Hello all,
Welcome to Women Writing! I hope you’ve been enjoying reading about the writing experiences of the women I’ve interviewed so far. Every week, I’m inspired by their persistence, strength, and vision. So much of what the authors describe resonates with me. I hope the same is true for you. In this fifth edition, I’m delighted to feature Young Adult author Sharon Frayne, author of The Sound of a Rainbow.
Sharon Frayne: B.A. (Honours English, Visual Art), B.Ed. (Specialist English, Visual Art), M.Ed. (Curriculum Writing), High School English Visual Art and English teacher, Vice-Principal and Principal. I grew up on a farm in Niagara, but spent summers in Muskoka. I'm a CBC Books Recommended YA author, multiple winner of the Muskoka Novel Marathon, have won numerous awards for short stories, been published in literary magazines in Canada and USA. I have a busy family home in Niagara-on-the-Lake and volunteer at the Shaw Festival Theatre.
“Read, read, read. Write, write, write. And look out at the sky whenever you can.”
On a writing routine …
I wish I could say that I kept regular writing hours, just as if I was employed in a business outside of my home. I like schedules and routines, but they are hard to adhere to! My goal is to have daily, uninterrupted writing hours between 9:00 am and noon. Sometimes it works - sometimes it doesn't. I joke that I have a sign posted on the outside of my office door ' DO NOT DISTURB - unless there's blood on the floor, or a bone sticking out.' When I'm 'in the flow', the writing will continue into the afternoon or early evening.
On writing spaces …
I have a private office with doors that close, in my basement. I write on a computer, at an antique pine desk facing a western window, with a beautiful, serene view of trees and sky. When I lift my eyes from the oversized computer monitor, the moving hands of a large clock (like the ones in school classrooms) bring me back from a creative dream world to the reality of present time. The basement is cool year round, so I installed an electric fireplace to warm the room in the winter. The flickering light is hypnotic and helps me focus. There’s no outside noise, just the steady tick of the clock, the whoosh of the outside wind, or the hum of the fire. I have some soft lights for the desk, as I don’t like overhead lighting. My iPad and iPhone are plugged in nearby, and I try to use them only when needed for research. On the wall behind me are my University degrees and awards and family photos. Landscapes that I’ve painted are hung on all the walls. An antique rug with an elaborate floral pattern adds warmth and colour. A pine footstool beneath the desk keeps my feet elevated. I have a heavily padded, swivel chair that’s useful when the writing stretches for hours. Piles of pens, file folders, notebooks, office supplies line up around my computer. And my best writing companion, Bala my yellow Labrador retriever leans against my leg, and provides unconditional support.
On writing communities …
I belong to three writing groups: The Writers’ Union of Canada, The Canadian Authors Association Niagara Branch, and the Niagara-on-the-Lake Writers’ Circle. I also follow the CBC Books and CBC Writes on Facebook. Two of my writing groups offer monthly critique sessions, regular workshops, social events, and public events. They provide supportive feedback and friendship and opportunities to learn and grow.
On challenges …
Making space for writing is definitely a challenge, even though I’m retired from a career in Education. The regular demands of maintaining a busy household and family obligations, as well as attending routine health appointments, clubs and social commitments, and entertaining all drain time away from writing. I remind myself to take it ‘one day at a time’ and to try to schedule non writing activities in the afternoon or weekends.
On the best writing advice …
I purchased an editing program, and use it regularly to check my work. This was excellent advice that was given in a course that I took from American Writing Coach Joan Dempsey. Even though I have advanced degrees in English Literature, I’ve continued to take Creative Writing Courses and found they all advanced my craft. I remind myself that the ‘magic’ of writing happens more during the Editing process than in the First Draft. I’ve learned to love self-editing.
On the worst writing advice …
Usually when I get advice/feedback from my critique groups, it’s very helpful. Other times, the feedback can be negative or hurtful. I have to ask myself if the commentator has really understood the genre, read the work carefully (or skimmed), or if their words have validity. What is the bias of the reviewer? At times, the negative feedback stings, but later I see the worth in it and make revisions. Other times, I bandage up my wounded feelings and decide the reviewer was an idiot.
On advice from personal experiences …
My advice for writers is to never stop learning. Develop a thick skin. Surround yourself with supportive people. Read, read, read. Write, write, write. And look out at the sky whenever you can.
Sharon’s online spaces …
My new YA novel, The Sound of a Rainbow, is available from Latitude46 Publishing. I'm on Facebook at Sharon Frayne, my website is www.sharonfrayne.com. You can find me at the 'Canada's Family Women' Literary Series at niagaraparks.com/coast-to-coast.
I believe the world needs more women’s stories. Are you ready to write yours?
If you've dreamt of writing a novel or memoir but don't know how to get started, or you have a work-in-progress that needs attention, as an Author Accelerator Book Coach I can give you the tools to move forward. We all have a story within us, waiting to be shared. I can help you tell yours. Let me show you how.
Women writers: I’ve been working with
to put together Rekindle Creativity, a women’s writing retreat. In a few months, we are going to escape our regular day-to-day lives and come together with you to move our writing goals forward.And just as a heads up, we’ll only be offering the early bird rate on registration for 3 weeks.
But if you’ve been wanting to get back in touch with your writing and your creativity, then definitely don’t miss out!
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!