Craft of Writing

Craft of Writing, Creativity, Essays, Humor, Memoir, Non Fiction, Short Stories, Writers on Writing

Nov 26: Gary Lippman Sends Wishes to His Muse & Others

June 17, 2026

From fantastical to deeply personal, Lippman explores wishes in I Wish, Therefore I Am

I Wish, Therefore I Am with author Gary Lippman

What would you wish for if you really let yourself?

Never content to color inside the lines, Gary Lippman‘s writing breaks form on purpose. He’s self-reflective, critical, humorous, philosophical, creative, constantly pushing the envelope as a writer and author. And he’s not afraid to share and discuss his own neuroses.

I Wish, Therefore I Am; or, This Here Is a List of Humble Appeals to Dame Fortune is exactly what it sounds like; and nothing like you’d expect.

We discuss: Why Gary strives to shatter traditional narrative structure. The writers and mentors who shaped how he views the world. And what this strange, funny, surprisingly vulnerable book taught him about himself.

We read some of Gary’s wishes aloud – from anxiety and self-doubt to love, longing, and the things we’re almost too embarrassed to admit we want. It’s a conversation about human nature. The big questions. The small questions. The petty, funny, and deeply relatable ones too.

Meet Gary Lippman

Gary Lippman served as an attorney on a pro bono basis with The Innocence Project before focusing on his writing. As an author, journalist, and cultural commentator, Lippman is known for his inventive storytelling and keen eye for the eccentricities of human nature. His work has appeared in The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Vice, and numerous literary journal. His novel, Set the Controls for the Heart of Sharon Tate, won praise for its originality and darkly comic voice. Lippman’s latest book, I Wish, therefore I Am; or, This Here Is a List of Humble Appeals to Dame Fortune, showcases his signature blend of humor, insight, and genre-bending.

Dec 03: What Makes A Story? A Day, A Life, A Year. And You.

December 3, 2025

#1 New York Times bestselling author shares You The Story: A Writer’s Guide to Craft Through Memory

You the Story with author Ruta Sepetys

During the pandemic, award-winning historical fiction author Ruta Sepetys turned inward.

“I discovered,” she says, “that the most meaningful aspects [of story] dwell within what I call the wave. That wave is heartbreak, hope, humor, and humiliation.”

We all experience those feelings. And in You The Story: A Writer’s Guide to Craft Through Memory, we explore how small moments can become powerful stories. We look at the elements of story construction, and how to tap into your emotions, find gems in humor, and discover rhythm from simple everyday things such as the way someone speaks. We also share how to discover your voice, your vision, your inspiration, and much more about storytelling.

“It is less about where we have traveled or worked or if we have experienced grand adventures,” says Ruta. “It is more about the interior landscape. And through that, we all have a story.”

Meet Ruta Sepetys

An internationally acclaimed, #1 New York Times bestselling author of historical fiction, Ruta Sepetys is a Carnegie Medal Finalist; her books have won or been shortlisted for over 40 awards. Ruta’s work on human resilience garnered invitations to speak at NATO, the European Parliament, the U.S. Capitol, the Library of Congress, and Embassies worldwide. Ruta Sepetys was presented the Cross of the Knight of the Order by the President of Lithuania for her contributions to education and memory preservation. She was also honored with a postage stamp containing her image. You The Story: A Writer’s Guide to Craft Through Memory is Ruta’s first nonfiction book.