The Heart of Writing

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.

Motivation

Alternatives to New Year's Resolutions

Kendra Levin on December 30, 2020

Has 2020 killed your interest in making New Year's resolutions? Try this instead.

Has 2020 killed your interest in making New Year's resolutions? Try this instead.

Media

Conscious Self-Care During Election Season

Kendra Levin on October 12, 2020

In this election season unlike any other, conscious self-care is more important than ever.

In this election season unlike any other, conscious self-care is more important than ever.

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.

Career

How to KonMari Your Writing

Kendra Levin on October 3, 2019

Use Marie Kondo's methods to find focus in your writing. Tidy home not required.

Use Marie Kondo's methods to find focus in your writing. Tidy home not required.

Career

A Week Without a Phone

Kendra Levin on June 14, 2019

Are our phones making our lives better or worse? The answer: both.

Are our phones making our lives better or worse? The answer: both.

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?

Cognition

Figure Out What You Want, With a Little Help from Questlove

Kendra Levin on June 15, 2018

Not sure how to start a project—or anything new in life? Start by identifying what you don’t want it to be.

Not sure how to start a project—or anything new in life? Start by identifying what you don’t want it to be.

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.

Fantasies

Creating Art Matters More Than Ever

Kendra Levin on November 11, 2016

If writing and making art seem trivial right now, think again. They just became much more important.

If writing and making art seem trivial right now, think again. They just became much more important.

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?