Much of writing is a solitary endeavor, requiring only an author, her imagination, and words on the page. In my early years of writing, I believed in isolation and kept my work-in-progress firmly to myself. I hesitated before joining my first writing group and was both surprised and delighted to discover that regular feedback made my stories better. Now, I reach out with draft pages whenever possible, attending workshops, trading chapters, getting critiques from beta readers, and seeking out editors. Impartial eyes are often far better than mine at identifying the weak spots.

But I’ve recently been reminded that brainstorming with someone else—kicking around ideas without words on the page—can also be invaluable. In twenty minutes on the phone, Laura Drake (For Roger) and I solved the stubborn writing issue bugging her as well as the one bugging me. During a car ride to Tennessee, Barbara Claypole White (The Perfect Son) and I detangled two different storylines and explored a half-dozen exciting new possibilities. When I met Sharon Kurtzman (The Lost Baker of Vienna, releasing 2025) for coffee, I described my struggle with a plot point. She promptly asked, ‘What about…’ and a whole new possibility opened.

Is my work still solitary? Yes. Is my work still my own? Absolutely. But putting a problem into words and getting someone else’s thoughts can often loosen the stubbornest knots. I suspect this is not just true of writing. I need to remember this approach when other challenges loom.

When has brainstorming with a friend or colleague given you new energy and a new direction?

Etcetera

On the writing front, the Great Agent Hunt is ongoing for my ‘Island’ story, which is set in the Puget Sound. Queries are out, several agents are reviewing my full manuscript, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed. Stay tuned. Perhaps I’ll have an update in next quarter’s newsletter?

I thoroughly enjoyed a beach writing retreat in September with fellow authors Sharon Kurtzman, Barbara Claypole White, and Monica Cox. Great weather, great scenery, and I broke all previous records in word count as I drafted many very roug) pages for a new manuscript. I love it when a shiny new idea takes hold, and when I have time to sink into it, it’s magic.

And my head is spinning after attending an excellent Novel Writing Intensive last week led by Steven James and Robert Dugoni. Both are excellent teachers, and I left the weekend energized and buzzing with new approaches. One of the things I enjoy most about writing is that the learning curve never stops.

Photos: Below, I’m including a snapshot to prove I was hard at work at the beach, and a group photo to admit that, okay, not EVERY moment was about working. And of course, I have to share a granddaughter photo, proud and smiling as she heads off to a new school year.

Keep scrolling for this issue’s Giveaway.

Giveaway! A memorable debut

THE PELICAN TIDE by Sharon J. Wishnow

Set in Grand Isle, Louisiana in the wake of the massive Deepwater Horizon oil spill, THE PELICAN TIDE is the story of a family in turmoil, a historic café, and a beautiful but fragile ecosystem under threat. A layer of oil sludge coats the local beaches and estuaries, fishing is banned, tourists disappear, and the entire island community faces tough decisions. Against this backdrop, Josie and Brian struggle to hold their marriage together while trying to ensure a future on the island they love. In this assured debut, Sharon J. Wishnow creates a strong sense of place and deftly brings the natural world of this Gulf barrier island to life. Readers looking for a heartwarming story, memorable characters, and the delights of a wayward pelican named Gumbo will be richly rewarded.

If you’re a subscriber, you're automatically entered to win. 

Congratulations to Beth R., who won a copy of THE WORK WIFE by Alison B. Hart in my last issue.

Book Clubs

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