The Creative Nonfiction Podcast with Brendan O'Meara Episode 277: Allison K. Williams Talks Planned Practice, Living a Writer's Life, and Her New Craft Book 'Seven Drafts'
Sep 10, 2021
Allison K. Williams, a writing coach and author known for her book 'Seven Drafts,' dives deep into the nuances of the writing life. She shares how her experience in stage management enhances her editing skills. Discover her insights on treating writing as a skill, embracing rejection, and the importance of crafting memoirs for readers. Allison also discusses the value of planned practice, the significance of retyping manuscripts for clarity, and the moral obligation to tell unique stories. Her wisdom is sure to inspire writers at all levels!
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Retype To Rediscover Weak Sections
- Try retyping your manuscript by hand or keyboard to catch weak sections and regain fresh perspective.
- Your reluctance to type a passage reveals whether it truly belongs in the book.
Decide Between One Story Or A Writing Life
- Decide if you're writing one cathartic story or cultivating a lifelong writing practice.
- That choice shapes whether you rest, hire editors, or start new projects to build craft and audience.
Use Side Projects As Planned Practice
- Plan to practice: write outside your primary project and accept throwaway exercises as skill-building.
- Treat small, experimental pieces as scales that improve technique and loosen perfectionism.
