Hi, I’m Dylan!
I’m a queer trans man and writer based in Brooklyn, New York.
What People Are Saying
“I’ve been down on myself because my journal has dust on it. What you wrote was a great reminder that it’s okay and I’ll be back.”
—Ryan F.“I really love how honest you are about writing and the writing process and all the feelings behind it.”
—Amelia M. Burton, The Ace Lit Corner“Thank you for letting us into your brain. It makes me feel less alone, and reminds me that resistance is there to be noticed.”
—Mattie Wyndham, I THNK ABT GHOSTS + INTIMACYWords & Work
I write about writing, big feelings, and small parts. Subscribe to get my words delivered to your email.
Mind the gap.
I’ve noticed that the more I step toward my authentic self, the more aware I feel of the gaps where I’m not being who I want to be or doing what I want to do. Here’s what I’m doing about that.
[Replay] The Black Sheep Podcast (Episode 1) with Luke Rashkovan
My friend Luke and I had a great conversation about writing and journaling for his new podcast, The Black Sheep Podcast.
How I start my journal entries
I start almost all my journal entries the same way. Today, I wanted to give you a few examples of what this process looks like in practice (and explain why it’s helpful for me).
journaling through expansion with pixiewithpens
painter-poet-creative chaos goblin pixie shares how her journaling helps her stretch and expand.
Write with reckless abandon.
There was a time when I couldn’t look at a blank page without feeling like I was looking down from the top of a roller coaster. Now, I write in my journal with reckless abandon.
Writing Through the Hard Times with Adrianna Nine
In this Q&A, Adrianna shares more about her journaling practice plus practical advice and other prompts you can use to write through the hard times with less self-criticism and more care.
Is journaling just a means to an end?
Journaling doesn’t have to be one set thing. It can be whatever you need it to be.
On Rewriting the Rules of Life with Amie McNee: A Written Q&A
In this Q&A, Amie shares how she uses journaling to invoke change in her life and show up better—for herself, her relationships, and her art.
Sounds like the perfect writing conditions.
The backyard is bustling this morning. Close my eyes and listen closely: I pick out the harsh cry of a blue jay, the caw of a passing crow, and the sweet whistle of a cardinal.
[Replay] Journaling for Tending to Self: A Live Chat with Kelly Laughlin
Kelly and I talk about how we each use writing as a tool for tending to self—through witnessing our feelings, weeding out unhelpful stories, creating the kind of pressure seedlings need to sprout, and more.
People want to say yes. Ask them.
People want to connect. They want to feel good. When you ask for what you want, you’re giving them a chance at what they want, too.
I am a connector.
I’ve been thinking about how I can connect you with more people, resources, and ideas to help you feel less alone and more inspired in your life and writing.
More Nice Things People Are Saying
“You ignite my writing, so thank you!”
—Luke Rashkovan, Life of Luke“That session was such an inspiring and thought-provoking experience. I am going to begin incorporating writing and connecting with myself into my day, I’m excited to find out what I can learn about myself.”
—Christoph R.“God, you’re good at dialogue.”
—Larell Scardelli“Love this article, Dylan! I agree that writer’s block is an emotional thing, usually perfectionism, that isn’t receiving the attention that it needs.”
—Rebecca Haynes, Letters from Gaia“You keep finding the way forward, and you show others how to do it.”
—Mark S.“The stream of consciousness + the attention to observation was beautiful, and then the realization as the reader that all of that built to what we’ve been reading this whole time was WONDERFUL.”
—Taylor Duffy“Love how you describe the love of writing. It’s definitely sacred!”
—Jonathan Nott, Art for Art's Sake“You’re a brilliant writer and storyteller. Your words paint vivid imagery that takes me to new places. It’s a gift to the world and to me for you to keep writing.”
—Richelle DeVoe, The Growth Guides“These are badass tips!! Thank you.”
—Joshua W.“the balance of accountability and comfort is so important and sometimes so hard to find. i’m gonna write these questions in my journal and come back to them from time to time <3”
—Luca Bo, The Wannabe PapersWork with Me
I’m interested in writing, copywriting, and other creative collabs. If you want to make something cool together, email me at dylanmichaeljulian@gmail.com to start the conversation.