Hello all,
Welcome to the 33rd edition of Women Writing! I am in celebration mode over here because, in addition to being a Certified Fiction Book Coach through the Author Accelerator certification program, I’m now a certified Memoir Book Coach. Fiction and memoir are my two loves and it seems I’m not alone. If you’ve been following my weekly newsletter, you’ll know many of the featured writers are memoirists. And, many of my book coaching clients are memoir writers who use the tools and techniques of fiction to write their stories. It’s such an joy to work with these women as they dive deep into their personal stories. It really is important heart work that takes determination and courage. And, it’s an honour to feature incredible women who are carving time to write in their busy daily lives like this week’s featured writer, and fellow Author Accelerator book coach, Rebecca Pickens.
About the author…
Rebecca Pickens is a rainstorm-loving writer in northern New York. During the long winters, she writes literary fiction. In the bright bursts of summer, her attention turns to flash fiction. She is also a book coach and developmental editor who feels privileged to work with writers at all stages of their creative journey. Her short fiction has been nominated for the PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers and, most recently, The Pushcart Prize. She is currently at work on a novel.
“Surround yourself with creative people. Write with people more experienced than you. These are your teachers. They'll help you stretch and grow. In turn, you'll be that inspiring writer for someone else.”
On a writing routine …
Being a mom to three amazing teens and juggling a busy professional life means if writing isn't on the calendar (in ink) writing is not happening. Today I write in short but scheduled intervals. I'm fortunate my youngest child is an aspiring novelist. We spend an hour writing together each day. On Thursday evenings, I write with two online friends. And once a month I throw myself an at-home writing retreat, which involves candles, extra coffee, and holing up in my office from 4 am to 10 am to do nothing but write. Holding space for this periodic deep dive gives me something to look forward to and provides time to dig into structural issues I can't tend to during briefer writing sessions.
On writing spaces …
My husband turned the ugliest room in our house into an amazing creative space lined with bookshelves he built. Best gift ever. The comfy yellow chair in the corner of my space is an inviting nook where my son joins me to write any time he likes.
On writing communities …
During the pandemic, I joined the Writers League of Texas for their online classes. They are an amazing community where I have made many amazing connections. Writing can be lonely. Being part of a community of writers helps me keep my sense of humor and inspires me to think about my work in new ways. From this organization, I met a woman who has become one of my closest friends. We meet every Monday night on Zoom. The first half of our call is spent talking about the books we're reading. The second half of the hour is spent talking about our writing, both the highs and the lows. The community of writers I've come to know through my work as a book coach is similarly energizing and inspiring. Writers are incredibly interesting people.
On challenges …
If I were to list challenges that keep me from writing, I suppose it could be quite lengthy! Very few people live lives naturally conducive to creative pursuits. This is space we must prioritize. Instead of dwelling on each individual challenge, I try to look at challenging moments as meaningful events in their own right and use them as source material I can write about. As long as I have something, even just an hour for writing marked in ink on the calendar, I celebrate that. The rest is material for the next story. At least that's the hope!
On the best writing advice …
Don't wait to be inspired. Sit down at your desk even on the days you don't feel like it. Even five minutes staring at your manuscript, perhaps revising just a sentence or two, will keep you connected to your writing life and make it easier to return to your desk again tomorrow.
On the worst writing advice …
There will be time to write when your kids are older. Not only was this the worst writing advice I've received, it was the worst parenting advice as well! Never once have my kids mentioned life was less because a dirty dish languished in the sink or dust gathered on the bookshelves because I took an extra hour to write. Meanwhile, the hours we've spent in conversation fueled by our writing and reading lives are incomparable to any others. Modeling creativity is as important as modeling tooth brushing and acts of kindness for our kids.
On advice from personal experiences …
Surround yourself with creative people. Write with people more experienced than you. These are your teachers. They'll help you stretch and grow. In turn, you'll be that inspiring writer for someone else.
Rebecca’s online spaces …
In case you missed it…
I’m offering a special Mini Blueprint package for writers who want to test their novel or memoir idea, or need some clarity moving forward with their manuscript. I love this offer because it’s a way to dip your toe into the book coaching waters without a lengthy commitment, but the feedback you’ll receive will allow you to dive back into your project with clear direction. Basically, you’ll complete a series of steps or questions about your work, called the Mini Blueprint, and return them to me for feedback. You’ll receive:
Personalized Editorial Letter: Thoughtful insights and constructive feedback on your project.
One-Hour Zoom Session: Let's dive deep into your work. We'll discuss my feedback, brainstorm ideas, and map out your next steps for success.
From refining your novel or memoir idea to fine-tuning your manuscript, I'm here to support you. Writing is hard, but you don't have to do it alone.
Limited slots available—email me to reserve your spot today! Investment only $149 (+tax).
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!
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 and liisakovalabookcoach.com.