Earlier this week I discovered a fascinating book called The Story Grid. Written by Shawn Coyne, an accomplished editor, it’s a framework for analyzing stories—what’s working, what’s not, and why. The approach is thoughtful, rigorous, and provocative.

But here’s what really struck me: it was all new to me.

As a nonfiction writer, I wasn’t expecting to learn so much from a book about storytelling and fiction. Yet page after page, I found insights I could apply to my own work. And the feeling of discovering a new way of thinking? Energizing.

That’s the power of lifelong learning.

Every time you step outside your comfort zone, you sharpen your skills, expand your perspective, and keep your creative energy alive. Whether it’s a new book, a workshop, a tool, or a conversation with another writer, every fresh lesson adds fuel to your writing fire.

As writers, we sometimes think we should have it “all figured out.” But the truth is, the best writers are lifelong learners. They stay curious. They borrow from other fields. They let new ideas spark new growth.

So this week I have two questions for you:

• What’s something you’ve learned recently that has helped your writing?

• What’s something you could learn today that would help you grow as a writer?

Please hit reply and let me know!

Happy writing,

Trevor