Craft Advice with Susan Cain

On following your nose, taking notes no matter where you are, organizing your writing, the joy of research, writing what you love, and pulling it all together! Plus, an inspiring writing prompt!

Intimate conversations with our greatest heart-centered minds.

Susan writing at Doma in NYC

Susan Cain

’s prose is somehow practical and accessible and lyrical and almost dreamy. I can get lost in these worlds she conjures to illustrate how we humans get through life — worlds based in both extensive years-and-years-long research and her own keen and big-hearted observations. She organizes her thoughts into succinct yet abundant chapters. There’s wonderful drive, yet the pace feels leisurely and comfortable. The people and their landscapes leap to life, and have stayed with me long after finishing the books. This is writing we can all learn from.

Susan has written two marvelous books: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking and Bittersweet: How Sorrow And Longing Make Us Whole both of which were New York Times bestsellers. Bittersweet was picked for the Oprah Book Club. It was a treat to speak with Susan about what went into crafting them.

If you missed part one of our interview, you can read it here.

Deepest, most gigantic thank you to all the paid subscribers whose support for Beyond also supports The DeTommaso Dogs. We were able to make another generous donation this month which helps keep these sweet doggos healthy and off the streets.

Where do you write?

Ideally, I'm writing in a cafe. I love the "alone together" feeling. I love feeling other people's energy in a situation where you're anonymous. You're not necessarily interacting, but you're there together. And, if the music is the right selection at the right decibel level, I just love everything about cafes.

That's so cool. I would never have expected that as your answer! Do you wear headphones? Or are you present to all the noise and activity, but still able to focus?