Member Spotlight: Michael Elliott

Why is writing important to you and why do you think it’s an important medium for the world? Writing allows me an outlet to pour my feelings and opinions onto the page, and to craft them into concise thoughts. I believe we can all use such a method to communicate more effectively.

What are your tried and tested remedies to cure writer’s block? Two things: read more books–they don’t have to relate to what you’re trying to write–and write more. Just write whatever comes into your head until it begins to make sense. You can always edit later.

What is your favorite time to write? Early in the morning–with coffee.

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received and would like to impart to other writers? Write every day, no matter what. Even if it’s just for ten minutes. You can find the time.

What excites you most about being a writer in today’s age? The ability to connect to people all over the world and conduct research from anywhere in the world without having to leave your desk.

Michael Elliott’s Have a Little Faith: The John Hiatt Story is out now with Chicago Review Press.