Does writing make the world any better?

Sometimes when we look at the world, we struggle to feel writing is a real contribution.

This week, as I write this, the Middle East is an unfathomable maelstrom of pain and violence.

When looking at current events, it's difficult to justify pursuits like writing. Our critic can piggyback on this feeling of pointlessness, dragging us down into “why bother?”

I had a wonderful conversation this week, recording for The Secret Library with writer Huma Qureshi, about ways to persevere without writing in the face of these very real challenges. (That episode goes live on November 2, but until then, here’s a little of what we discussed and additional thoughts I’ve had since):