Benjamin Schaefer
@thebenschaefer
Followers
640
Following
10K
Media
154
Statuses
2K
Writer | Editor | @BardCollege & @ArizonaMFA Alum | Writing in @ElectricLit @GuernicaMag @LitHub @Southern_Review & Best American Nonrequired Reading
Rochester, NY
Joined June 2010
I wrote an essay about professional jealousy and disappointment, and the good people at @ElectricLit published it. Many thanks to @TheDenneMichele for championing this essay, and to @tkiramadden and @cpamzhang for allowing me to share this story.
electricliterature.com
Embracing disappointment is far more healthy than begrudging another writer their success
18
56
287
When rejections and almost-but-not-quites have you questioning your writing, read this.
0
4
11
For @ElectricLit, I wrote about rejection, alcoholism, and how I learned I can never get enough of something I do not need. https://t.co/kZRfcAxrlL
electricliterature.com
I can't sacrifice my writing for the business of advancing my career
0
5
10
This is a really good, challenging, yet encouraging essay on balancing the "creative mindset" and the "business mindset" when it comes to writing and publishing. Definitely worth the read! https://t.co/o4lGXUHPC2
electricliterature.com
I can't sacrifice my writing for the business of advancing my career
5
13
48
😍😍😍
This beautiful @ElectricLit essay by my friend (and extraordinary writer and editor) Benjamin Schaefer found me at the perfect time. Writers, you must read it! In comments.
0
0
3
On the benefit of spending more time in the creative mindset of writing, and less time in the business mindset
1
1
10
In an Electric Literature essay @thebenschaefer writes on rejection, acceptance ("the familiar rush of external gratification and validation."), and what we can do to stay mentally healthy as writers. We think Schaefer's essay is well worth your time. https://t.co/DABSxnj7hh
brevity.wordpress.com
From the Editors Here at The Brevity Blog, we love being in dialogue with other terrific literary sites. In a January 10th essay at Electric Literature, Benjamin Schaefer writes on rejection, and t…
1
5
28
For @ElectricLit, I wrote about rejection, alcoholism, and how I learned I can never get enough of something I do not need. https://t.co/kZRfcAxrlL
electricliterature.com
I can't sacrifice my writing for the business of advancing my career
0
5
10
Rejection is something every writer faces. But how do you press on when those rejections begin to feel overwhelming? Benjamin Schaefer (@thebenschaefer) has advice we all need to hear from time to time. https://t.co/ym0eiIaCr1
1
3
13
What a sweet pre-Halloween treat to see @ZMSalih1982's story "The Death of Alexander the Great" from The Rainbow Issue of @fairytalereview recognized in the back of this year's Best American Mystery and Suspense.
0
1
6
A few years ago I drafted a series of essays about the writing life from the perspective of 12-step recovery and mindfulness practice. I’m so grateful @ElectricLit will be publishing the rest of the series this year. Essay two, on competition, is live now.
electricliterature.com
A scarcity mentality tells me there are only so many pieces of the proverbial pie and that only the worthy get fed
2
7
27
I am absolutely OVER THE MOON to announce that @legroff and @HeidiPitlor have selected @shastriav's story "The Magic Bangle" from The Rainbow Issue of @fairytalereview for inclusion in the Best American Short Stories 2024!
7
6
52
Two years ago, I called Cat Powell and told her to send me a story for The Rainbow Issue because she's one of the best writers I know. She wrote "What's He Building in There" specifically for the issue. Now it's a finalist for The Shirley Jackson Award. 🏳️🌈 https://t.co/yYadD8oFrI
3
0
7
When it comes to feelings of writerly competition, remember: “Whatever comes, let it come. Whatever goes, let it go. What is meant for you is always meant for you.”
0
3
7
I am so pleased to see Val Rigodon's “Lipshine #18 Champagne Gold” and JD Scott's “The Selkie of the City Tells All” from The Rainbow Issue of @fairytalereview on this list.
0
2
7
The work is more important than the success and validation of the work. https://t.co/7NRLP8rPDa
electricliterature.com
A scarcity mentality tells me there are only so many pieces of the proverbial pie and that only the worthy get fed
0
3
5
Benjamin Schaefer (@thebenschaefer) explores a mindful approach to writerly competition. https://t.co/EF07qPMyws
0
2
2
Including wisdom from Julia Cameron (@J_CameronLive), @EvaHagberg, Russ Harris (@the_hap_trap), and @AlexanderChee.
A few years ago I drafted a series of essays about the writing life from the perspective of 12-step recovery and mindfulness practice. I’m so grateful @ElectricLit will be publishing the rest of the series this year. Essay two, on competition, is live now.
0
1
3
I love this @ElectricLit essay on mindfulness and competition by dear @thebenschaefer.
A few years ago I drafted a series of essays about the writing life from the perspective of 12-step recovery and mindfulness practice. I’m so grateful @ElectricLit will be publishing the rest of the series this year. Essay two, on competition, is live now.
1
1
2