So you're thinking about petsitting for Winnie All names have been changed to protect the innocent... and the douchebags

open.substack.com/pub/yearofwr...

Quote graphic from Lani Diane Rich’s Substack, Year of Writing Magically: “You think about the next poor sucker who’s going to get conned into sitting for this douchebag, and you start writing this guide. You feel a little bad about it, but then you remember what Anne Lamott said. If people wanted you to write warmly about them, they should have behaved better. You keep writing.” Attributed to the essay “So you’re thinking about petsitting for Winnie.” Background is a blurred photo of colorful dog toys on a pink background.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Names have been changed to protect the innocent, and the douchebag.

Timeline has been altered to help me hit my deadline.

Otherwise… entirely true story.

Democracy.io - Contact your Members of Congress Democracy thrives when people’s voices are heard. Send a message to your legislatures using EFF's simple new tool.

democracy.io

On Nicholas Brendon And, also… other things.

open.substack.com/pub/yearofwr...

“And then, somehow, by the transitive power of Daddy Issues, my saving them would magically undo my failure to save the first man who ever failed me.”

“I spent much of my youth yearning after these men and trying to fix them, running through their rainstorms with a bucket, trying to catch as much water as I could bear to carry, as if returning their storms to them would somehow make them whole again.

“In my youth, the Xander and Chandler types were catnip for me. At the risk of sounding like a bit of a cliché, these guys were not a million miles away from my dad. Smart, quippy, sad, in need of saving.

I can report that if you call the Congressional switchboard right now, a very nice lady will likely answer and direct you to the voicemail for your senators and rep. 202-224-3121

She answered all three times I called. Doesn't seem like they're that busy right now.

On dragons and villagers Believe it or not… this is about winning.

@lanidianerich.com nails it. On dragons and villagers open.substack.com/pub/yearofwr...

Walking on broken glass Content Warning: There is a lot of societal context in this essay with the potential to yuck your yum. Do not let it.

Psssst.

Don't let anyone yuck your yum.

Not even me.
open.substack.com/pub/yearofwr...

Glad to hear it. Good to see you!

Oh, I’ve missed you, Garrett. Clearly, you are my people. How are you?

The irrelevance of excellence Like many things we chase, it's the pursuit that makes us stumble the most

Excellence can be a wonderful thing, but instead of chasing it, maybe we let it find us where we already are.

open.substack.com/pub/yearofwr...

We need to catch up! Expect an email soon! MWAH!

I’m with you. 1000%. Also…. HI! Been way too long!

Body doubling and spoons How disability activists and researchers can help you write your novel

Today on Dear Writer, I take inspiration from disability advocates and learn how to work with myself as a creative, instead of against myself.

#WritingCommunity #amwriting

open.substack.com/pub/dearwrit...

Have you heard about Nano2.org? If you miss #Nanowrimo and would love to participate without feeling conflicted… check it out!

#Writing #writer #fictionwriting #novelwriting Go to yearofwritingmagically.com to learn more about how to write your novel in 2026! TikTok video by Lani Diane Rich | Story Expert

So.

Some news.

I live in a van now.

Also, the Year of Writing Magically 2026 cohort is now open for registration! You wanna write a novel in ‘26 as part of a tight community of writers? Sign up today, because in March, we RIDE!

www.tiktok.com/@lanidianeri...

Do you own or work in a comic book store? You should be on ComicBooked.org

Penis, Demon, Money, Snake: Lani Diane Rich on "Reptile Boy" Buffering the Vampire Slayer | A Buffy the Vampire Slayer Podcast · Episode

I’m on @bufferingcast.bsky.social today talking about “Reptile Boy.” Has such a great time with Jenny & Kristin, and it was SO much fun to talk snoot Buffy again!

open.spotify.com/episode/1c52...

Screenshot of a poster saying

‘Morning…Mourning 🌺💔💙🇺🇸🇺🇸💔

So glad we all get to experience the Most Ironic Independence Day In American History.

Narrative Theory for Science Communication I was recently invited to give a talk with the IEEE Women in Engineering webinar series. It was a lovely experience, and I wanted to share the presentation with you. In this workshop, we learn how …

If your work or education involves science communication, this class may be of interest to you. My full presentation and slides with IEEE Women in Engineering are available at no cost on my website: maryrobinettekowal.com/journal/narr...

How unhinged does a president have to be to invoke the 25th Amendment? Asking for a nation that can't tolerate this shit for another second.

"This is what you get when you order your 79th birthday celebration from Temu, but didn't pay the tariffs."

Same same! See you at the next one! 😊

#Boulder #NoKings

Ha! I saw you there! Loved the sign!

So, what did you do today?

3. Drafting (June 21, 2025 – September 6, 2025) | Year of Writing Magically Drafting: Writing the Story Only You Can TellDates: June 21, 2025 – September 6, 2025Live Sessions: Saturdays at 1 PM MSTThe Year of Writing Magically’s third module, Drafting, is dedicated to getting...

Imagine Nanowrimo, but you get 3 months instead of 1, with a tight, supportive community, and daily sharing of snippets where the only feedback is, “What’s your favorite part?”

It’s so fun, it’s $50. The world is on fire.

Write your novel.

#writing

www.yearofwritingmagically.com/drafting