Hello all,
Welcome to the 48th edition of Women Writing! What’s on your reading list this summer? I’m an avid reader of fiction and memoir, and I particularly love a great historical novel. Summer reading feels a little more leisurely, and I find it easy to devour a book if I have a few days at camp. Yes, in Northern Ontario we call our summer cottages “camps” and they are often more rustic than the cottages typically found in more southern locales. Our family camp on Lake Panache has no running water (we bring it in ourselves), no electricity (although we installed solar power two years ago) and has a stove that runs on propane. We’ve had a weak internet connection for a few years now, but barely strong enough to check the occasional email. In other words, it’s the perfect place to hunker down and read without distractions. And read I do. This past long weekend, I read Barbara Kingsolver’s Demon Copperhead. What are you reading and where are your favourite places to devour a book? Let me know in the comments.
Now, on to our featured writer, fellow author and book coach Kat Caldwell. Enjoy!
About the author…
Kat Caldwell is a novelist and short story writer. She writes everyday and can’t seem to stick to a genre, having dabbled in historical fiction, contemporary family drama and romance, as well as speculative fiction. Kat is the creator of the Pencils&Lipstick podcast, a podcast for writers with author interviews, craft talk and insight into the publishing world. She is also an accredited Author Accelerator fiction book coach. In between conducting interviews for her podcast and writing, you can find Kat traveling the world, reading, or volunteering with her church—always with a cup of cold brew close by.
“Focus on learning about stories. How stories are told, why some stories are timeless, what you like most in a story, what you hate to be left out of a story. Story, story, story. “
On a writing routine …
I have a goal of writing 500 words a day on the novel I'm working on at the moment. Trouble is, I'm usually working on two or three at a time. Which means I have to choose the novel to write in! Being a mom of three teenagers, the writing doesn't usually get done until everyone is at school, so mid-morning or so. But I try to get it done as soon as possible so that it isn't hanging over me for the rest of the day.
On writing spaces …
I have a little office upstairs in our attic. We live on the east coast, so our attic space has been turned into a livable area. I am surrounded by deep, teal walls and lots of books. It's lovely.
On writing communities …
I am part of three groups and visit them periodically, but I do prefer to write on my own. I join the groups mostly for some advice or just to chat.
On challenges …
Oh, yes! It is something that is constantly changing as my kids grow older, especially because we both travel and move quite often. I think it's more difficult as a woman since we are so susceptible to making time for everyone else (namely children) and never for ourselves. This is the reason for my 500 words a day goal mark. It isn't a lot of words, but it is a goal that CAN be accomplished, even on jam-packed days. Many days I write more. Some days I barely get to 500. And I have had to learn to be okay with that.
On the best writing advice …
Done is better than perfect. Because it's so true! You can't edit a manuscript that isn't written. You can't enhance or better a piece of writing that is still in your mind. I tell my coaching clients this all the time as well as myself. It's a hard one to BELIEVE fully, so I have to keep uttering it over and over again.
On the worst writing advice …
"The inciting incident should happen in the first twenty pages of the book." Depending on the genre, the inciting incident might happen outside of the book completely. Where you places it simply depends on how you're going to tell the story. And it doesn't make it wrong, it just makes it different. I love reading craft books, but I now take all "rules" with a grain of salt.
On advice from personal experiences …
Focus on learning about stories. How stories are told, why some stories are timeless, what you like most in a story, what you hate to be left out of a story. Story, story, story. Listen to your kids tell stories and adults tell stories. More than a writer, become a story-teller. And tell the story that's in your head. Worry about the marketing later. (This is contrary to so many people's advice, so again, take it with a grain of salt!)
On a recent publication …
I have the Bended Duet coming out in the fall, Bended Loyalty on September 23 and Bended Love on October 21st. They are contemporary drama fictions set in the poor parts of Kentucky and follow the stories of young people who must face betrayal, family secrets and the power of love. I am working on finishing my historical romance series.
Kat’s online spaces …
UPCOMING OFFERINGS…
Group Book Coaching Fall Session
It’s never too early to start planning! This program 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. 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) (No class on Canadian Thanksgiving)
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.
and I can’t wait to host you!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
"The Rekindle Creativity Retreat, led by Dinah Laprairie and Liisa Kovala was well designed, and thoughtfully delivered. Our coaches' sensitivity to the needs of each participant ensured that everyone left the retreat with renewed purpose, clarified goals, and new ways of thinking and working. Bravo!" ~Carolee Mason
Please visit our website for more details. (Early bird pricing until September 1. Spaces are limited.)
If you have any questions, please contact us at rekindlecreativity@gmail.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.
Loved reading Kat's advice this morning, especially the goal of 500 words a day.