Why Writing Requires Teamwork

Weekly roundup: New "Let's Fix Stories!" episode, why art really CAN change the world, and why creatives thrive in collaboration

Weekly roundup time—how are you doing, OBA Nation?

The holiday week is definitely over for me, it’s right back to the grind (let’s be honest, does it ever really stop when you’re a creative running a startup business? 🤔) I did manage to take a break on Saturday and re-watch the beautiful film Secretariat, which reminded me how powerful we can be when we collaborate on a dream we believe in together. I’m grateful for all the wonderful stories and storytellers I spend my weeks working with, and especially for all of YOU.

If you are one of our new subscribers, welcome to the family! Please join in the conversation here and share what creative juices have been flowing in your head this week. We thrive off of inspiration from each other!

Cheers,

Ceylan Gunduz (One Brilliant Arc Editor-in-Chief)

P.S. Scroll all the way down to make sure you don’t miss your early release of our next podcast episode. The editing team at One Brilliant Arc sit down with a real writer working on a real story and offer them real feedback in real time!

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📑 WHAT WE’VE BEEN CHATTING ABOUT THIS WEEK

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🎧SNEAK PEEK: “Let’s Fix Stories!”

On our new podcast, we’re taking a look at real stories from real writers, and offering real feedback in real time. Watch how our team works with storytellers to make their stories the best they can be and pick up a couple tips for your own story!

Subscribers to our newsletter get an early release of every podcast episode we put out, both “Let’s Talk Stories” and “Let’s Fix Stories!”

Catch up on our team’s previous conversations over good stories here:

Keep an eye out for our ✨LIVE✨ “After Hours” sessions on Mondays here on Substack and Fridays on our TikTok page so that YOU can chime in with your thoughts and ask questions about what it’s like to be a creative writer or editor. Come join our mini nerd parties!

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💬 Question of the Week

We want to hear from you! OBA Nation exists as your community, after all. Let’s get to know each other and share creative perspectives! Our question to you this week is based on the topic we discuss in the article we’re sending out next Monday:

What film, show, or book surprised you with what a powerful and successful story it was?

Hit “reply” or comment to drop your answer. We’ll pick some of your responses to feature in our next newsletter and tag you there!

CAPTAIN’S LOG

4/27/2025

Ceylan Gunduz

In this season of me taking over much of OBA’s work, I’m learning more and more how valuable community collaboration is. I am also re-learning how bad I am at asking for help and delegating tasks that are overwhelming me when needed. Yes, an incredible amount of sufficiency, belief in yourself, and stubbornness are needed in order to run a startup company. However, life has had to prove to me again and again that these qualities can also be weaknesses if they keep me from letting the special skills and heart of others to compound my own efforts.

As much as my introvert self hates to admit it, humans are made for connection. Creativity truly requires teamwork in order to build something powerful. I have the immense honor of having met so many incredible, brilliant, creative souls throughout OBA’s journey, and I especially want to give a shout-out to those who have shown their belief in our mission, in our team, and never fail to be there to offer support any opportunity they get. Allison Riney and Jessica Ann both deserve extra special thanks. 💖🖤 You are part of our family. Can’t wait to see where this all takes us!