Featured Writer: Emily De Angelis
On creating space to write and writing advice.
Hello all!
Welcome to my second edition of Women Writing! This week I’m pleased to share words of wisdom from Young Adult author Emily de Angelis.
Emily De Angelis comes from a long line of visual artists, musicians, and storytellers. She has spent many years developing her writing through involvement in the writing community, independent study, workshops, conferences, and courses, including a year in the Humber School for Writers. She was also fortunate to receive an OAC grant for Works in Progress. Emily has western and Japanese-style poems as well as short stories published in various anthologies and has also won or placed in the top three of 4 short story contests. She is currently a guest curator and poet for the exhibit entitled, The Ekphrasis of Florence: Poetry in Japanese Form Inspired by the work of Florence Carlyle, and has her first YA book, The Stones of Burren Bay, coming out in May 2024 (Latitude 46 Publishing). Emily is wintering in Woodstock, Ontario while spending summers on her property on Manitoulin Island.
“Be honest and thoughtful and generous with yourself and with others.”
On a writing routine …
For years, I have struggled with my writing routine. I am retired now but my careers first as a public librarian and then as a teacher (for 30 years) took much energy and time. Couple that with motherhood and it was a challenge to get writing momentum. Since retiring, I have been better able to develop a routine. I write daily, at no prescribed time, but usually in the morning. I discovered I like to write at coffee shops and libraries, so I have created a series of mini writing retreats. Twice a week I take off and go to a new coffee shop or library somewhere within 45 minutes of my home in Southwestern Ontario. I have been very productive on these retreats. I have also learned to do writerly things daily that may not include actual writing. I have a YA book coming out in May 2024 (The Stones of Burren Bay Latitude 46) so I am busy this summer taking photos, making videos, slide shows and other social media materials. I plan to join a group in the fall that gathers writers in the morning on Zoom and they write quietly with each other. I think this could really work for me! Generally, I write better in the morning. However, I can write at anytime during the day when I have a specific deadline.
On writing spaces …
I do not have a favourite writing space. It shifts depending on which aspect of writing is involved. However, I rarely write at my desk!
On writing communities …
I belong to many writing groups/organizations for various reasons. Community and networking are critical if you want to be a successful writer. Community provides me with resources, knowledge, experience, and good old support.
On challenges …
A: When I was working I found it very difficult to find the energy to make space for my writing life. I was tired after my workday as a Special Educator and reserved any extra energy for job related things like reports, anecdotals, and IEPs. Since retirement, everything I do can be in the service of my writing. I rest when I need to and work when I want. That freedom and flexibility have been liberating and creatively freeing.
On the best advice …
As a developing (i.e. struggling) writer, my husband has been my greatest support. He has always said to write what I want for the sake of writing and worry about selling the writing later. I try to keep that in mind always. Practice. Practice. Practice. It does make better (although never perfect). Study your craft through courses and workshops and especially through reading good books. Finally, develop a community. Writers need writers and other people involved in the writing world. Writers also need readers so cultivate that as well.
On the worst advice …
The worse advice was less advice and more a failure on the part of the advice giver to understand that we are all different. I could never write all day, or every morning before work, or at nights into the wee hours. Every day!!!! I cannot slog through hours of trying to get my groove on. Instead, I do a lot of thinking before I put fingers on the keys. I fall asleep imagining the next scene. I stop when the writing is not happening. I do creative things to keep my mind and soul happy in between. While I have a supportive family, I do not have a cook, maid, nannie or chauffeur. Stuff interrupts and that is okay!
On advice from personal experiences …
Tell the story you want to tell. Be honest and thoughtful and generous with yourself and with others. Build community and learn from everyone around you. Be a lifelong learner and reader.
Emily’s online spaces …
Website: emilydeangelisauthor.ca
Facebook: emilyjdeangelis
Instagram: @emilyjdeangelis
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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!
Hi Emily,
It was so exciting to catch up on your news that your Young Adult novel is going to be published in 2024. The title sounds so intriguing, The Stones of Burren Bay Latitude 46. I also like the idea of day tripping to the library or coffee shop to write. I think sometimes we are invigorated by the sounds of life going on around us.
Hi Emily. I loved what I read from you. I too am a teacher right now and had been writing micro poems on instagram for some time. I could hence absolutely relate with your experiences and I guess patience is the key. My profession does not give me enough and more time to cultivate my writing as of now and so I am using this time to read as much as I can and write when I freely can. Thanks a lot for this newsletter. I love it.