Hello all,
Welcome to the 28th edition of Women Writing! This week, my usual routine was disrupted for a quick trip to Ottawa and Montreal for March Break, followed by a few days of unusually early yard work for Northern Ontario. I’m so eager for spring to arrive that it’s hard not to be disappointed as I watch large flakes of snow fly sideways before slamming into my window. But spring is around the corner and I’m back to my regular writing and book coaching routine this week. All is right with the world. I hope your week, whatever it looks like, is happy one.
I’m very pleased to share my interview with featured author and fellow Sudburian Betty Guenette. Enjoy!
About the author…
Betty Guenette (BScN) of Sudbury, Ontario is of English, Irish and Métis descent, but thoroughly Canadian. Retiring after more than forty years of working as a Registered Nurse, Betty’s interest in writing began in earnest. Her short fiction and nonfiction articles have been published in anthologies, magazines, journals and newspapers, both in print and online. She’s a member of the Sudbury Writers’ Guild and NOWW in Thunder Bay. Her current project is a 12-book, light mystery series, incorporating a smattering of astrology and lively characters. The first novel, “ARIES—A Burning We Will Die,” was published in spring 2022 by Renaissance Press with a second, “TAURUS—Unstable Graves,” planned for release in spring 2024. She is also working on a novel based on stories about her mother’s life growing up during the Depression.
“Find your writer's niche so that you get as much enjoyment with your writing journey as the people who will who read your books. That feeling will come through.”
On a writing routine …
After retiring I was able to devote more time to novel writing. I usually spend a few hours in the morning and work on different, ongoing projects. Reading, my greatest enjoyment, is kept for evenings.
On writing spaces …
I have a large desk and computer area but usually write settled in my recliner with my laptop.
On writing communities …
I find being around other people with writing 'fever' the biggest advantage. They speak my language even though I mostly listen. I attend Zoom meetings with the Sudbury Writers' Guild (SWG) and Thunder Bay group Northwestern Ontario Writers’ Workshop (NOWW).
On challenges …
Certainly. Working fulltime and raising four young children and caring for elderly parents left hardly any time for my reading passion so writing was shelved all those years.
On the best writing advice …
Someone said that 'you're never too old to start.' I hate using the term 'elderly' but I'm certainly there and intend to go full speed ahead, regardless.
On the worst writing advice …
Another person said, 'why do all that work and waste time when you could be having fun.' Depends on what is diagnosed as fun and I believe writers are driven to create a sense of wonderment on pages to share with others.
On advice from personal experiences …
Find your writer's niche so that you get as much enjoyment with your writing journey as the people who will who read your books. That feeling will come through.
Betty’s online spaces …
Only Four Spaces Left!
I have four spots left in my spring Group Book Coaching program starting in three weeks on April 8. Is this the right program for you?
If you have an idea for a novel or a memoir, or a work-in-progress, our weekly writing steps based on Author Accelerator's Blueprint for a Book will help you move your ideas forward. By the end of the 12 weeks, you'll have developed your ideas into a solid plan for writing or revision and draft pages of your project.
Join a small group of supportive individuals in a compassionate and encouraging environment to develop your story or work-in-progress. Whether you are a first-time writer or an experienced author with a new idea, this program will keep you focussed and accountable.
If you're interested in more information, check out my website www.liisakovalabookcoach or contact me.
If you’re a teacher, I have something special just for you. Download a free copy of my workbook, Beyond the Blackboard: Empowering Teachers to Write Fiction.
Happy writing!
Women Writing is a weekly newsletter featuring women who are doing the difficult work of writing. If you enjoyed reading the newsletter, please share it with a fellow writer. Let’s inspire each other!