Member Spotlight: Liz Alterman

Why is writing important to you and why do you think it’s an important medium for the world? Writing offers a portal into another world where anything is possible. My latest novel is a romcom/momcom so working on it gave me the opportunity to have some much-needed fun without leaving the house. Writing is crucial for connection, education, entertainment, and self-expression.

What are your tried and tested remedies to cure writer’s block? I take a lot of walks when I’m feeling stuck. I also try to write in a different genre. So if I’m not coming up with ideas for a manuscript, I may take a break and work on a humor list. It helps to get the words flowing again.

What is your favorite time to write? I’ve learned that any time I have space and quiet to create is my favorite time.

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received and would like to impart to other writers? I love when authors say ignore the old “write every day” advice. We often put so much pressure on ourselves, this is just one more way to feel like we’re falling behind. I think taking breaks and doing other things that fulfill you can be so beneficial to supporting your creativity.

What excites you most about being a writer in today’s age? I love that there are so many pathways to publication and that writers have a chance to connect and share their ups, downs, and hard-won wisdom in forums and communities like the ones provided here.

Liz Alterman’s Claire Casey’s Had Enough is out now with Severn House.