this piece of advice hit

(plus, a retreat opportunity in Massachusetts!)

Hey y’all!

This weekend I’m hanging out in Grand Rapids at Calvin University’s Festival of Faith and Writing. It’s been an absolute joy to see many industry friends, and the collective artistic energy has gone a long way toward rousing the slumbering creativity in my soul. (It’s been a long dry winter, in case I haven’t mentioned it.)

(That is sarcasm. I know I’ve been insufferable.)

As my friend and unofficial personal embodiment coach

Ellie Roscher

so gently said to me, sometimes when we’re feeling stuck or uninspired we have to physically put our bodies in situations to say "Look, see, you’re a writer. You’re doing the things that writers do." Isn’t that the most practical advice for writer’s block — or fill in the blank for whatever kind of block is your personal block — that you’ve ever heard?

the wizened sage herself

Highlights have included a thoughtful Q&A with the humbly captivating Yaa Gyasi, getting quality time with my agent Keely Boeving and editor Matt Burdette, hearing poet Jessica Jacobs read selections from her new book unalone, and, most of all, beholding Anthony Doerr’s absolute Masterclass of a keynote. But there has also been a lot of silliness in good company, a lot of sweet introvert time on my own, and even some delicious baby-holding. (Thanks,

Lyndsey Medford

.) All in all, a big win.

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Upcoming Retreat

Are you in the Massachusetts area and in need of a spiritual reset? I’m coming your way soon, and I’d love to have you join me for a day retreat on the beautiful grounds of the Genesis Spiritual Life & Conference Center in Westfield, MA.

We’ll be exploring a variety of prayer practices that engage our five senses, bodies, and hearts in order to experience renewed union with God.

A Million Ways to Pray: A Day Retreat

April 26, from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

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Apropros of nothing but a good time, here’s a college photo of me that I found on a friend’s Facebook page this week. I believe this was at a Sum41 concert. Any other millennial female out there go through a necktie phase when Avril Lavigne was at her peak? Good times, 2002. Good times.

I hope you soak up some sunshine this week. And if you listen to the new albums from Maggie Rogers or Vampire Weekend while you do it, all the better.

Love,

Shannon