Hello all,
Welcome to the 49th edition of Women Writing! I’m so excited about the Mini Memoir Retreat
and I are hosting this week at Fielding Memorial Park in Sudbury. My favourite thing about book coaching is connecting with writers and learning about their projects. There’s nothing like seeing a writer who has an a-ha moment or a a breakthrough due to a writing prompt, a craft tip, or a discussion with fellow writers. Unlike the Olympics (which I have been watching in short clips all week), writing is not a competitive sport, but much like the individual athletes I’ve been impressed by, it comes with a supportive and uplifting community. I’m sure we’ll have some of that spirit and magic at our retreat.And now, on to our feature. I am pleased to highlight author Cait Gordon this week.
About the author…
Cait Gordon is an autistic, disabled, and queer Canadian writer of speculative fiction that celebrates diversity. She is the author of the award-nominated, disability-hopepunk adventure, Season One: Iris and the Crew Tear Through Space! Her short stories featuring disabled and/or neurodivergent heroes appear in Spring into SciFi (2024), We Shall Be Monsters, Mighty: An Anthology of Disabled Superheroes, There’s No Place, and Stargazers: Microtales from the Cosmos. She has had poems published in Polar Borealis and Mollyhouse. Cait also twice joined Talia C. Johnson to co-edit the (award-nominated) Nothing Without Us and (award-winning) Nothing Without Us Too disability fiction anthologies.
“I would encourage women to ignore authors and publishing professionals who try to put them down and to seek those who offer helpful critiques and guidance.”
On a writing routine …
I manage a dynamic chronic pain disability, so I cannot have a fixed routine for writing because I never know from one day to the next how my body will be. So, I do a little self-check on the days I feel inspired to write, then I decide on a short stint, like an hour or 30 minutes. If I feel like I can go on, I only allot a little more time because it’s important for me not to harm myself. Or, I might break up the writing periods over the course of the day. This might seem like I’ll never get anything done, but trust me, it works! I even “won” NaNoWriMo one year!
On writing spaces …
Again, it depends on how my body is doing, but I always consider ergonomics. I do have a designated office in a new-leaf green, which is a colour that makes me cheery and awake. On my walls are framed photos of book covers of my novels or anthologies. When I’m feeling blue or frustrated, I look at those framed covers and say, “See? This is what you can do. It’s going to be okay!” And it helps bring me back! In that same office are also many other books and female action figures. I’m surrounded by cool women who kick butt! When I’m not in my office, I like to write on my sofa under my comfy blankie. And in the winter, fuzzy socks are a must. I love feeling cozy that way.
On writing communities …
I have been in several small critique groups, and they have helped me so much. Their first impressions help me know whether my work-in-progress is getting the reaction I’d like or if I need to do a course correct. Sometimes a comment from another author will catch me off guard, but in a good way. It’s nice to discover things I might not have thought of, which can make my book better! I’m also part of The Writers’ Union of Canada, SF Canada, and the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Association. I like people, so it’s great to connect. I particularly love the workshops offered by The Writers’ Union of Canada. I’ve learned so much from them!
On challenges …
You might think my disability is the main challenge, but truthfully, my biggest challenge is not believing in myself enough. No matter how many times I get recognized through award nominations and receive praise from readers and fellow authors, it seems I reset for each new project. I get in my own head and overthink my overthinking. I’m so sure that everything I’m writing is just garbage. So, back to critique groups for a second: this is why I need them. I have to push past my insecurities and be brave enough to share my work. And the feedback is never ever as harsh as I am on myself.
On the best writing advice …
The best writing advice (when I was stuck in my head) was from a fellow author and friend who said, “Just write what you want to write. We’ll let you know if there’s anything you should change.” I internalized this in the best way and always write the stories I want to read. There will be time for sensitivity editors down the path to make sure nothing needs to be “burned with fire,” but writing for myself first helps me get to that first draft finish line. And really, if I don’t write the stories I want to write, why would anyone want to read them?
On the worst writing advice …
The worst writing advice I’ve ever received was the famous “You must write every day” rule. First of all, there’s no one writing method. People have so many styles and things going on in their lives. I say write when you can because you know your life best! So, I ignore anyone who tries to impose that as the be-all, end-all of writing. I actually wrote an article for Write, the magazine of The Writers’ Union of Canada called “The Ableism and Privilege Behind You Must Write Every Day.” A copy of it can also be found on my website!
On advice from personal experiences …
I would encourage women to ignore authors and publishing professionals who try to put them down and to seek those who offer helpful critiques and guidance. I would also encourage women to write from their lived experiences whether in fiction or nonfiction, if that’s their heart’s desire. Diversity is so essential in literature, in my opinion. I adore reading about people or characters who are not like me, and even in fantastical genres, I always end up learning something new. Who cares if your book “isn’t to market?” If you love what you’re writing, I bet there will be readers who will love it too!
On a recent publication …
My latest book is a disability-hopepunk adventure with heart called Season One: Iris and the Crew Tear Through Space! It takes place within a galactic network where accessibility is the norm and ableist pirates are no match for this crew! I’m currently working on a humorous space opera romance starring a snarky 50-something autistic and disabled electro-mechanical tech who has to attend her friends’ hen party while dressed as a hen. I swear, I’m not kidding.
Cait’s online spaces …
UPCOMING OFFERINGS…
Group Book Coaching Fall Session
It’s never too early to start planning! The Group Book Coaching Fall Session is ideal for individuals who have an idea for a novel or memoir and need guidance to get started, or who have a draft and need a plan for revision. Ideal for teachers, retirees, and other busy professionals, the fall session is the right time to get started. We meet weekly via Zoom to check in, participate in writing prompts, discuss craft and weekly writing tasks. Participants will set weekly goals and submit writing tasks for individualized feedback. By the end of the 12 weeks, you will have a solid foundation for your book idea or work-in-progress.
Dates: Sundays, September 15-December 8, 2024 (12 Weeks)
Times: 7:00-8:30 PM EST via Zoom
What you can expect:
Clarify your book idea and goals
Develop your ideas and hone in on your point
Participate in craft exercises and discussion
Create a plan to move your project forward
Get honest and compassionate feedback from a certified book coach
Stay motivated and accountable to your deadlines
Find the joy in your writing practice
Investment: $499+tax
Please note, class sizes are limited. Contact me to save your spot for September.
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.
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
Please visit our website for more details. (Early bird prices until September 1, 2024.)
If you have any questions, please contact us at rekindlecreativity@gmail.com.
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.
Love this: “Who cares if your book “isn’t to market?” If you love what you’re writing, I bet there will be readers who will love it too!” Great interview!