Sitting in Silence

Thanks for listening to today’s show, where I talk about the gumption all successful authors have. The universe can feel like it’s pushing against you, but it’s actually inviting you on a journey of discovery. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to Sitting in Silence, the podcast about writing, craft, worry & joy. In today’s important meditation, we’ll chat about the material you’re ignoring. Many writers go looking for exotic ideas when the best is right under their nose. I’ll be teaching a two-session online class on July 23 & 30 at 6 pm EST called Starting and Finishing Novels. Lastly, my latest book is on sale now. The American Daughters is a national bestseller! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.comHi folks, today I talk about plotting and characterization technique I find very helpful when writing my books. I hope it helps you as well. Huzzah!Sitting in Silence is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Also, I’m teaching a novel writing class later this month. Check h…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.comWelcome to Maurice Carlos Ruffin’s Sitting in Silence, the podcast about writing, craft, worry & joy. Thanks to everyone for making this space one of the most popular on Substack. And thanks to the new patrons. We have years of material in the archives for you to peruse.Sitting in Silence is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and supp…

Welcome to Sitting in Silence, the podcast about writing, craft, worry & joy. It can be hard to take stock of your life. Sometimes when we look in the mirror, we don’t necessarily like what we see. But it’s human to have doubts about our life paths. I’m here to tell you that it’s alright. It’s always alright.Sitting in Silence is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Thanks to all the new listeners. Last month, Sitting in Silence had its highest listenership yet! Say hi in the comments if you liked today’s post. News and Notes:Get ready for my dear friend Jami Attenberg’s 1000 Words of Summer. I’m teaching an online class called “Five Things I’ve Learned Too Late about Publishing My First Book.” May 18, 2025 at 8 pm EST.I’m also teaching an online class June 9 at 7 pm EST called Developing an Effective Book Pitch. It’s one session designed to give you what you need in a fleet two hour package. I know how busy you are.In the meantime, find me in-person at the Annapolis Book Festival. I’m doing two panels Saturday, May 3, 2025.And I’ll be speaking on a panel at the Deep South Convening called “Building Literary Community Without Leaving Home.” Live at 11:30 am CST, Saturday, May 24. If you’re near Alabama, say hi.Get my latest paperback, The American Daughters, here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to Sitting in Silence, the podcast about writing, craft, worry & joy.I saw the movie Sinners last week and enjoyed it greatly. I’ve also been following the controversy around that film as well as around a certain football player who was drafted far lower than projected. WAIT! Before you scroll away because you’re not a film or football person, I promise this all ties into our work as writers. By the way, that cover image is from the Turkish addition of my first book, We Cast a Shadow. Isn’t she a beauty?Enjoy and please leave a comment below. I’m teaching an online class called “Five Things I’ve Learned Too Late about Publishing My First Book.” May 18, 2025 at 8 pm EST.I’m also teaching an online class June 9 at 7 pm EST called Developing an Effective Book Pitch. It’s one session designed to give you what you need in a fleet two hour package. I know how busy you are.In the meantime, find me in-person at the Annapolis Book Festival. I’m doing two panels Saturday, May 3, 2025.And I’ll be speaking on a panel at the Deep South Convening called “Building Literary Community Without Leaving Home.” Live at 11:30 am CST, Saturday, May 24. If you’re near Alabama, say hi.Get my latest paperback, The American Daughters, here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com/subscribe

The AWP ‘25 Conference in Los Angeles was a real blast. I saw so many amazing writers and unbelievable sights. Today, I talk about what I learned this time around. And what it takes to keep writing in uncertain times. (P.S. I’m going to continue to suggest that AWP be held in New Orleans sooner rather later.) If you’re on Apple Music or similar, please rate, like, and review this episode. It really helps!Sitting in Silence is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com/subscribe

There are only two ways for an author to sustain herself in times of turbulence. Welcome to The Sitting in Silence Podcast by Maurice Carlos Ruffin. Let’s take a journey together. The paperback of The American Daughters is now out in stores everywhere. Thank you to everyone who ordered advance copies. If you’re in New Orleans, come to my book release at Community Book Center at 6pm Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Join the conversation by leaving a comment below. Sitting in Silence is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com/subscribe

