Barbara Basbanes Richter - Barbara Basbanes Richter

Under Pressure

06 Mar 2026 2 min read barbara

My first ghostwriting gigs consisted of firing off catchy product placement descriptions for major multinational retailers. I wrote copy that drove customers to add that fridge, hairdryer, or poly-blend sweater to their shopping carts. I’m sorry and you’re welcome.

Why I'm Memorizing a French Poem Again

24 Feb 2026 3 min read Grief

I've been avoiding grief for eight years. Re-memorizing a Hugo poem is giving me the strength to let go.

What Happens When AI Ghostwrites Your Valentine

10 Feb 2026 2 min read

When I was a young ghostwriter, one of my first gigs was to write an online dating profile. Was it outsourcing? Or was the work genuine?

Field Notes from the Northern Forest

01 Feb 2026 4 min read barbara basbanes richter

Curt Stager's Field Notes From the Northern Forest is the rare nature book that makes you want to step outside immediately—then teaches you what to look for once you're there. Perfect for anyone who's ever stared out a window instead of working.

Heart Rot

22 Jan 2026 2 min read barbara

On a winter trail run, a fallen beech tree with 67 rings and a hollow core sparks reflection on what's coming—and whether running can still clear my head.