In the light of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America organization's statement on AI and eligibility for the Nebula Awards, I recorded this bonus episode of the podcast to give you my perspective on where we are and where we're headed, regarding AI and the creative arts and, well, civilization as a whole.

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A story got accepted… and another came back not accepted — and I'm weirdly thrilled. Here's why embracing rejection can strengthen your consistent writing habits, PLUS: a holiday writing prompt to keep you writing in December.

Links:

StoryADay Podcast episode 109: https://storyaday.org/episode109

The 3-Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc

Hi writers! This week I'm sharing a surprising example of how writing (and writers) can help people in the real world, inspired by a project announced by Brandon Sanderson. It leads to one clear lesson about what it actually takes to build a sustainable writing life — especially if you want to write consistently, keep your momentum, and grow beyond the "solitary writer" myth. Plus: a quick writing prompt about conflict you can use right away.

A short meditation on why sustainable writing comes from small, repeatable choices. We touch on Coetzee, Tom Stoppard, and the quiet ways stories ripple outward—then land on the core: build the habit, revise bravely, and let the work be enough.

We all have that voice that whispers, "Who are you to think you can write?" In this gentle, thoughtful episode, Julie Duffy shares why those inner critics feel so convincing—and how to move past them. From celebrating small wins to journaling the negative voices into submission, she offers calm, practical ways to rebuild confidence and keep writing.

A soothing reflection on self-doubt, creative courage, and what it really takes to keep showing up for your stories.

Writing is hard — but it's even harder alone. In this episode, Julie shares why connecting with other writers is the key to overcoming blocks, staying consistent, and building a joyful writing life. Discover how community keeps you motivated, accountable, and growing as a writer.

Join the Superstars group: storyaday.org/superstars

On Day 14 of the StoryADay Challenge, how's it going? Perfectly?

Oh, you magical unicorn you. For the rest of us, I have some thoughts...

00:00 StoryADay Update - Limit Your Choice, Do Hard Things

04:51 Creating artificial limits for freedom

05:43 Recommit 05:46 Make It Public

06:44 Make It Smaller and More Specific

08:37 Have A Theme

09:24 Commit To The Prompts

10:13 Be There For Yourself Even When Its Uncomfortable

14:05 Quantity vs Quality

Join Julie from Story A Day on Day 10 of Story A Day May as she discusses using strong emotions like rage as fuel for your writing. Julie shares personal insights on transforming negative emotions into positive creative energy and how it can lead to problem-solving and positive thinking. She also highlights today's writing prompt from Patricia A. Jackson, which encourages writers to pen a story from the perspective of a banned book.

Embrace your irritation, channel it into your writing, and elevate your mood through creativity! https://storyaday.org

00:00 Introduction and Personal Update

00:08 Harnessing Rage for Creativity

00:48 Positive Problem-Solving Frameworks

01:26 Life Lessons from a Former Boss

01:58 Turning Frustration into Creative Fuel

02:07 Today's Writing Prompt: Banned Books

03:11 Mission for Today: Write with Passion

03:39 Final Encouragement