I’ve taught creative writing for decades at Rutgers and The New School and private workshops. At Beyond, I interview some of our greatest writers: Cheryl Strayed, Alexander Chee, Dani Shapiro, Ross Gay, Rebecca Makkai, and so many others and, amongst other things, ask them about their craft. I view these interviews as a tool to help other writers grow and hone their craft.

Here’s the latest with Maggie Smith. She discusses the importance of both routine and the unknown in her writing practice.