Hello all,
Welcome to the first year anniversary edition of Women Writing! Over the past year, I’ve been honoured to connect readers and writers to fifty-two women authors. When I started this newsletter a year ago, I had no idea if anyone would be interested in learning about the writing lives of women, the advice that resonates with them, and the bad advice they’ve been given, but I knew I was interested. How do other writers carve out time to write in their day-to-day lives? How do they cope with challenges? What works for them? What doesn’t? What can I learn from them?
As an author and a book coach, every week I am inspired by the authors who share with me, and with you, and it reminds me to stay the course. Writing is hard. Marketing is hard. But women can support and inspire each other. As Ram Dass said, “We are all just walking each other home.” We’re stronger together.
Thank you to all the writers who have shared with us here and to the readers who find inspiration in their words, whether you are are a writer or not. I celebrate each and every one of you.
And now, I’m excited to shine a spotlight on this week’s featured author, Tracee Lydia Garner.
About the author…
Tracee Lydia Garner is an international best-selling author of more than 20 books, a motivating speaker, humorist and book coach. She has taught at the academic level as an adjunct professor for 14+ years, teaching several courses including, Small Business PR and Promotion, Self-Publishing Boot Camp, and How to Write the Novel. Offered a book publishing contract at just 24 years of age, back then with one of the “Top 5,” Tracee went on to write more work for publication and has also been published in her alma mater’s literary magazine. Tracee loves public speaking, teaching workshops, and talking about the craft of writing at every opportunity. Tracee holds a BS in Communications, and a nonprofit management certification. While her heart is in romance, she also writes self-help, books on craft and publishing for writers, and teaches two, intensive writing courses for RWA's Pen to Paper programs.
“Believe that you can and act like you're already there … You can have whatever it is and you can get what you want, now.”
On a writing routine …
I have a very forgiving writing routine and while this is probably the bane of most pantsers existence, I write mostly after work, most evenings even if it's only many hours, to less than 30 minutes, but I make a conscious effort to THINK about my work all the time. Throughout the day, I am thinking about my characters, their plot and what they're doing at any given time. When I make a conscious effort to do this, I may write notes, or jot down something short, until the scene is fleshed out and works well on the page. I think most people think not writing everyday is a horrible thing but if you're actively working through your story in your brain, asking and trying to answer questions, then for me, you ARE writing. I also believe procrastination, sharpening all the pencils and rearranging sock drawers are still vital and useful parts of the process and for me I work that into my prep time. I believe the best time to write is when you are in your what I call "sparkle" time. This is a peak time that everyone has where they are feeling most productive. Mine is usually nights and weekends when I'm not hard at work on my day job. As much as I try to write in the middle of the day or morning, the more I procrastinate, dilly dally, (official word) and then it’s evening again and my body is like a Mariah Carey before Christmas, It's timmeeee, letting me know it's time to write.
On writing spaces …
I renovated my office in the pandemic since I was going to be staying there all day, every day and I made it most lovely, airy and light space that I love to sit and make the magic (imagined) happen. I feel I'm a minimalist writer. I used to listen to music, but I like the quiet, I may have one ear bud in and have some Youtube videos on productivity, planners and life hacks playing in the background. The paint I chose for my office is called Heavy Cream and it's just that, it looks as smooth and soft as vanilla bean ice cream, and I have white (day) light bulbs, a window that brings in lots of natural light and when I could have put stuff back on the wall after taking it all down, I found I liked the blank canvas of the walls. Nothing to so much as impose itself on my brain and while that seemed crazy, giving padded cell vides, I found I really liked it. I use a 27 inch iMac desktop and honestly find writing in coffee shops, sooo distracting. I do actually love people, and to be in a busy atmosphere, gives me the chance to observe, people-watch, and make up narratives about them that may or may not be scandalous. Then there's striking up conversation with random folks which is always fun. I like my focus time, solo in the office but writing sprints are also fun.
On writing communities …
I belong to the Washington Romance Chapter, the DC chapter of RWA, I'm also a guide for RWA's Pen to Paper which is an 8-month writing intensive program. Between online groups, chapters and a writing sprints partner, and YouTube university, so many writing events, etc., I feel well connected and as I have but to look to find something to keep me engaged, keep the fact that I am a writer show for me, not just me by myself, but by taking part, and being a part of the writer community. Writers are so encouraging and helpful that we can help be spurned on by one another. At least that what I get from it, a sense of brother and sisterhood.
