Creativity is survival
Sustenance opens in 48 hours
My writing mentor used to always tell me the same thing when I’d complain that I was too stressed to write: It doesn’t make sense to stop your medicine.
And what she meant was—when you’re busy or exhausted or depressed, don’t quit the practice that makes you feel most alive: making slow chewy art.
Don’t refuse medicine when you’re dying.
When I founded my writing community four years ago, I named it Sustenance (and not ENDURANCE, ha) because I believe that creativity is essential nourishment. It’s necessary to our ability to survive. As Audre Lorde says: poetry is not a luxury.
Your creativity isn’t a hobby but your life force. It’s the antidote to despair.
If you’re looking for a place to finally be fed, my craft-driven writing community, Sustenance, opens its doors in 48 hours to 40 new members. We support essayists and poets who are ready to seriously pursue craft, take risks in their work, and finally bring their words into the world. It’s a space where you’ll be held, even in your dry seasons.
Sustenance hosts monthly feedback sessions with MFA-level mentors, renowned guest speakers like Ellen Bass, Chen Chen, Marie Howe, and Pam Houston, along with writing challenges, generative sessions, IRL quarterly meet-ups, and small groups. Writer’s. com recently named us as a top writing community of 2025.
In an effort to offer intimate support and connection, we’re capping our community this year at 250 poets and essayists. We have 40 open spots until we hit our cap. That means this may be the last time to join for a while. Tuition will increase next year.
The link for sign up will be emailed out this Thursday (1/15) at 1 pm PST to the waitlist only. Spots typically fill within minutes. If you’ve been longing for creative nourishment, now’s the chance. Join us. ♥️
Just joined sustenance!!! ❤️🥳
Yes! Creativity is how we evolve our society for better quality of life!