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