Hello all,
Welcome to the 21th edition of Women Writing! This morning, I enjoyed my daily walk with Emmy, puppy extraordinaire, and reflected on how different our winter is here in the north this year. I wore runners instead of boots, a spring jacket instead of my winter coat, and light gloves instead of thick insulated mittens. I can’t say I’m not delighted by it, but it also feels wrong. It is wrong. I’ve never experienced such warm temperatures in January before. It troubles me. However, I did relish the sounds of the birds calling to one another in the treetops above, and felt the gravel crunch under my feet. From down the road, the distinct scent of a wood burning stove wafted our way. I breathed in the cool morning air, and felt the warmth in my cheeks. The dull, gray morning was not much to look at, but all of my other senses were heightened. It’s why I don’t listen to music or podcasts when I’m walking. If I did, I’d drown out all that nature is telling me, both about it’s beauty and it’s troubles.
This week, I’m very pleased to showcase author Nilfour-Lily Soltaini. I hope you enjoy.
About the author…
Niloufar-Lily (Lily) Soltani is a literary and crime fiction writer and poet. Her debut novel, Zulaikha was published in November 2023 by Inanna Publications. A graduate of the Humber Creative Writing program, she lives in Vancouver, BC , and work as a supply chain specialist in the power and energy sector.
“My advice to all writers (men or women) is to read more and explore life the best they can.”
On a writing routine …
It depends on what stage of manuscript I am. If I am writing a first draft, I write as the ideas come to my mind, and I count researching a part of the writing process too. I allocate minimum six hours a week to writing/editing. I used to be better at night but somehow it changed with aging. I think I am more efficient in day time.
On writing spaces …
I have a writing desk in my bedroom. Music gives me inspiration but not during writing. It has to be quiet just like when I am reading.
On writing communities …
Yes, I am a member of Creative Academy for Writers. It is an online community of writers. I enjoy workshops about the craft and interviews with authors and networking with other writers.
On challenges …
I work full time and it is challenging to manage both working and writing. Meanwhile, fitness and taking care of my body is very important to me, which adds to the challenge of finding time for all.
On the best writing advice …
Don't submit your first draft to anyone.
On the worst writing advice …
I am originally Iranian so I get comments that I should continue writing about Iran and my characters should always be Iranians only. My characters are from different parts of world with different origins.
On advice from personal experiences …
My advice to all writers (men or women) is to read more and explore life the best they can.
Niloufar-Lily’s online spaces …
Upcoming!
This April, I’m offering a 12-week Spring Group Book Coaching program designed for teachers, retired educators and other professionals who have busy lives and want to fit writing into their schedules. Here’s what you can expect:
Weekly 90 minute Zoom call
Weekly goal setting
Weekly inspirational videos/articles
Weekly writing tasks
Individual feedback on your tasks
Deadlines and accountability
Encouragement and support
A nurturing writing community
We’ll be working through Author Accelerator’s Blueprint for a Book to get your story ideas started and delving into a variety of craft topics. Whether you have a draft of a novel or memoir done, or you have an idea that you’d like to explore, this program can meets you where you are in your writing journey.
By the end of our 12 weeks together, you’ll have completed a plan for your entire novel or memoir, worked on craft, and written sample pages.
Dates: Mondays, April 8-June 24, 2024
Zoom Time: 7-8:30 PM
Investment: $499
Interested in applying? Send me an email at liisabookcoach@gmail.com and add “Spring Group Book Coaching” to the subject line and I’ll add you to the wait list. Please note these sessions fill quickly.
If you’re a teacher, I have something special just for you. Download a free copy of my workbook, Beyond the Blackboard: Empowering Teachers to Write Fiction.
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!