As a life long cinephile, this is a fun time of year for me. I’ve watched all the Oscar Best Picture nominees and kept track of the behind the scenes intrigue. Will the controversial Emilia Perez win any of its 13 nominations? Will Ariana Grande take home a statue? Is all of this kind of silly? Perhaps, but it’s fun too. So join me, won’t you?The Oscars are this Sunday, March 2. Are you rooting for any movies or actresses? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear from you!Sitting in Silence is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com/subscribe

Writing is a battlefield. The world is telling you not to go to the page, not to share your work, not to contribute. But writing ability is a gift you have a duty to share. Welcome to the Sitting in Silence Podcast by Maurice Carlos Ruffin.Sitting in Silence is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com/subscribe

There’s nothing scarier than going on a spiritual journey to figure out who you are. But trust me when I say there are few things more rewarding. Moreover, it’s simply not possible to be an effective writer without self knowledge and perspective. Pieces of your self are scattered all over the world. Are you brave enough to go into the world and bring them home?Sitting in Silence is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.comWelcome to Maurice Carlos Ruffin’s Sitting in Silence, the podcast about writing, craft, worry & joy. Thanks to everyone for making this space one of the most popular on Substack. And thanks to the new patrons. We have years of material in the archives for you to peruse.Sitting in Silence is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and supp…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.comWhew. I just closed out my busiest month of the year. I wrote. I conducted panels and gave talks. That all took a lot of energy. But did you know it’s possible to recharge your battery? How? The secret is other writers. It turns out that being around others who love the written word as much of you can be quite life-affirming. I may feel worn out from a …

I’ve finally done it. I ran my mouth for well over an hour. But it’s all for a good cause. In an era in which Hollywood is shrinking, streaming services dominate—can you believe people watch films on their cell phones?—and the theatrical experience is going the way of VHS rental stores, it’s a nice to thing to remember why we love going to the movies. I’m a life long film lover. That why you can trust me to deliver this year’s Annual Oscars Preview Episode wherein I list my Best Picture nominees from least favorite to most favorite. And discuss some of the other categories as well like Best Actor and Best Actress. I also explain who will win and why.The Oscars ceremony will be televised this Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 7pm EST. Who do you think will win and why? Tell me or just say hello in the comments. Also consider becoming a patron subscriber to keep this show on the road!Sitting in Silence is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com/subscribe

Every year they say book publishing is dead. Every year they’re wrong. When will they stop saying that? Listen to today’s podcast on what’s really happening in publishing. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com/subscribe

I still dream that one day AWP will wake up and come to New Orleans (it feels like a no-brainer, right?). But until then, I’ll leave my writing nest like the rest of you and have an adventure. In today’s episode, I’ll talk about how special this conference is as well as how vital our connection to our overall literary community is.If you’re reading this, say hi below. And smash that like button on your podcast app. It does wonders for people finding Sitting in Silence. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com/subscribe

Hi, this is repost of yesterday’s episode, which had a technical problem.Enjoy this year’s final patron podcast on the importance of committing oneself to making good art. Happy holidays! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com/subscribe

Hello, Dear Listeners! Isn’t it crazy that January is mostly over? It’s been said that you don’t have to get ready if you stay ready. Are you doing what you can to foster your writing life? Could you do more? What steps have you taken make a path for yourself?Thanks to all the new patrons and Sitting in Silence Club members who have joined over the past month. You make this space possible. Not a supporter? Consider a month-pass for $5, which will give you full access to four full years(!) of writing, inspirational, and life planning related archives. It’s a steal of a deal.Sitting in Silence is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Ready to comment? Do it below! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com/subscribe

Happy New Year, friends! In today’s podcast, let’s level-set on dedication. What are you making this year? What are you willing to do to make that dream come to fruition?Sitting in Silence is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Thanks for reading Sitting in Silence ! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com/subscribe

Nothing like a 202-year old poem to get you into that holiday spirit, right? Grab your hot chocolate, marshmallows, and cozy up with the family around the fireplace while I recite this classic for you. Merry Christmas to all who observe! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com/subscribe