Sitting in Silence

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com This is a special episode for patrons of Sitting in Silence . My annual fall craft series is coming up. What writing or life topics would you like me to cover? What do you want to know? What confuses you? What myths should be dispelled? Drop it in the comments or shoot me a message. 2024’s suggestions ma...

Hello and welcome to the second video episode of Sitting in Silence , the podcast about writing, craft, inspiration, and joy. In today’s post, I talk about finding our way as writers as well as reflecting on the 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. As a bonus, here is one of my favorite pieces about home. I like it because I wrote it, but you can judge for yourself. You can purchase my books her...

Sliding Doors: sometimes it feels like we’re living in the wrong timeline, doesn’t it? But I challenge that thinking here in today’s episode of Maurice Carlos Ruffin’s Sitting in Silence . Sitting in Silence is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other sub...

In today’s podcast, I ask a few questions about your writing life that you might want to answer; discuss upcoming events; and engage in a light-hearted discussion about the nature of existence. Sitting in Silence is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with othe...

Hello and welcome to the first video episode of Sitting in Silence, the video show about writing, craft, inspiration, and joy. In this ground floor space, I offer a brief introduction for newcomers, a craft talk on truth telling in writing, and a light sampling of my discussion on how to stay motivated in your creative endeavors. You can find my books here . Sitting in Silence is a reader-supporte...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com Thank you to listener Peggy Neil for the topic suggestion. As a benefit, Sitting in Silence fans like Peggy are able to ask questions that I answer as soon as I can get to them. If you’d like to become a patron, you can subscribe below. Sitting in Silence is a reader-supported publication. To receive new...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com Thanks to friend and listener, Elisa Speranza, for suggesting today’s topic. This is a part of this year’s summer series where I answer questions from patrons.

Enjoy today’s podcast. I talk about rebooting yourself in times when your tide feels low. Good luck in your writing journey. Also, check out my new paid subscriber series where I devote posts and episodes to directly answering reader questions. Sitting in Silence is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Please like, r...

Welcome to Sitting in Silence , the podcast about writing, craft, worry & joy. In today’s important meditation, we’ll chat about the material you’re ignoring. Many writers go looking for exotic ideas when the best is right under their nose. I’ll be teaching a two-session online class on July 23 & 30 at 6 pm EST called Starting and Finishing Novels . Lastly, my latest book is on sale now. The Ameri...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com Hi folks, today I talk about plotting and characterization technique I find very helpful when writing my books. I hope it helps you as well. Huzzah! Sitting in Silence is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Also, I’m teach...

I really enjoyed chatting with the great Sari Botton of Oldster about the pros and cons of getting older. She's a great interviewer, and she always challenges us to think deeper about our time on this planet. Join us for a serious and fun conversation. Sitting in Silence is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. And as...

We make a big mistake when we leave our writing development in the hands of others. It’s time to accept that we have to put in tremendous effort to learn and evolve as writers. This works out well for the writer because when you bet on yourself you always win. Thanks to all the new patrons who support Sitting in Silence for themselves and others. You’re how we’re able to keep doing this. Specifica...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com Welcome to Maurice Carlos Ruffin’s Sitting in Silence , the podcast about writing, craft, worry & joy. Thanks to everyone for making this space one of the most popular on Substack. And thanks to the new patrons. We have years of material in the archives for you to peruse. Sitting in Silence is a reader-s...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com Welcome to Maurice Carlos Ruffin’s Sitting in Silence , the podcast about writing, craft, worry & joy. Thanks to everyone for making this space one of the most popular on Substack. And thanks to the new patrons. We have years of material in the archives for you to peruse. Sitting in Silence is a reader-s...

Back down? I have no idea how to do that. In today’s episode, how to battle imposter syndrome, Hans Christian Anderson, and much more. I’m teaching an online class called “ Five Things I’ve Learned Too Late about Publishing My First Book .” May 18, 2025 at 8 pm EST. I’m also teaching an online class June 9 at 7 pm EST called Developing an Effective Book Pitch . It’s one session designed to give yo...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com Welcome to Maurice Carlos Ruffin’s Sitting in Silence , the podcast about writing, craft, worry & joy. Thanks to everyone for making this space one of the most popular on Substack. And thanks to all the new patrons. We have years of material in the archives for you to peruse. Sitting in Silence is a read...

Welcome to Sitting in Silence , the podcast about writing, craft, worry & joy. It can be hard to take stock of your life. Sometimes when we look in the mirror, we don’t necessarily like what we see. But it’s human to have doubts about our life paths. I’m here to tell you that it’s alright. It’s always alright. Sitting in Silence is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support m...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com Welcome to Maurice Carlos Ruffin’s Sitting in Silence , the podcast about writing, craft, worry & joy. Thanks to everyone for making this space one of the most popular on Substack. And thank you to patrons for your support. You keep this ship sailing. Today is the third in this year’s run of my popular w...

Welcome to Sitting in Silence , the podcast about writing, craft, worry & joy. I saw the movie Sinners last week and enjoyed it greatly. I’ve also been following the controversy around that film as well as around a certain football player who was drafted far lower than projected. WAIT! Before you scroll away because you’re not a film or football person, I promise this all ties into our work as wri...

Today’s title says it all. Welcome to Sitting in Silence , the podcast about writing, craft, worry & joy. Today, let’s worry together. Coming up on future episodes of Maurice Carlos Ruffin’s Sitting in Silence : an interview with award-nominated fiction writer Marguerite Sheffer (author of The Man in the Banana Trees), an audio craft lesson, and more. The ongoing Quick Hitter Sitting in Silence au...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com Welcome to Maurice Carlos Ruffin’s Sitting in Silence , the podcast about writing, craft, worry & joy. Thanks to everyone for making this space one of the most popular on Substack. Last week, we reached #64 Rising in Literature! Today is the second in this year’s run of my popular writing craft series. L...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com Welcome to Sitting in Silence , the podcast about writing, craft, worry & joy. Today begins the first in this year’s run of my popular writing craft series. Last summer, I began the Quick Hitter Series project, which many listeners found helpful in their own writing practice. That season focused on the b...

Welcome to Sitting in Silence , the podcast about writing, craft, worry & joy. In today’s important meditation, I talk about why so many brilliant creative people just stop. It’s a real tragedy, but it doesn’t have to go that way. Let’s chat about it. I’ll be teaching an online class June 9 at 7 pm EST called Developing an Effective Book Pitch . It’s one session designed to give you what you need...

Hi writers! Enjoy today’s episode and take comfort in the fact that you’ll never walk alone. A little inspiration for your week. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com/subscribe

The AWP ‘25 Conference in Los Angeles was a real blast. I saw so many amazing writers and unbelievable sights. Today, I talk about what I learned this time around. And what it takes to keep writing in uncertain times. (P.S. I’m going to continue to suggest that AWP be held in New Orleans sooner rather later.) If you’re on Apple Music or similar, please rate, like, and review this episode. It reall...