31 Evening Journaling Prompts for October

Chances are you’ve heard of Morning Pages—the practice popularized by Julia Cameron in The Artist’s Way, where you begin your day with three pages of stream-of-consciousness writing. Morning Pages can help clear mental clutter and spark creativity. But if you can’t pick up your journal until the end of the day – that’s OK! Maybe I should have titled this post “In Defense of Evening Pages.”

Journaling doesn’t have to be reserved for the morning hours. And I believe “evening pages” can be just as powerful. Writing at night helps you process the day, reflect on your wins, release frustrations, and set intentions for tomorrow. Evening journaling can calm your mind before bed, improve your sleep, and allow you to end the day with gratitude and clarity.

Since October is often seen as a season of reflection—with the year winding down and autumn inviting us to slow our pace—it’s the perfect time to start a nightly journaling ritual.

To help you get started, here are 31 evening journaling prompts for October—one for every day of the month.

(more…)

Southbound Food Festival: Every Story Has a Food Story

Southbound Food Festival brought ten days of culture and culinary delight to Birmingham, Alabama from September 19-28. Because I’ve been such a busy bee lately, I was out of town for most of this year’s activities, unfortunately. But I couldn’t miss Rooted: Women in Food, which was held on Saturday, September 20 at the Market at Pepper Place. Not only was the market packed with female artisans, but there were cooking demos from female chefs, book signings, panel discussions and more.

(more…)

How to Make the Most of a Writing Conference

You’ve signed up for a writing conference. Now what?

Whether you’re polishing your first manuscript, building your freelance career, or just craving some quality time with fellow writers, a conference can be a total game-changer. Attending a writing conference can be one of the best investments you make in your writing career, as they offer opportunities to learn, network, and find inspiration. But how do you make sure you walk away with more than just a tote bag full of handouts?

I recently attended the 2025 Alabama Writers Cooperative Conference in Orange Beach, Alabama. This was my second time attending. I had the honor of being the keynote speaker at last year’s conference. Each year, I’ve left with a journal full of ideas!

Here’s how you can make the most of the first or next writing conference you attend.

(more…)

An Open Letter to Romance Author Kennedy Ryan

Dear Kennedy Ryan,

You are coming to Birmingham — my hometown — for the first time ever this weekend, and I won’t be there. You’ll be in town on Saturday, September 13, for the Behind the Ink book festival hosted by Me Time Book Club. But I’ll be in Orange Beach, Alabama, for the Alabama Writers Cooperative Conference. The irony is not lost on me that I’m missing a chance to meet one of my favorite writers because I’m attending a writing conference.

I wrote an article about the event that’s bringing you to the Magic City and the woman who worked hard to make all this happen — K. Reshay Williams. But I also wanted to write this blog post, which is really an open letter, to say all I would try to say if I had a chance to meet you this weekend.

(more…)

3 Films Writers Should See at the 27th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival

The 27th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival in Birmingham, Alabama, is in full swing. Opening night of Sidewalk weekend is tonight – Friday, August 22 – but I’ve been trying to #sidewalksohard since Monday – attending spotlight nights, which highlight some of the must-see shorts and feature-length films in the following categories: Alabama Shorts (films by or about Alabamians), Life & Liberty (films that explore a number of issues related to the human condition), SHOUT (films that center the  LGBTQ+ experience), and Black Lens (films that center Black culture and issues).

This week I also had the chance to interview Lauren Melinda, writer and director of Before You, a short film that follows a couple in the wake of a decision they never thought they’d have to make: ending a planned pregnancy.  Before You, which stars Tony-nominated actress Tala Ashe and features Adam Rodriguez, will screen on Saturday, August 23rd at 8 pm, as part of the Sidewalk Film Festival. In addition to the screening, Melinda and her team have also helped organize a panel conversation at the festival on Sunday, August 24th at 5 pm, which will feature filmmakers and local advocates discussing the role that film plays in the fight for reproductive justice. 

The opening night film, Stolen Kingdom, delves into the irreverent world of YouTubers, ‘urban explorers’, and other misfits who investigate the forbidden off-limits locations behind the scenes at the Orlando Disney theme parks. The film reveals that “bad things happen at the happiest place on Earth!”

For my fellow writers, there are three films screening this weekend that feel made especially for us word nerds. While I think all films can help make us better storytellers, these films take that a bit further.

Here are three 27th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival picks for writers:

(more…)