Hello all,
Welcome to the 43rd edition of Women Writing! Happy Canada Day! I’m coming off a long weekend, the first of the summer, having spent some lovely time with family, including some of our American relatives. What a wonderful way to kick off what already feels like a too-short summer. I don’t know how others feel, but I always feel a little bit of pressure to fill these months with all the fun things: swimming, boating, campfires, and BBQs.
Maybe I want to recapture some of those long summer days of my youth when we went outside first thing in the morning, riding our bikes through the neighbourhood collecting all the kids, swimming at the local beach, hiking up the nearby hills, and coming home only when our mothers called us in for dinner or when the streetlights turned on. Those summers were filled with adventure and joy and felt endless.
Now, the days are long, and roll out slowly, but the weeks and months fly by so fast I can barely remember where I’ve been or what I’ve done. Perhaps these summer months will last in my memory in years to come, but for now I’d like them to slow down enough that I can appreciate these moments. Whether you celebrated Canada Day or not, I hope this past weekend marks a long and languorous summer creating good memories.
I’m pleased this week to feature another Northern Ontarian, author MJ Spickett. Happy reading!
About the author…
Single mom, author, publisher, and business woman, MJ Spickett wears many hats and is always on the go. Growing up, she lived in many places, bouncing from town to town until her family reached the Sudbury area where many members of her family finally laid down roots. While MJ lives with her family in Espanola, Sudbury is classified as home and has served as the backdrop for a number of her novels.
“Don't take no for an answer. And don't let anyone tell you you can't do something. If there is a will, there is a way, even if you have to do it yourself.”
On a writing routine …
I don't have a set schedule right now as my family dynamic has changed a bit over the last few years; however, I find early mornings and the lunch hours favorable for writing.
On writing spaces …
My laptop goes wherever I go, and if it’s not with me than I usually have a notebook and pen, or my smartphone. Typically, I write in either my office or at the kitchen table. During the summer months, I like to sit on my patio and work. Sometimes I will write in the back of my van at the beach or park when I need a change of scenery. Editing and research are often the same. Wherever it's quiet is where I like to work. I used to play music or have the television on for background noise, however, the last few years they've become more of a distraction than anything else.
On writing communities …
I'm with the Sudbury's Writing Guild. I enjoy having others to talk to about writing. It helps a lot when you're usually doing everything alone.
![Cover Photo Reign of the Immortal Cover Photo Reign of the Immortal](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4d17efb0-391c-4c2d-9874-d6d333989806_2000x3200.jpeg)
On challenges …
I've had to go on hiatus a few times due to the birth of my children and when my mother moved in with us due to her failing health. So, I've had a few challenges trying to become a full time writer.
On the best writing advice …
Just write. Don't second guess or doubt yourself. Mistakes happen, that's why we edit after, not during.
On the worst writing advice …
Write what you know. When you write fantasy, science fiction, or horror you don't always know every aspect of what you're writing, sometimes you need to research. So, write what you want and learn the stuff you don't know along the way. In a sense, you're learning along with your readers.
On advice from personal experiences …
Don't take no for an answer. And don't let anyone tell you you can't do something. If there is a will, there is a way, even if you have to do it yourself.
On a recent publication …
Book 4 of Raven's Realm: Immortality just came out today [June 25, 2024]. The last book in that series is due out on September 24th. Also, the last book in the Immortal series: Reign of the Immortal is due out December 17th.
MJ’s online spaces …
Summer Writing Camp
Summer is here and so is my Summer Writing Camp. Why should the kids have all the fun? Put yourself in your summer schedule and knock some pages out. We meet twice a week via Zoom for goal setting, encouragement, support, and writing, of course. If you’re interested in joining us, send me an email. You can come to one or both of the sessions, so don’t worry if your other summer plans get in the way. We’ll be here for you.
Investment: $160 (8 weeks/16 sessions)
Email me with Summer Writing Camp in the subject line.
Mini Memoir Retreat
If you’re in the Greater Sudbury region, this is for you.
Escape for a day and spend it crafting your memoir in this one-day writing workshop at Fielding Park led by Author Accelerator-certified book coaches
and Liisa Kovala. A mix of writing prompts, craft talk and writing time will move you ahead in your memoir, among writerly colleagues. This "mini retreat" begins at 9:30 a.m. and runs until 4:00 p.m. Bring a lunch. We'll provide coffee, tea and snacks.Investment: $99
Register here: Mini Memoir Retreat
Until next week, I hope you find time to read, and write, and dream about all the stories you have waiting to escape your imagination.
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.