It’s not just me, is it?
When you read a great book by someone, find their bio rich in achievements, learning and the sheer volume of their commitments…it’s intimidating, and they seem beyond the realm of the ordinary.
When they could be terribly superior, but are instead gracious, the example urges me towards becoming a better human, a better writer.
Kris Spisak, https://kris-spisak.com/ is one of those people.
If you’re an aspiring writer, and you don’t have her book on novel editing, https://kris-spisak.com/the-novel-editing-workbook/ This is a good one. It’s the book that made me sign up for her newsletter.
Kris isn’t only a knowledgeable wordsmith, but also an activist for other writers, and author of both fiction and non-fiction books. Check out “Becoming Baba Yaga: Trickster, Feminist & Witch of the Woods” (coming September 1, 2024 from Red Wheel/Weiser Publishing, and—newly announced—as an audiobook from Tantor Media).
Generous too.
This month she ran a “Summer Stories and editing power giveaway”, where she gave away two free courses and four discounted courses from her online store.
And all she was asking was why writing is important to you!
I’m delighted to be one of her winners. Thanks Kris!
Winning entry: –
Why is writing critical?
Because
If I don’t
Stories nibble my concentration
They slip into my sleep
Characters beg
For their chance in the light
Places that have never been
Ache to be set free
And I become a jar,
My lid screwed tight-shut
all my phantoms bottled
Living in my brain-pan attic.
The writing sets them free,
And me with them.