No, You Can't Do This Writing Thing Alone.

Ripple in Still Water

You ever wonder what’s the point of all this writing? I mean, who needs to write in era where machines can do it in a flash and most people would rather mainline hours of video content? Well, I have an idea: You should write because it makes you feel alive, it makes you feel happy, and it makes you feel human. And if other’s want to join your little party, good for them. Sitting in Silence is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com/subscribe [https://mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

No, You Can't Do This Writing Thing Alone.

Whew. I just closed out my busiest month of the year. I wrote. I conducted panels and gave talks. That all took a lot of energy. But did you know it’s possible to recharge your battery? How? The secret is other writers. It turns out that being around others who love the written word as much of you can be quite life-affirming. I may feel worn out from a … This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com/subscribe [https://mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Guggenheim Win! [Breaking News]

Hi y’all, This is a brief BREAKING NEWS podcast episode about a very cool thing that happened today. I’ll be back with a regular newsletter but for now: thanks! Here’s a list of fiction winners. [https://www.gf.org/fellows?filter-fields=fiction] Sitting in Silence is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com/subscribe [https://mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

4th Annual Oscars Preview Episode!

I’ve finally done it. I ran my mouth for well over an hour. But it’s all for a good cause. In an era in which Hollywood is shrinking, streaming services dominate—can you believe people watch films on their cell phones?—and the theatrical experience is going the way of VHS rental stores, it’s a nice to thing to remember why we love going to the movies. I’m a life long film lover. That why you can trust me to deliver this year’s Annual Oscars Preview Episode wherein I list my Best Picture nominees from least favorite to most favorite. And discuss some of the other categories as well like Best Actor and Best Actress. I also explain who will win and why. The Oscars ceremony will be televised this Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 7pm EST. Who do you think will win and why? Tell me or just say hello in the comments. Also consider becoming a patron subscriber to keep this show on the road! Sitting in Silence is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com/subscribe [https://mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

No, Literary Publishing Isn't Dead. The Opposite is True.

Every year they say book publishing is dead. Every year they’re wrong. When will they stop saying that? Listen to today’s podcast on what’s really happening in publishing. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com/subscribe [https://mauricecarlosruffin.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]