Writing about how writers and artists work, in three books and a twice-monthly newsletter
“Amazing stories and quirky anecdotes about how creative people structure their days (and get work done). Whenever I don’t feel like writing, I read Subtle Maneuvers and feel inspired.”
—Jillian Hess, Noted
Subtle Maneuvers
“A brain massage for when you don’t know what to do next. Mason illuminates the most interesting rituals of the most interesting people, and teaches us how to expand our creative minds.”
—Kara Cutruzzula, Brass Ring
“If you only subscribe to one newsletter, make it this one.”
—Hurley Winkler, Lonely Victories
New issues of the newsletter are free for all, but paid subscribers get several additional perks, including the weekday Worm Zoom—a daily dose of accountability and camaraderie for writers, artists, and anyone else trying to focus on a creative project. Join us anytime.
Subtle Maneuvers is a fortnightly newsletter on routines, rituals, and wriggling through a creative life.
The title comes from a letter Franz Kafka sent in 1912. He wrote:
Time is short, my strength is limited, the office is a horror, the apartment is noisy, and if a pleasant, straightforward life is not possible then one must try to wriggle through by subtle maneuvers.
Anyone trying to pursue an ambitious creative project has probably felt this way from time to time. Reading about how other people have done it—how they made time and found strength for their creative work in the face of all sorts of daily obstacles—can be inspiring and comforting.
Hence this newsletter. Every other Tuesday, subscribers will get a glimpse into how writers, artists, and other inspired minds actually got it done (or didn’t get it done!).