Hello all,
Welcome to the 35th edition of Women Writing! Wow. I can’t believe I’ve already featured thirty-five incredible women in this newsletter since starting it in the fall. If you’ve been along for the ride, thank you. If you’re new here, welcome. I’m always happy to connect with readers and writers. What I love about the writerly world is the way people hold each other up and support one another on their individual writing journeys. It’s so exciting to see fellow writers find success in the writing space. Speaking of incredible writers, I was honoured to interview Emily De Angelis during her book launch for her debut YA novel, The Stones of Burren Bay (Latitude 46) yesterday in Sudbury, Ontario. You can learn more about Emily in the September 19 feature of Women Writing.
Today, I’m thrilled to feature author and fellow book coach Elena Markem.
About the author…
From her garage office in Massachusetts, Elena Markem writes emotionally rich contemporary romances about dreams, love, and taking a chance on both. Her stories reflect her belief that life is about the passions we pursue, the people who support us along the way, and never giving up on what we want. Join her on her ongoing quest for the perfect planner, the best diner breakfasts, and the gooiest chocolate chip cookies. She hopes you'll enjoy spending time in her sexy books where you’ll find strong heroines, heroes who find them irresistible, and at least one scene involving comfort food.
“Write every day. Nah. Write when it works for you.You also don't have to be inspired—you have to show up.”
On a writing routine …
I do [have a writing routine]. I'm a morning writer 4-5 days a week. Get up, get coffee, do morning pages (Artist Way routine) and then I hit the manuscript.
On writing spaces …
I have a home office in what used to be our garage and a shared studio space I go to occasionally. For listening, I prefer music with no words which can be movie scores, as well as alpha wave mixes.
On writing communities …
I have local groups as well as an online community I write with on all my writing days. Having other writers in invaluable both to get and give support.
On challenges …
Life ... gets in the way. I have two young adult sons who live at home currently and a husband with a challenging medical diagnosis. I am also a book coach so I work to balance those things. But anything can throw me off from car trouble, to bills, to not being able to see what comes next in my story.
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On the best writing advice …
The opening of the book needs to make a promise and the rest of the book needs to fulfill that promise. The other piece is to always be learning and aware of my process and do what works for ME not for others. Trust my intuition and experience.
On the worst writing advice …
Write every day. Nah. Write when it works for you. You also don't have to be inspired—you have to show up.
On advice from personal experiences …
Your words, your stories, the characters you want to create, your voice matter!!! There need to be MORE women writing and giving voice to the lives we lead.
Elena’s online spaces …
Questions about Book Coaching?
Are you interested in learning more about what a book coach can do for you? Contact me to set up a free 30-minute Zoom call and ask all the questions.
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.
Psst! Dinah and I have started planning our next writing retreat. Stay tuned for details.
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!
Liisa Kovala is an Author Accelerator certified book coach. She is the author of Sisu’s Winter War (Latitude 46, 2022) and Surviving Stutthof: My Father’s Memories Behind the Death Gate (Latitude 46, 2017). Her short stories and creative non-fiction have been published in a variety of anthologies and literary magazines. Liisa is a member of The Writers’ Union of Canada, Canadian Authors Association, and past-president of Sudbury Writers’ Guild. Visit liisakovala.com.