Hello all,
Welcome to Women Writing! I’m so pleased to feature the accomplished poet, Vera Constantineau, in the inaugural issue of this newsletter.
Vera Constantineau is a poet, fiction writer, nonfiction writer and in much of her writing, humour plays a good part. She is the Ontario Representative for Haiku Canada, a member of NOWW, The Sudbury Writers Guild, Haiku Society of America, and the Writer’s Union of Canada. She served as poet laureate in the City of Greater Sudbury from 2020-2022. She is currently editing her work in progress and promoting her latest collection, Enlightened by Defilement, with Latitude 46 Publishing.
“Writing can be lonely and frustrating, so it’s good to have friends who understand.”
On a writing routine …
My time is my own, unless there are family commitments. I write in several genres and each has its own routine. I have a daily haiku practice. My haiku poems are written in the morning, always with a pen, and in a dedicated book. I transfer the poetry into a document on my computer to edit there. Fiction has a less specific routine, because in this genre I write both short and long fiction, the routine varies. With shorter fiction, under a thousand words, I tend to write at any time of the day or evening and usually until I am done a first draft. With longer fiction, I set an outline and write a couple of hours at a time, not necessarily every day. Nonfiction can grab my attention and since it’s often essays, I outline and schedule time, usually afternoons. I am open to writing at any time of day or evening as long as my energy is up.
On writing spaces …
I write poetry at my kitchen table, everything else is done in my office, which is my own personal space.
On writing communities …
A: I am part of a haiku critique group and we meet monthly. I am part of the Sudbury Writers’ Guild and attend the Poetry Inner Circle. Both these groups have been very helpful in developing me as a poet. I am a member of Haiku Canada and the Haiku Society of America. Each offers valued advice from experienced members. I am a member of NOWW Thunder Bay and run the Wednesday Words Monthly meeting. We discuss our goals, personal writing issues and provide advice and encouragement to new attendees.
On challenges …
I am severely arthritic, during the times when I have body pain or hand inflammation, I find it difficult to sit at my desk and use my keyboard. Thankfully, that kind of flare-up only happens on occasion.
On the best writing advice …
In my earlier years of writing I had a tendency to write cardboard characters where I failed to supply the little humanizing details that make a character come alive, I think I have come a long way in that avenue. In fact, it was the phrase cardboard character that stuck. When you need help, find someone and pay attention.
On the worst writing advice …
I made a submission to a press and received a letter back saying I ought to give up writing. I was so angry. As a result, I thought, I will show you. Motivated by that response, I began taking writing courses online to help me grow as a writer. It was bad advice with a good result.
On advice from personal experiences …
Many of the women I know have reached retirement age, which means writing time is easier to come by. Unfortunately, confidence isn’t. I say, trust yourself. Let your writing happen organically. Inform yourself about current writing trends and keep your writing skills sharp. I advise you to join a writing group, either online or in person. Writing can be lonely and frustrating, so it’s good to have friends who understand.
Vera’s online spaces …
Website: veraconstantineau.com
I believe the world needs more women’s stories. Are you ready to write yours?
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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!
I love this idea of creating a community of comfort and courage for women who write, Liisa! 🏹