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
Find writingworkshops.com:
Website
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
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Episode 125 - Gramps Jeffrey - Leaving a Legacy
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Episode 123 - Karen Baum Gordon - On Surviving the Surviving
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Episode 115 - Dean Stark - Why Purpose is Needed to Succeed in Competitive Sports
Episode 114 - Nancy Sharp - How to Turn Tragedy into Opportunity
Episode 113 - Ramona Pintea - How to Make Art a Path for Serving Others
Episode 112 - John Wynn - The art of creating an entertainment empire
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Episode 110 - Margaret Trimer - How to Define & Live by your Core Values
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