As I’ve noted before, one of the gifts of my work is supporting authors in their writing process. As a writer coach, I provide encouragement, ideas, and accountability (in person or online) as writers make their way from initial idea into writing the first paragraphs, editing the drafts, and wending their way through the publication process. Today, I’m celebrating the conclusion of one such process with the publication of Book of iiwii.
The author, Kathy Sawyer, reached out to me back in 2020 after we’d met at a retreat day. She had a book idea, had been collecting information on it for years, and wanted help with actually doing the writing. Her book idea was to ponder the impact on her life of the popular tautophrase, “It is what it is.” (You can read the definition of a tautophrase here or learn about it in her book!)
Over the next couple years, we met periodically, she began writing, and I made suggestions about her writing process and gave feedback on her outline and draft chapters. Eventually, she had a complete first draft, which I edited. Ever the researcher, she kept finding more to add and change, even while she was finalizing the book with the publisher!
So, you’re probably wondering what iiwii is. Take a look again at that tautophrase. She made it into a palindromic acronym! Kathy has a wonderfully creative mind and is a first-rate storyteller. We laughed so much as we worked our way through the creation of Book of iiwii. I love the stories she tells, illustrating aspects of iiwii (and its flip side: iiwii?). In fact, part of her creativity is revealed in the fact that the book itself has a flip side. Curious? Get a copy and see!
And if you’re curious about writing, or you struggle to move beyond the research stage, let’s have a conversation. I’d welcome the chance to support you in your own writing process. You might even end up with a published book!
Just for fun, please leave a comment with a topic or draft book title that illustrates something you would like to write about someday…!
Sounds like an incredibly fun book and heaven knows we need some levity at this point! I’m going to think on a book idea… have always thought it would be fun to write a children’s book but that’s about as far as I get!
It is a fun book, Joyce…and yes, it’s important to balance our day with brightness! Enjoy pondering book ideas…for any age!
Peace,
Shirin