"You may be a writer if: the right words keep you up nights." See also: hell, yes.

Alex Payne on embracing your harsh critics:
"Cheerleaders aren’t in love with your business. They care about your business, but from an emotional distance. If you treat them wrong, they’ll disappear and find a newer, happier company to cheerlead at. Critics, conversely, won’t just weather the storm with you, they’ll show up on Monday with a plan for a better umbrella. Who do you want to work with?"

Shawn Blanc begs us to write passionately

Terrible speech, great essay. Still matters to anyone who isn't living the dream.