When I sit down to send out this newsletter, I try hard to think of important things to say. Because I want to be valuable and encourage you to write. And I want to write meaningful and inspirational paragraphs that make you think, “Yes, I do want to start writing.” I want the three or four of you who read this say to yourself, “It doesn’t matter if I publish the Great American Novel—yet—as long as I begin.”
And beginning doesn’t have to look like anything in particular: maybe you pick up a journal you bought yourself six months ago and jot down a few ideas for a poem while you’re having some coffee. Or—you decide to commit to an hour each week to write whatever comes to mind. That’s it—just an hour. Maybe you’re going to treat yourself to a latte and a mini writing session at Starbucks on Saturday mornings. (Or the independent coffee shop of your choice.) The point is your writing practice doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s or what anyone tells you it should look like. Writing is personal, it’s a way to process your experience and a way to find meaning in it. I may have said this before, but I’m saying it again: Just do it.
Writing Groups & Classes and More
A reminder that I’ll be doing a 2-night in-person workshop at the Woodbury, CT Library in November and December on Writing Through Grief. I’ll post more info about that, too, as it gets closer, but here’s the link for that, too, if you want to tuck it away: https://woodburylibraryct.org/event-keeper/
I haven’t added any online classes for the near future, but the Saturday morning writing group is going strong. It is designed for you to drop in when you need it or make it a regular commitment. Come check it out—there’s a “try before you buy” option!
Register here: https://forms.gle/AosMMKBoNGYTeZSt7
There’s a lot going on on Substack
I have several things to share this week and I realized several of them are on Substack! This platform is becoming a place where writers go to write and many of the posts are free. So check them out! The first one is from my publisher Brooke Warner—her latest post was on the woo-woo of writing and since I’ve just encouraged you to get started, here’s a little more inspiration:
The Woo: In Celebration of the Inexplicable Magic of Creative Writing
I’m sharing this one because the author, “…was just informed that my publisher accidentally left [my book] out of the catalogue that gets sent to independent booksellers, alerting them to which books are getting published when.” You may have already heard of this book, Ladyparts, but here’s the author Deborah Copaken’s post about it:
The Quietest Paperback Release Ever
And here’s a new newsletter that comes with a podcast, too! The writer is a woman I only met a little over a year ago, but her energy, humor and friendship makes me feel like I’ve known her forever. Or not long enough. Her name is Lindsey Salatka and you’ll love her:
She also has a great book out: Fish Heads and Duck Skin (I mean . . . that title!)
NaNoWriMo
I know we’re a few days into November, but this is the month when you can commit to a writing goal and have company along the way. I signed up—I’m not sure how well I’ll do, but I keep encouraging others to do it, so I figured I should do it, too! (Also I was encouraged to do so . . . )
So, give NaNoWriMo a try. Also, Grant has a Substack, too! Talk about inspirational!
Intimations: A Writer's Discourse
And, finally . . .I’ve had some news about my next book, True Confessions of an Ambivalent Caregiver originally due out August 6, 2024. The date has been changed and I’m waiting on a new pub date, but the reason is a good one. I’ll share all next month. Meanwhile, if you have any questions, are interested in a class, want to have me speak at your group or just need some writing ooomph…let me know!
See you next month! Happy Thanksgiving!
xo
Cindy