In 2024, I Resolve to Fail More

If you're not failing, you're not in the game.

Dear Friends,

I learned the value of failure recently, in a class called The Art of Rejection taught by humorist

Elissa Bassist

and now the way I look at failure and rejection has changed my life.

Here’s a quick video recap of my new take on failure.

And here is a story I told on our podcast, Writing Class Radio, called, “I’ve Been Rejected 643 Times. Here’s Why I Resolve to Fail More.”

Also, recently released on Writing Class Radio, a story by

Claire Tak

about the guilt and responsibility she felt to take care of her younger brother, who is now in prison. Claire’s story is an excellent example of how to write a story that spans years. She also uses an object—a letter from her brother—as a device to take us through the story. Beautifully told. Click below to listen.

We had an AMAZING time in December at our 6th Annual Writing Bootcamp.

And here’s a recent essay by host Allison Langer published in Business Insider about what it feels like to take care of an aging parent who doesn’t seem to care as much as she does about his health. Notice how Allison calls herself out, which is a perfect example of being a narrator the reader can trust.

If you want to write with us in 2024, come on down. Click to join FIRST DRAFT.

That’s all for 2023. We’ll be back in 2024 with a bigger mountain of rejections. Send out your stories. Keep swinging. Go for it.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Love,

Andrea Askowitz