Today we’d like to introduce you to Anne Eston.
Anne, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been writing fiction since the third grade. As for how I got from my first story to creating the writing life I’ve always dreamed of, it’s been a series of detours and distractions and a few false starts. I loved English and language and anything to do with writing throughout school, but when I got to college, I had a showdown with my dad, who was footing the bill.
He wanted me to study computer science, which is the polar opposite of my creative genetic make-up. Writing is in my DNA. So I settled for a degree in journalism and worked at many jobs that were not doing the kind of writing I wanted to do. I was in public relations; I was a magazine editor; I did a few freelance jobs. And in between, I did administrative work because I was good at it, and I had bills to pay.
I finally published my first novel under a pen name, and a few years later, I found a graduate program. Last year, I completed my MFA in Creative Writing. Now I teach workshops for women writers, and I mentor and facilitate a private writer’s group for women that focuses on supporting our process and our practice of writing called Primal CreTEAvity. I’m also working on two novels of magical realism.
I wouldn’t say that I’ve arrived, though, by any means. I think we’re a work in progress until we take our last breath, and I plan to be writing and evolving until my last day on the planet.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As I mentioned before, my journey has had many detours that mostly involved trying to please other people or following what others thought should be my ideal path and expression.
Then, of course, fear sets in, mirrored in imposter syndrome. I’ve also had many creative wounds to overcome, as any creative individual does.
It’s become a cliché to say this nowadays, but the more authentically I’ve learned to live, the more exciting life becomes, and the more thrilling it is to only say yes to the things that bring me joy.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At its core, my life centers around writing. I’m still very much in the process of publishing a body of work. Part of that process is realizing that creativity takes the time it takes. The other part of that is building a series of workshops and services that support women writers.
I think what sets me apart from many coaches and editors is that my approach is more spiritual and intuitive. I really want to help foster the connection between writers and their own work–in other words, it all comes from within and starts with ourselves, our writer’s spirit. So that’s the foundation of the mentoring I offer.
In terms of editing, before a manuscript even gets to a proofreader or a traditional copy editor, again, I want to help the writer to be sure it’s actually the story they want most, and often need to tell. I help writers see the possible story behind the story. I call myself an archeologist of story magic if you will.
And this all tethers back to that connection—readers should feel the writer’s passion and what they’ve put off their soul into the work. I help writers make sure that ingredient is in there. I share examples of what I’m talking about on my website, and I invite people to check it out.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I think people will be surprised by the whole approach that I’ve previously shared.
Most editors focus on the nuts and bolts of grammar and spelling, elements of style, etc. And all of that is necessary. But I’ve read writing that just falls flat even though it’s perfectly constructed because the writer hasn’t let us see their soul in the work.
I also want writers to be able to feel the joy that comes from a radiant and vibrant connection to their art. These are the things I’m most excited to help other writers with.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.writeranne.net
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildwriteranne
- Twitter: @WildWriterAnne
Image Credits
Andrew Thacher and Tris Beezley Designs
