Secret writers are everywhere, I’m learning. Today in my newsletter, I talk to my first book coaching client who took her writing out of her desk drawer and shared it. She transformed into a writer, and now and author. Tomorrow, a public reading. Secret's out! open.substack.com/pub/dinahlap...

Why yes, I did need a book about bison and activism this week.

“Help!” cried Toad. “My best friend is trying to kill me!” “I’m only getting you ready for winter,” said Frog.

Beverly Cleary's fictional third grader with an adopted dog named Ribsy made his debut in 1950. Cleary was praised for writing simple, humorous stories that kids wanted to read.

Today's writing tip: Guide Your Reader 1. Imagine your reader. Why do they need your book? 2. Plot your reader's transformation from cover to cover. What must they experience—and when? 3. On paper, list your chapters alongside the reader's transformation. What needs to change? #writingcommunity

Craftsmanship is timeless. We unearthed this chair, estimated to be at least 110yo now, in the dusty basement of a used furniture store 25 years ago. It continues to please me to no end. Its partner sits in the dining room. We have no room for them, but I can’t part with them, either.

Current book club read: Gator Queen by Tara Lush. 🐊 I have a feeling our mystery club will like this one! We’ll find out next week. #BookSky #CozyMystery

Your book is in conversation with the current moment. Take a moment to imagine that conversation. How does your book respond to the world right now? Use your insights to add purpose to your writing or inform your marketing. #writingcommunity #nonfiction #memoir Next coaching tip next Wednesday!

This article delighted me to no end. There are over 100,000 Wikipedia editors! Just walking around among us! Gift link: www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/066ea50...

Gothic mansion or hidden library? How do I choose?!

You can tell a Sudbury blueberry from the first taste. Nothing better! 🫐

🍋Make lemonade while the sun shines? Yesterday I had 45 min for writing. I squeezed it in while I waited to pick up my daughter from class. ☑️Article: done. I had lemons so I squeezed them. Lemonade tastes best when fresh. I made hay. #WritingTips #WritingCommunity #Nonfiction #Memoir

Finally reading Demon Copperhead—and highlighting everywhere. In my margin notes: “Look at this analogy!” ”Verb tense shifts for tension” “Why am I so worried right now?” “Character development in a heartbeat” Barbara Kingsolver knocks it out of the park. This is why I read. #BookSky

What does your book need right now? In my new video, I share 3 way writers can use book coaching to make real progress and start the momentum. Only *three spots left* for summer book coaching. DM or visit my site to apply → bit.ly/summer-spark... #writingcommunity #nonfiction #memoir

Are you looking for the perfect agent for your work? Wondering who’d love a project just like yours? Try our #MSWL search tips for Bluesky and find a fit without leaving the platform! youtu.be/LnZt1MCjKZE?...

Today's tip: Imagine the person who is showing up for your book's message: Who are they? Try it! It makes you imagine your manuscript as a finished book. Need a place to imagine your reader? Try my workbook: bit.ly/7-Key-Questi... #writingcommunity #nonfiction #memoir

One 2-day book coaching spot available for July 16 & 18. Need clarity, structure, or a plan that works for you? Let’s make meaningful progress on your book this week. DM for info or apply via my site. Link → bit.ly/summer-spark... #writingcommunity #nonfiction #summerwriting #memoir #bookcoaching

On the road this morning, so my reminder is a tad early: The Summer Spark Q&A is today at noon! If you have questions about summer book coaching, register now and join me at 12ET. Come tell me about your book. No pressure. Register → linktr.ee/dinahlaprairie #writingcommunity #memoir #nonfiction

Writing nonfiction or memoir? I'll be on Zoom Friday to answer questions if you're curious about my Summer Spark book coaching. No pressure. Just come ask questions & see if we're a fit. Tell me about your Book Spark! Find the links here → linktr.ee/dinahlaprairie #writingcommunity #memoir

Immensely enjoying McCall Smith’s loving humour & keen observations about being in relationship to others. 🍦I matched my current reads to ice cream flavours—because why not! Find out what flavour this book is here: dinahlaprairie.substack.com/167535442/ic... What flavour is your book? #BookSky

Today, I have a freebie for new nonfiction writers: From Here to There, a PDF worksheet to define your book's transformation. Try it, and if you like it, get in touch -- or book one of my summer coaching spots. Links here: linktr.ee/dinahlaprairie #writingcommunity #nonfiction #bookcoaching

I've been sharing writing tips and my summer coaching program, but I figured I should introduce myself properly! Always happy to chat about books! (Enthusiastically, too!) Tell me what you're working on this summer. I'll cheer you on.

Reading makes you a better writer. This summer, find a book in your genre that readers love. What did the author well? → Hi there! Each Wednesday this summer, I’m sharing a new writing tip. Tell me: What's your best advice? #writingcommunity #nonfiction #booksky #memoir

Beautiful rain today in Sudbury.

