Hello all,
Welcome to the 30th edition of Women Writing! I hope everyone had a lovely Easter weekend. We had a nice brunch with the family, although my adult children could not join us. Rest assured, their chocolate Easter bunnies are waiting (and I promise not to nibble them).
This month, as I’ve walked along the lake and through the trees, I was reminded of the opening scene in my novel, Sisu’s Winter War (Latitude 46, 2022). My protagonist, Meri Saari, loves spending time wandering in the bush near her home. She feels most at home there. I suppose there’s always a little of us in our characters. Here’s the opening lines:
“The sun streamed through the canopy of interwoven branches, dancing like the northern lights. Last fall’s leaves rustled in the underbrush as a small creature scurried nearby. In the woods behind my house, I was myself again, breathing in the crisp spring air, ambling over rotten logs, and stamping through small patches of snow, the last vestiges of a too long winter” (excerpt from Sisu’s Winter War).
Have a wonderful week of writing, reading, an ambling! I hope you are inspired by this week’s featured author, Robin Pacific.
About the author…
Robin Pacific is a visual artist, writer and Spiritual Director. She has some thirty years experience making paintings, drawings, videos, computer-based art, installations, performances and large collaborative community art projects. Skater Girl, An Archaeology of the Self, is her first full length book. She has a PhD in English, an MTS (Masters of Theological Studies) and an MFA in Creative Nonfiction.
“It's never too late. I'm publishing my first book at age 78.”
On a writing routine …
Routine? Moi? Nevah! I don't do things 'by the book'. I started writing personal essays about five years ago when I joined a writing group on a whim. I had no idea where I was going with them, but just kept at it whenever the fancy took me, any time of the day. Then I enrolled in the MFA in Creative Nonfiction program at Kings College in Halifax. I was so stimulated and inspired by the courses, faculty and students that essays just seemed to pour out of me. Once I was finished, I didn't write another thing for two years. I tried to do a daily practice like everyone, and I mean everyone, says you should, and I could produce words but they held no interest for me. I'm going back to making art these days—small blood red boats made out of Japanese paper with little sculpey figures sitting in them.
On writing spaces …
I am incredibly lucky and privileged. The third floor of my narrow Victorian row house is both an artist studio and a writing space. I love that I can go back and forth among various projects. The previous owner opened up the attic and put in a skylight; it’s full of light and quirky angles. It’s full of hanging artworks I’ve made but never exhibited for one reason or another. It’s wonderful to work in this magical setting. And if I want tea, I just have to go downstairs.
On writing communities …
For a while I belonged to three writing groups, a lifesaver during Covid. Now I’m down to one, a group of colleagues from the Kings Creative Nonfiction Program. It’s great to see people’s projects develop over time, and we always have a good political gossip session. I’m about to join The Writers Union now that my book’s coming out, and I’m a member of CAR/FAC (Canadian Artists Representation).
On challenges …
Again, I feel lucky and privileged to have the inestimable gift of time.
On the best writing advice …
I didn't want to hear it at the time, but it's a good thing to revise—a lot! The minute I finish something I think it's perfect and I don't need to change a word. But the strongest essays in my book are the ones I revised the most, over a long period of time.
On the worst writing advice …
Kill your darlings. I hate that expression (it comes from Stephen King). My darlings are too precious to kill.
On advice from personal experiences …
It's never too late. I'm publishing my first book at age 78.
Robin’s online spaces …
One week left!
My Spring Group Book Coaching sessions start next Monday, April 8. Interested in joining us? There are only three spaces left. Contact me here to claim your spot.
I believe we all have a story to tell and I also believe we can learn how to write them. You can write that novel or memoir you’ve been dreaming about. And, I can help you believe in you, too. As an Author Accelerator Book Coach I work with writers from an initial seed of an idea, to drafting, and revising. We all have a story within us, waiting to be shared. I can help you tell yours. Let me show you how.
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.
It really IS never too late! And yes to revising! Nice interview!