Meeting Writers Teaches You About the Place
Writers in Scotland, Preparing to Meet Nova Scotia Writers
When I planned a monthlong writing sabbatical in the Scottish Highlands last year, I looked for local writing groups, writers and writing events I could attend. And I found so many.
Highland LIT. Writers Hub Inverness. The Badenoch Storylands Sessions. (OMG was that an amazing night!) Moniack Mhor. Everyone told me to meet Merryn Glover. (So glad I did! Oh the coffee and cakes and conversation we shared. Listen to this interview with Merryn on the Make Meaning Podcast.)
As a result of taking this literary focus to Scotland with me, I learned the place more deeply than I might have as just a tourist. And it changed for me how I travel.
Now, I look for books by local authors to learn how they see the place. (On a recent trip to Montreal, I bought four books all by local authors, some indigenous, so I could understand the French-Canadian city from a variety of angles.)
I came home from Scotland with something like 15 new books (and I left a ton there, after I’d finished reading them, just to lighten my suitcases.)
(Have you taken advantage of my birthday month special offer to become a paid subscriber? Gain access to the monthly book giveaway & bimonthly writer Q&A sessions live (next one: June 26 at 2 pmET). This month’s book giveaway: The Fair Botanists by Sara Sheridan.)
When I traveled to Scotland last month, I got to meet writers again, in Edinburgh, learning more about the place. Victoria and Garry Mackenzie spoke to us at the Scottish Poetry Library (there’s a poetry library!!)
I also visited the Writer’s Museum (there’s a museum devoted to writers! Well, three male white writers but it’s something.) And at Golden Hare Books, not only did I get to read a new essay of my own, but I heard from three incredible Scottish authors: Rebecca Smith, Alice Tarbuck and Katie Welsh.
Now, I’m in touch with writers in Nova Scotia, both to have them speak to my writers retreat in late July, but also so I can meet and commune with fellow writers. So many are generous and eager to meet!
That’s the thing about writers. Introverts by nature, we crave connection, but in meaningful ways. My world is so much brighter and fuller because of the writers I’ve befriended. All you have to do is reach out.
Meeting writers, reading books by local authors, and understanding the literary canon of a region or location helps us to gain a depth of perspective about the places we visit. We know them by soul and by landscape. And that makes for a more meaningful immersion in a new land.
Next time you travel, do some easy research. Google local authors. Visit the indie bookshops. Attend a writers group or a reading. You’ll find a new respect and understanding for not only the place, but the people, and I bet it’ll work some new energy into your own writing!
And if you want to meet a writer who loves connecting over great words, storylines, and the stories of our hearts, reach out to me. I’d love to know you beyond this newsletter!
New Podcast Season
The new season of the Make Meaning Podcast launched on Friday with the first episode focusing on Scotia Road Books and featuring Elizabeth Gowing and Merle Saferstein. This season is chock full of amazing authors, with episodes airing every other Friday until next May. (No joke!)
Some upcoming episodes include…Annie Cathryn (June 23), Danny Hankner (July 7), CL Walters (July 21), Barbara Stark-Nemon (August 4) and so many more! I’ll mention upcoming episodes in future newsletters, and hope you’ll tune in to hear about their writing journeys and advice!
Announcing The Writers Community 2024
There are a few spots open on the waitlist for a very special writing program that I facilitate, and which will look different in 2024! The Writers Community is an intimate cohort of writers who meet regularly to build a supportive and safe space to share their work, deepen their writing and focus on their craft. It’s been going now for several years, and I’m evolving the program a bit next year.
If you’re looking for an affordable, supportive community to hold you accountable to your writing and encourage you to write, this might be the key! Learn more here, and reserve your spot on the waitlist. Participants will be notified that they’ve secured a spot in September.
Thank you for reading the Rebel Author Newsletter! I am grateful for your support and time. If you have questions about writing that you’d like me to address, let me know! Our next paid subscriber Q&A is June 26th. If you haven’t yet upgraded to a paid subscription, do so before then to join the conversation! I’m running a birthday month special of 25% off for a year-long paid subscription. Join today!
Creatively Yours,
Lynne
Exciting stuff!