This week, I was joined by book coach Kim Reynolds, and we rounded up 6 books for Canadian readers. I have to say, they’re perfect for summer above the 49th. What’s on your summer reading list? open.substack.com/pub/dinahlap...

Your book outline gives you direction. Think of it as a trail map and go explore. 🧭 This summer, I’m book coaching from my lawn chair. Each Wednesday, I share a new writing tip. I have 7 summer coaching spots open now. Find out more here → lnkd.in/gT-R4J5G #writingcommunity #bookcoaching

The light has shifted. There’s more air, more time, more you. Today, I opened 7 summer coaching spots. Rediscover your book & why it lights you up. ✨ A short-term, high-impact spark to start writing again. 📝 Learn more: bit.ly/summer-spark... #writingcommunity #nonfiction #memoir #bookcoaching

Sometimes it’s worth it to get up before everyone else. …Actually, it always is.

In summer, the pace shifts. There’s more joy in the air, and more space to think, reflect, and reconnect. ✨ Tuesday, I’m announcing my summer coaching program for writers who want to use this brief season to dig in and write. 7 dates only. #WritingCommunity #BookCoaching #Nonfiction #Memoir

In summer, my sunporch becomes my workspace. I scribble & read, watch birds, sip iced tea. In the sunbeams I give my ideas and my mind room to breathe. I have summer book coaching spots just for this season. More details soon, but ask for a sneak peek. #writingcommunity #nonfiction #memoir

Before you write a word, open your notebook and answer this: What promise is my book making to the reader? ♦ Hi, I’m Dinah, book coach for everyday experts writing nonfiction or memoir. Each Wednesday this summer, I’m sharing a new writing tip. What's yours? #booksky #nonfiction #writingcommunity

A new Readability Review is up. This time I review On Tyranny (Graphic Edition). The interaction of Krug's art + Snyder's text challenged me to think + rethink—and reminded me why I coach writers to write asking "Why now?" 📖 open.substack.com/pub/dinahlap... #BookCoaching #Booksky #BookReview

Reader-centered writing starts with a shift in perspective. What does your ideal reader want as they enter your book, and what do they need at that moment? Begin there. ♦ This summer, I’m sharing a new summertime writing tip each Wednesday. Questions? Reach out! #writingcommunity #bookcoaching

AI is a hot topic in writing circles, and I’m weary. Every day, I have to ask: Am I for or against? And then, the noise. So much fear. I created a worksheet for writers who want to make a values-based decision on AI use. Guided prompts, no judgement. bit.ly/reflection-s... #writingcommunity

Writers: You don’t have to be fully ready to begin. ________________ This summer, I’m book coaching from my lawn chair. Each Wednesday, I’m sharing a new summertime writing tip. Here's this week's tip: Start Before You're Ready #writingcommunity #nonfiction #member #fiction

The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths is compulsive reading. Late last night, I forced myself to put down this book and turn off the bedside lamp. I didn’t want to be the last one awake in the house thinking about murdery things…

Find out more about book coaching in Part 2 of #EditorsWeekly. I’m so pleased to be included here with three other coaches. If you want to know more about book coaching, just ask!

I’m a big fan of plain-speak, and my biggest frustration with the Liberal Party in the last decade was its communications. Here, I’m seeing smart comms strategy and a leader who’s willing to speak clearly. To cross divides, everyone needs to be in the same conversation.

I really should be doing more with my days.

👩🏽‍💻📝👩🏽‍💻

The fear of being seen is real—and it’s common. But it doesn’t mean you’re not ready. It means your story, your message, your characters… they matter to you. #writingcommunity #bookcoaching #writing open.substack.com/pub/bookcoac...

Cool temperatures but our weekend retreat was full of warmth and generosity at our Rekindle Creativity Women's Writing Retreat in French River, Ontario. Truly a privilege to host such incredible writers. www.rekindlecreativity.com #writingcommunity #ontario #writingretreat

The Rekindle Creativity Women's Writing Retreat begins in 2 days! We're packing up now, ready to join some amazing writers. If you're a last-minute planner like me, or you just like to be spontaneous, get in touch by midnight tonight. Let's see if we can make it work for you. #writing #ontario

This week, my guest Liz Green of Green Goose Writing shares her Readability Review of Stanley Tucci’s Taste: My Life Through Food in my newsletter. I'm not keen on celebrity memoir, so I wanted to know: Is it a feast for the ears? dinahlaprairie.substack.com/p/readabilit... #booksky #bookreview

We’ve been trained to scroll through scads of text every day, and to absorb material quickly. Skim, scroll, move on. It’s tempting to assume readers want to engage with a book in the same way. But that’s not the case. Books aren't blogs. That's what I wrote about for @janefriedman.com

You’ll be happy you paused in your day to listen to this. ❤️

Coffee table stack, May 9, 2025. What’s in your book stack? #booksky #mystery #poetry

Humor, social commentary, and one of the best amateur detectives I’ve met — Glory is complex and real and enormously entertaining. And five stars for the audiobook performance. Can’t wait to pick up Book Two! #Booksky #mystery #cozymystery