Sara Hicks

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5 Things: Writing, the W, and Soham

Here’s what grabbed my attention this week. The craft of writing, a little laughter and dread, playoff basketball, a podcast I can’t wait for, and something from yoga practice. Friday at Five.

  • The Philosophy of Professional Writing, Brandon Sanderson’s Writing Lecture #1 (2025). This is a great video for anyone interested in the craft of writing. It’s the first lecture in his 2025 course at BYU, and there’s plenty here even if science fiction and fantasy aren’t what you write. He talks about experimenting to find your own process, learning through actually doing the work, and the value of writing even when you have no plans to publish. A good reminder that we’re allowed to do something simply because we love it.

  • SNL on AI. This will make you laugh and then cry when you remember that the dangers we’re all facing with AI aren’t funny. It’s downright scary. Sometimes comedy gets you to sit with something you’d really rather look away from. This is one of those times.

  • WNBA playoffs and a little Rookie of the Year joy. We’re avid fans of the W. It’s been so fun to watch this season and now the playoffs. I loved seeing Olivia Miles, The Spectacle, receive her Rookie of the Year award from her parents. Seeing her get emotional brought a wee tear to my eye. A highlight of the year, though, has also been WNBA Art. Her drawings bring me so much joy. If you’re following the games, add her to your feed.

  • Make Great Software with Chris & Gina. My good friend Gina and her business partner Chris are launching a podcast, and this is going to be must-see, must-listen, must-learn. The title gives you a pretty good idea of what they’re getting into. Their site has links to subscribe and a mailing list so you can find out when the first episode drops. I can’t wait.

  • Soham. My yoga instructor talked about this in practice this week. A Sanskrit mantra often translated as “I am that,” it expresses a connection between the individual self and universal reality. It’s also used with the breath: “so” on the inhale, “ham” on the exhale. A little something to carry out of practice and into the rest of the week. I am that.

#5Things