Sitting in Silence

I’m happy to say I’ll be at AWP in Los Angeles this week. Yes, it’s expensive and takes you away from your writing nest. (Why isn’t AWP ever in New Orleans, huh?) But a literary conference is a great way to recharge your literary battery. In today’s episode, I’ll talk about the value of the many lit conferences, but also how they tie into the losses we all experience. Thanks to everyone who preord...

There are only two ways for an author to sustain herself in times of turbulence. Welcome to The Sitting in Silence Podcast by Maurice Carlos Ruffin. Let’s take a journey together. The paperback of The American Daughters is now out in stores everywhere. Thank you to everyone who ordered advance copies. If you’re in New Orleans, come to my book release at Community Book Center at 6pm Tuesday, March...

As a life long cinephile, this is a fun time of year for me. I’ve watched all the Oscar Best Picture nominees and kept track of the behind the scenes intrigue. Will the controversial Emilia Perez win any of its 13 nominations? Will Ariana Grande take home a statue? Is all of this kind of silly? Perhaps, but it’s fun too. So join me, won’t you? The Oscars are this Sunday, March 2. Are you rooting f...

Writing is a battlefield. The world is telling you not to go to the page, not to share your work, not to contribute. But writing ability is a gift you have a duty to share. Welcome to the Sitting in Silence Podcast by Maurice Carlos Ruffin. 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 e...

There’s nothing scarier than going on a spiritual journey to figure out who you are. But trust me when I say there are few things more rewarding. Moreover, it’s simply not possible to be an effective writer without self knowledge and perspective. Pieces of your self are scattered all over the world. Are you brave enough to go into the world and bring them home? Sitting in Silence is a reader-suppo...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com I hope you’re snug and warm with a cup of hot chocolate and fluffy cat wherever you are. Unless you’re allergic to cats, then I hope you have a nice horse or other exotic pet friend. Today, I talk about getting set for the twelve months ahead with some specific suggestions. Listen to the free teaser trai...

Hello, and welcome to Sitting in Silence , which is celebrating three years this month. I’m sorry to start the year on this note, but you may have heard someone attacked my city. I wrote a piece about it for Time Magazine , which was published just two days after the event. But that doesn't mean I’ve stopped thinking about it. I’ll probably never stop thinking about it. Here’s what I’m thinking to...

Happy New Year from Sitting in Silence! In today’s episode I talk about entering the New Year with a spirit of momentum. The first newsletter of the year will be out in a week or so. And new patron content too. I’m also putting out a call for topics. Is there something you’d like me to cover about writing, craft, worry, and joy? Let me know. All prices were reduced last month, and the holiday 1/2...

Here’s hoping the year has treated you well! From me at Sitting in Silence , may the holidays and New Year bring you into a brighter day. To help you take care of what matters in this commercialized season, today’s episode includes our patented micro guided breathing and meditation session. Reduced pricing is coming for Sitting in Silence premium subscribers, so be on the lookout. As well as a ver...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com For writers! Sitting in Silence is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Happy Holidays to you and yours. January will mark the three-year anniversary of the Sitting in Silence project. I plan a few more posts this year, then big changes in the New Year. In the meantime, this is a friendly reminder that my newest novel, The American Daughters , makes for a very nice Christmas present for the reader in your life. I recommend picking up a copy of any of my books (includi...

January will mark the three-year anniversary of the Sitting in Silence project. I plan a few more posts this year, then big changes in the New Year. In the meantime, this is a friendly reminder that my national bestselling novel, The American Daughters , makes for a very nice Christmas present for the reader in your life. I recommend picking up a copy of any of my books from your local bookseller,...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com And…we’re back post election. This isn’t a political podcast, but that doesn’t mean the podcast is not affected by politics. Something big has happened, and we’re barreling toward the end of the year. So what should writers being doing in this time? I have thoughts. Also, here’s a link to my latest book...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com This is the first in a series of posts about the things that keep writers up at night. There’s an unspoken of calendar that industry experts are well aware of but that is completely invisible to the uninitiated. In today’s pod, I’ll give you some insight into the dates that make the difference between pu...

No. This episode isn’t about who to vote for. You get enough of that in every other media outlet. Today, I’m talking about voting for yourself and your creative life. I’d vote for you. Will you do the same? Note: I apologize for the audio quality on this one. I had technical difficulties with the fancy microphone that I normally use. My cat unplugged it. I’m joking, of course. I don’t have a cat....

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com Structuring a novel isn’t easy, but it’s easier than you think. This is one of the questions I get more than any other so I hope you find this episode helpful. I’ve compiled these ideas from years of teaching creative writing. And here’s a link to my latest book . Be sure to like, rate, and review the sh...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com In this week’s craft chat, I’ll tell you what to do when you're overwhelmed. I’ve compiled these ideas from years of writing and teaching! And here’s a link to my latest book . Lastly, be sure to share, rate, and review. Hit me up with questions in the comments. Best wishes! Sitting in Silence is a reade...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com In this week’s quick hitter craft lesson, I’ll tell you how to know if you’re writing the right story. I’ve compiled these ideas from years of writing and teaching. Also, I’m running a special for my birthday in September. 20% off for new subscribers for one year. Feel free to share with the writer in yo...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com In this week’s quick hitter craft lesson, I explain what you must do to sell a book. I’ve compiled these ideas from years of writing and teaching. Also, I’m running a special for my birthday in September. 20% off for new subscribers for one year. Feel free to share with the writer in your life! And here’...

Sitting in Silence is your stalwart guide to writing, craft, worry & joy. 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

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com Happy Labor Day! In this week’s quick hitter craft lesson, I share the personality trait I’ve noticed in all successful authors. I’ve compiled these ideas from years of writing and teaching. Also, I’m running a special for my birthday in September. 20% off for new subscribers for one year. Feel free to s...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com In this week’s quick hitter craft lesson, I share the main mindset change every successful author must make to succeed. I’ve compiled these ideas from years of writing and teaching. Also, I’m running a special for my birthday in September. 20% off for new subscribers for one year. Feel free to share with...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com In this week’s quick hitter craft lesson, I share the most important three life changes every successful author must make to succeed. I’ve compiled these ideas from years of writing and teaching. Also, I’m running a special for my birthday in September. 20% off for new subscribers for one year. Feel free...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com In this week’s quick hitter craft lesson, I share my favorite writing tips compiled from years of reading and teaching. Also, I’m running a special for my birthday in September. 20% off for new subscribers for one year. Feel free to share with the writer in your life! And here’s a link to my latest book...

Sitting in Silence is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This episode is about using challenging times to advantage your creativity. 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