Hello all,
Welcome to the 16th edition of Women Writing! Whether you celebrate at this time of year or not, I hope you find some time to spend with family and friends, and pursue the small pleasures that give joy to our lives.
At our house, the main event is Christmas Eve, the traditional time for Finns to celebrate Christmas. This year, it looked a little differently, with only the four of us—my husband and two adult children—enjoying a meal together and opening the presents. But we made up for it with extended family gathering at our house on Christmas Day with loads of food and good cheer.
It’s a nostalgic time of year for me, as it is for many others. It’s why songs like “I’ll be Home for Christmas” resonate with us, I think. I long for the Christmases of my childhood and the comradery with my three older brothers and our parents. Now, our family looks a little different, with two souls here in spirit only and another distant from us by choice. Despite the change, I’m grateful to be surrounded by family, including my mom and mother-in-law, my oldest brother, nieces and nephew, and brother- and sister-in-laws, the latter who more than fulfill my childhood dreams of having sisters.
I hope you find love, support, and comfort this season and all the seasons to come. And I hope you will find inspiration for your writing goals from my featured author Renny de Groot.
Renny deGroot was born in Nova Scotia, Canada, a first-generation Canadian of Dutch parents. Her novels have been shortlisted for the Kobo Emerging Writer Prize and a Whistler Independent Book Award. They have been awarded several readers’ awards from the U.K., Canada, and the U.S. She has published mystery, historical fiction, short stories and non-fiction. Renny has a BA in English Literature from Trent University and studied creative writing at Ryerson University. She lives in rural Ontario with her Great Pyrenees and Golden Retriever, and vacations at her cottage in Nova Scotia.
“‘Don't limit yourself’. Everything you've done whether it's raising a family, having a career, travelling the world, or staying within the same five square kilometers of where you were born gives you a unique point of view and is worth celebrating and using to tell a story.”
On a writing routine …
I generally write in the mornings. As a 'morning person' I'm up early and love the freshness and energy I feel. I take my two dogs for a walk every morning, no matter what the weather, and when I come home, I'm ready to sit down and let the words flow.
On writing spaces …
I have a computer armoire and that's where I always write. My house is small and open concept (it was originally a church, built in the late 1800's, and my computer is set up in a corner of the dining room where I can look out through the French doors to the garden and pond. This is my home environment, but since I also have a home in Nova Scotia, I write there too. There I look out over the ocean instead of my pond.
On writing communities …
I belong to a few groups—the Sudbury Writers’ Guild of course, and although I moved further south, I still maintain ties to the people and know they are there when I need them. I also belong to the Northern Ontario Writers Workshop, Writers' Community of Durham Region, along with memberships in the Crime Writers of Canada and the The Writers Union of Canada. Each organization provides something different. Workshops, lectures, etc., but also simply other like-minded people who understand the joys and challenges of the journey.
On challenges …
I'm very lucky to have the time and space for my writing. In 2010 my full-time employer gave me a package to 'go away' and I happily went. Ever since I'm limited only by my own discipline. I do some consulting still, so once in a while that takes priority, but generally my life works well.
On the best writing advice …
Although this wasn't given to me personally, I find Ernest Hemingway said it best: “All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.” I start every new work with that thought, with which I create the premise of the work. It serves as a compass throughout the entire work. As an example, here is the one true sentence for my latest book, a cozy mystery. "Courage is fueled by doing the right thing."
On the worst writing advice …
I can give you several examples of good advice, but if I received any bad advice I put it out of my mind and no longer remember it.
On advice from personal experiences …
Women are at times more prone to minimize the importance of their own experiences, and I say, 'Don't limit yourself'. Everything you've done whether it's raising a family, having a career, travelling the world, or staying within the same five square kilometers of where you were born gives you a unique point of view and is worth celebrating and using to tell a story. Be confident that you have a story that only you can tell.
Renny’s online spaces …
Website: rennydegroot.com
Book 1: Lakeside Beauty
What are your writing goals for 2024?
If you’re like me, you’ve been thinking for quite some time about your writing goals for 2024. Having intentions is important, but making a plan is better. If you’re interested in kickstarting the new year, why not join Dinah Laprairie and me at Rekindle Creativity: Women’s Writing Retreat in Muskoka. In three weeks, we’re gathering at Hidden Valley Resort in Huntsville, Ontario for four days of writing magic. Go ahead. You deserve time and space for yourself in 2024.
Register here: rekindlecreativity.com
Need a book coach?
A book coach is a cheerleader, editor, and mentor who can help you at any stage of the writing process. As an Author Accelerator Book Coach, I work with writers from the initial seed of an idea to pitching agents. My passion is working with women who having been dreaming about writing a novel or memoir but don’t know how to get started. I’m particularly interested in historical fiction, literary fiction, women’s fiction, and young adult. If that sounds like you, check out my 1:1 book coaching services and upcoming group book coaching sessions. Contact me to book a free 30-minute call to discuss your project.
Are you getting ready to query? If so, download my free “20 Essential Querying Steps” checklist. Happy querying!
Attention teachers!
If you’re a teacher, sign up for my spring group book coaching sessions for teachers. These sessions are designed to set you on the path to writing your novel leading into the summer holidays. As an educator, I know how busy and stressful life is as a teacher. But I also know that you have all the skills you need to learn how to write your book. By focussing on yourself and your passions, you will have more energy for everyone else in your life, including your family, friends, and students. Contact me to learn more.
What to expect:
This is not your typical online course or writing workshop. This is a hands-on, interactive, and personalized coaching program that will help you:
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 me and your peers
Stay motivated and accountable to your deadlines
Find the joy in your writing practice
Dates: Sundays, April 7 to June 23, 2024
Time: 7-8:00 PM via Zoom
How to apply:
Send me an email at liisabookcoach@gmail.com with the subject line "Group Book Coaching for Teachers" I'll get back to you as soon as possible.
In the meantime, 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!