inspired by my to-do list and Amy Poehler
Earlier this evening, I finished my slides for my News Reporting class tomorrow. The dinner that Loui was cooking smelled amazing. The Oscars were playing on the TV.
What a good Sunday night, I thought as I looked at my to-do list, ready to check off my last item for the day.
Then I saw, “March 2: Write and send out newsletter,” and thought, Dang it.
I wasn’t immediately inspired looking at my list of newsletter ideas—though I do count it as a win that I keep that ongoing list! Then I was distracted by Amy Poehler, whom I love, beginning to present the Oscars for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Screenplay.
“I believe it was William Shakespeare,” she said, “who said, ‘Writing is a bitch.’”
Excuse my quotation of that language, but it was perfect timing—right as I was thinking that I needed to write something, even though I really didn’t feel like it. I laughed out loud.
In the spirit of finding inspiration and writing even when you don’t want to, I’m sharing the books I’ve read so far this year that have inspired me to create:
Working: Researching, Interviewing, Writing by Robert A. Caro
When preparing to teach News Reporting, I searched best books about writing, and this was on many lists. It was an excellent book that I have returned to again and again for myself and for my students, including in tomorrow’s lecture.
The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White
A forever classic.
Writing Tools: 55 Essential Strategies for Every Writer by Roy Peter Clark
This is a perfect opportunity to mention that people inspire and motivate me, too, in addition to books. This was also on those best writing books lists I found, and I realized that this book was already on my bookshelf—Kakie Urch, my journalism professor and mentor, gifted it to me several years ago. She knew what I needed before I knew I needed it.
Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
I’ve long seen this artist’s books recommended, and finally I borrowed this and his second book from my friend Kris. The thesis of this book is that you should find inspiration in others’ good work and that you should build a community of artists. Borrowing this book from a fellow creator was appropriate.
The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Coates writers that he cares about “the discipline of voice, the use of verbs, the length and brevity of sentences, and the curiosity of mind behind those sentences.” I care about those things, too.
Remembered Rapture: The Writer at Work by bell hooks
A favorite quote from this book: “The bookstore reading remains one of the most democratic locations where ideas are exchanged in our society.”
Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers by Deborah Heiligman
I actually have about 40 pages left in this book (another thing to do tonight). It’s been a lovely read. I’ve enjoyed reading about Vincent Van Gogh working, becoming better at his craft. He wrote in a letter to a fellow artist, “I keep on making what I can’t do yet in order to learn to be able to do it.” Also shout-out to one of the best episodes of television of all time, Doctor Who’s “Vincent and the Doctor.”
Thanks for reading my slightly phoned-in newsletter, and if you’re looking for more to read, you can visit my 2025 book list here.