Lifestyle: In Practice

I don’t write about a singular wound—I write about a thousand paper cuts that never healed. My stories aren’t just art, they’re survival. I write as rebellion, as therapy, as proof that I’ve lived through every heartbreak, identity crisis, and invisible moment. Writing is where I get to be soft, angry, Dominican, and divine—all at once.

Dear Readers, As an MFA student and New York native, my bag is my life. A Brandon Blackwood leather handbag, gifted after a hard semester, holds my Moleskine, pen, and pencil for chasing ideas. Dominicana by Angie Cruz fuels my literary escape, while Penelope keeps me company through New York’s endless tourist season. Essentials: camera for moments, lip liner for confidence, scrunchie and gel for control, and pepper spray, because safety matters. -Sofía Villafaña

Thinking about a master’s in creative writing? In this candid reflection, Sofi breaks down why she pursued her MFA, what she’s learned so far, and what she wishes she knew before starting. From overcoming writer’s block to surviving intense workshops—and navigating the personal pitfalls of dating within your program—this post is a must-read for aspiring writers and future professors alike.

What makes a paragraph powerful? In this post, Grace Sofia explores Francine Prose’s take on the rhythm and purpose behind each breath of writing. A paragraph, she writes, is more than structure—it’s a build-up, a release, a shift in light. With insight from Reading Like a Writer, this piece offers guidance for writers seeking meaning between the margins, and the freedom to break the rules beautifully.

What makes a sentence beautiful? In this thoughtful post, Grace Sofia explores Francine Prose’s lessons on clarity, rhythm, and revision. From Hemingway’s restraint to the power of reading aloud, she breaks down how good writing comes from intention and sound. Whether you’re revising a short story or crafting your next essay, this piece will change the way you see your own words.

What makes great writing? According to Grace Sofia, it starts with choosing the right word—every time. In this thoughtful breakdown of Francine Prose’s “Words” chapter from Reading Like a Writer, she explores how intentional language shapes meaning, tone, and truth. For writers at any stage, this post is a reminder to slow down, read closely, and revise with purpose.