Building a Writing Community On and Off the Internet

Photo by Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash Starting back in 2018, Jami Attenberg brought together writers on social media as a means of accountability. The philosophy of #1000wordsofsummer was to develop a daily writing practice of 1000 words because small increments seem doable and quickly accrue. Over 33,000 writers subscribe to her motivational newsletter connected to the hashtag. In her new book, 1000 Words: A Writer’s Guide to Staying Creative, Focused, and Productive All Year Round , Attenberg takes her highly successful #1000wordsofsummer to a new phrase as an anthology. In this book version, she includes her words, the “letters” from other well-known writers, as well as occasional “notes” that include suggestions displayed on an image of a spiral notebook page. There is a progression based on seasons, but the anthology is also what I think of as a writing table book, something to leave on your desk so that you can flip it open to find a burst of inspiration. Because 1000 Words includes Attenberg’s thoughts as well as the words of other successful authors from Alexander Chee to Mira Jacob and Elizabeth McCracken, it creates a sense of community—we’re all in this together trying to figure it out. Attenberg’s approach isn’t focused on prompts but instead employs a much more conversational style, discussing issues that her readers will confront as writers. Not only does she provide helpful insights, but she herself is a model to follow. Attenberg is a highly productive writer who has published six novels, a short story collection, essays, as well as a memoir, so who better to motivate other writers? In addition to the release of this book, her next novel, A Reason to See You Again , will be published later in the year. Jami Attenberg and I recently spoke on Zoom about writing motivation, social media, and bringing people together. Abby Manzella: I’ve been watching #1000wordsofsummer grow since I signed up in 2019, and I’m continually impressed with what you’ve been able to build both through social media and now with this book. For me, it was fun to read the book […]

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