keep writing in the face of despair.

If current events have left you feeling like that novel or screenplay you're working on doesn't matter, here are five suggestions for how to keep writing in the face of despair.

Relationships
Notes on Loss During a Pandemic

Kendra Levin on May 4, 2020

During the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly everyone is experiencing loss in some form. You're not alone in yours—and there are reasons for hope.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly everyone is experiencing loss in some form. You're not alone in yours—and there are reasons for hope.

Relationships
My Wishes for Your Quarantine

Kendra Levin on March 23, 2020

You are entering a new and unfamiliar chapter of your life. Here's what I wish for you as you do so.

You are entering a new and unfamiliar chapter of your life. Here's what I wish for you as you do so.

Education
Learning To Be Brave, Not Perfect

Kendra Levin on February 21, 2019

Author and founder of Girls Who Code Reshma Saujani suggests in her new book that failing bravely, not striving for perfection, is the key to living your best life.

Author and founder of Girls Who Code Reshma Saujani suggests in her new book that failing bravely, not striving for perfection, is the key to living your best life.

Burnout
Burnout for Writers

Kendra Levin on January 22, 2019

The "millennial burnout" conversation is going viral, but how does burnout affect writers and artists — and what's their secret weapon against it?

The "millennial burnout" conversation is going viral, but how does burnout affect writers and artists — and what's their secret weapon against it?

Career
A Teaspoon of Power

Kendra Levin on October 9, 2018

We are living in chaotic times. How can we reclaim a sense of control?

We are living in chaotic times. How can we reclaim a sense of control?

Career
One Year In

Kendra Levin on February 12, 2018

It’s been just over a year since our newest U.S. president was inaugurated, and many writers are still struggling to create again. Why? And what can we do?

It’s been just over a year since our newest U.S. president was inaugurated, and many writers are still struggling to create again. Why? And what can we do?

Motivation
Writing One Word a Day

Kendra Levin on October 19, 2017

Is “aim high” bad advice? How to set goals to make you happy, not stressed.

Is “aim high” bad advice? How to set goals to make you happy, not stressed.

Career
Can You Give Yourself More Time?

Kendra Levin on September 12, 2017

Studies show that "buying" ourselves time (rather than stuff) makes us happier. But what if we could be gifted time?

Studies show that "buying" ourselves time (rather than stuff) makes us happier. But what if we could be gifted time?

Career
The Pain of Starting

Kendra Levin on July 14, 2017

Why is beginning so often the hardest part of doing…well, anything?

Why is beginning so often the hardest part of doing…well, anything?

Career
Seeking a Balanced Life in a Destabilized World

Kendra Levin on January 30, 2017

Feeling frazzled by the firestorm of news and action since the U.S. presidential inauguration? These self-care tips may help.

Feeling frazzled by the firestorm of news and action since the U.S. presidential inauguration? These self-care tips may help.

Career
Everything You Didn't Do in 2016

Kendra Levin on December 30, 2016

Frustrated by what you've left unfinished this year? Here's why you should celebrate your incomplete work.

Frustrated by what you've left unfinished this year? Here's why you should celebrate your incomplete work.

Media
Fighting the Election Obsession

Kendra Levin on October 19, 2016

Is election coverage on the news and social media stealing time from your passion project?

Is election coverage on the news and social media stealing time from your passion project?