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Narrative Threads : Essays on the Writing Life
NARRATIVE Essays on the Writing LifeStories don't just happen—they work on us as much as we work on them.
In this illuminating collection, author and podcaster Hank Garner invites readers into the messy, magical, and often mysterious world of creative writing. Drawing from over a decade of conversations with nearly 2,000 authors and his own journey as a storyteller, Garner weaves together insights that both demystify and re-enchant the writer's craft.
From John Prine's ability to step outside himself and become an "old woman named after my mother," to the false promise of waiting for the Muse ("a heartless, two-timing hussy"), to finding the courage to share your authentic voice in a world of algorithms and expectations—these essays offer wisdom without pretension, encouragement without empty platitudes.
Inside these pages, you'll
Why "writer's block" might be your subconscious trying to tell you something importantHow to embrace the "gift of anonymity" before publication changes everythingWhy listening to real conversations might be the key to writing authentic dialogueThe surprising value in writing short when you're dreaming longHow to stop "editing out your voice" in pursuit of perfectionWhether you're a seasoned author navigating the publishing landscape, a hopeful beginner facing the intimidating blank page, or simply curious about the creative process, these essays remind us that storytelling is not just about craft—it's about connecting with something larger than ourselves.
With warmth, humor, and hard-won wisdom, Narrative Threads celebrates the profound magic of bringing stories to life and invites writers to approach their work with renewed purpose, authenticity, and joy.
Perfect for fans of Anne Lamott's "Bird by Bird," Stephen King's "On Writing," and Elizabeth Gilbert's "Big Magic."
In this illuminating collection, author and podcaster Hank Garner invites readers into the messy, magical, and often mysterious world of creative writing. Drawing from over a decade of conversations with nearly 2,000 authors and his own journey as a storyteller, Garner weaves together insights that both demystify and re-enchant the writer's craft.
From John Prine's ability to step outside himself and become an "old woman named after my mother," to the false promise of waiting for the Muse ("a heartless, two-timing hussy"), to finding the courage to share your authentic voice in a world of algorithms and expectations—these essays offer wisdom without pretension, encouragement without empty platitudes.
Inside these pages, you'll
Why "writer's block" might be your subconscious trying to tell you something importantHow to embrace the "gift of anonymity" before publication changes everythingWhy listening to real conversations might be the key to writing authentic dialogueThe surprising value in writing short when you're dreaming longHow to stop "editing out your voice" in pursuit of perfectionWhether you're a seasoned author navigating the publishing landscape, a hopeful beginner facing the intimidating blank page, or simply curious about the creative process, these essays remind us that storytelling is not just about craft—it's about connecting with something larger than ourselves.
With warmth, humor, and hard-won wisdom, Narrative Threads celebrates the profound magic of bringing stories to life and invites writers to approach their work with renewed purpose, authenticity, and joy.
Perfect for fans of Anne Lamott's "Bird by Bird," Stephen King's "On Writing," and Elizabeth Gilbert's "Big Magic."
54 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2025
About the author
Hank Garner
38 books38 followersHank Garner is the author of Bloom, Mulligan, and The Witching Hour. Southern fantasy/sci fi.
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