On challenges …
Absolutely, challenges in the writing world and pursuit of any craft really, abound and are very similar. For me, for one I have a physical disability and some output can be dependent on energy levels that remind me often to chill, rest, break. I work full time and I know if I wasn't concerned about my physical health and the finances that are needed for the care and maintenance of that, I might take a leap of faith, be at the mercy of an antiquated healthcare system but in an effort not to become medically needy or burdensome on my family, right now, it's also sucks creative space, and creative energy thus keeping you tied and tethered to a 9 to 5 to pay the bills. I think that I would be more risk prone as I try to create more space, have more time and I work toward ditching what a traditional work looks like while crafting a solid plan to make the great escape. I plan to write a book on that too by the way. Other things that are challenging in the creative space, are just the mental burdens of wanting to pursue time for it, societal and who needs society when you have closer-to-you familial views and thoughts on your creative pursuits, and while I have supporters I love, the side hustle culture is now revolting because it's all too much too carry all these years. When is the side hustle the main thing? If it can't ever be the main thing, who says why or why not and who, or what body parts pay the price for constant denial of your passions?
On the best writing advice …
I don't know that I have a piece of writing advice as much as I had a question from a family member that sometimes caused me a great deal of doubt and heart-burn and I was asked once, "Well how many books can you possible write?" While not a piece of advice, it is an adopted mantra that I remember and carry with me to spurn me on when I feel doubtful. I loathe this question and I had to take a step back when asked this eons ago, and to remind myself that people don't mean ill will even though the nature of the question, then to me, said otherwise. You have to remind yourself that some people aren't readers, no one asks James Patterson, Stephen King, Maya Angelou, well how many books can you write? They, we are showing you. All writers are showing the world with every subsequent book that this [insert #] for me--at the time of this writing, I'm working on # 21; however, but I have about 10 right now, unfinished books in the queue—is how much I can and will write, until the next one. "So there..." you want to say. "Nanny, nanny boo boo," you think to yourself. But, I hated that the question, perhaps innocent enough, to me, seemed to suggest that at some point there is a quitter strip waiting for you. Not until you decide, or when you are done Madam, but none of that, instead, that's there is some arbitrary number that you reach and then time is called whether you wanted it called or not. I think for me, it solidified me knowing in my heart that I'm in this for the long haul. That is what people need, an unwavering determination to do what you want, whether you earn a dime, whether family understand or endorses, or even acknowledges your talents, whether you get a couple of bad reviews, and the list goes on and on. You have to know for yourself that this is what you want to do.
On the worst writing advice …
Wait to be invited. I don't know who might have said this to me or if was just cautioning me more so I wouldn't set myself up to get my feelings hurt but as a person with a disability, if I waited to be invited I wouldn't have half the stuff I have or have met half the people I've been so fortunate to know. I think it can have it's place. My dad was a preacher until he passed away and when he visited other churches just to listen, he would never tell anyone. With that said, he might often sit on the front pew, but he never went straight to the pulpit. I think we're alike in that way, to have humility is one thing. He always got invited up to the pulpit every single time, I was like it's just on his face, and I never think this or that, elevating myself at all. BUT, when it comes to being on panels, and submitting workshop proposals, and speaking or submitting your materials, people do not look our way. You must take some kind of action to to just be in the line, as a contender. Be in the building, volunteer, sign up, speak out. Humility has a place but so does confidence.
On advice from personal experiences …
Believe that you can and act like you're already there. I think we're so tentative and timid in our pursuits and we're waiting for this and that to "happen" and other things to fall in place, but things things you want do not have to be "set up" at some appointed time. You can have whatever it is and you can get what you want, now.
On a recent publication …
My most recent book is titled Author Life Fix, this is the 360 author life audit that I wanted after the first 15 books, but didn't have. I wrote it for myself and other authors like me who wanted to evaluate their career, take stock and fix the various parts that need attention and finessing.
Tracee’s online spaces …
UPCOMING OFFERINGS…
Rekindle Creativity Women’s Writing Retreat
Registrations are now open for Rekindle Creativity Women’s Writing Retreat from October 2-6, 2024 in Gore Bay on beautiful Manitoulin Island, Ontario. Please note spaces are limited and filling quickly.
What you can expect:
Supported time to work on your manuscript
A one-on-one coaching session with a certified book coach (Dinah or Liisa)
Group coaching sessions focused on writing
Feedback and encouragement from group members who identify with your struggles
Planning time to identify your next steps to move your project forward
A supportive community and a chance to talk about your book with like-minded peers
Opportunities to tap into your senses and rekindle your creativity
Time away from the obligations and interruptions of everyday life
Time to connect with the natural wilderness on beautiful Manitoulin Island or visit the shops in Gore Bay
Dinah and Liisa thoughtfully prepared a writers getaway that balanced creativity and writing time. We were spoiled with beautiful scenery, good company, craft discussions, a welcoming setting , and a bevy of treats including a chocolate tasting and delicious meals." ~Nancy Daoust
If you have any questions, please contact us at rekindlecreativity@gmail.com.
Register now at www.rekindlecreativity.com.
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.
Oh gosh, great advice about “wait till you’re invited”—how about “do some inviting!” Thanks, Tracee! And congrats, Liisa!
Happy Anniversary!