Episode 157 - Blake Kimzey - Creating a Writing Community

Blake Kimzey is the founder of writingworkshops.com, a global community offering writing classes taught by experienced instructors, like Make Meaning Podcast host Lynne Golodner. Blake is also an author, screenwriter and hands-on dad of three. In this episode, Blake recalls a pivotal moment in sixth grade when he wrote a King Arthur rip-off. He and Make Meaning Podcast host Lynne Golodner also talk about his journey as an author, the inspiration behind WritingWorkshops.com and the surprising and very winding journey of becoming an author.   In this episode, Lynne and Blake discuss:  Going from short stories to writing a novel Submitting novels and receiving rejections Transitioning to screenwriting Writing a novel while working at an engineering firm Embracing the long-term nature of a writing career The importance of supporting women authors over 40 WritingWorkshops.com's explosive growth Offering online classes during the pandemic and beyond Being in it for the long haul and why “first” novels are often third, fourth or tenth projects Publishing later in life Coming into your voice Creating stakes, tension and care for characters   Links and Resources:  King Arthur MFA George Saunders Austin Film Festival David Benioff Liz Hannah D.B. Weiss “A professional writer is an amateur who didn't quit.”– Richard Bach Elizabeth George Foundation Carrie by Stephen King On Writing, Stephen King ASJA Virtual Annual Conference Scotia Road Books Edan Lepucki Writing Coaching Lynne’s Writers Retreats Sackett Street Writers   Find Blake Kimzey: Website Twitter Instagram LinkedIn   Find writingworkshops.com: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram Blog   If you enjoyed this episode, you’ll like these other Make Meaning Podcast episodes: Episode 144 – Danny Hankner – Founding Story Unlikely Episode 142 – Announcing Scotia Road Books Episode 79 – Laura Munson – How to Find Refuge in Writing Episode 73 – Jim Reese – Why Teaching Writing in Prisons  Helps Everyone Episode 1 – Norman Cohn – the Best Business Advisor