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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Unexpected Move Fueled A Writing Career
- Allison moved to Dubai unexpectedly after a mall contract fell through and ended up staying with her now-husband Alf.
- The move gave her the uninterrupted writing time she had been seeking and launched her career shift from performing to writing.
Editing Is Like Stage Management
- Allison links stage management to editing: both remove distractions so performers or readers can engage fully.
- She treats editing as crafting conditions that let a story or show do its best work.
Finish First, Shape For Reader Later
- Write your first draft privately and don't self-edit for audience until it's complete.
- Then step back and ask: what will the reader get from this and how will it serve them?
