Member Spotlight: Eilene Lyon

Why is writing important to you and why do you think it’s an important medium for the world? History has always fascinated me and I enjoy being able to write about it in a way that resonates with people today. We’ll still be repeating the mistakes of the past, but hopefully a few people find enlightenment through reading and live better lives because of it.

What are your tried and tested remedies to cure writer’s block? It’s important to give myself an assignment of some sort. “Today you will write a paragraph about so-and-so.” Today edit my introduction, etc. There are always prompt materials at hand, if necessary.

What is your favorite time to write? I prefer writing in the afternoons. The mornings are for reading, walking the dogs, drinking coffee, watering flowers, harvesting produce, taking care of bills and email.

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received and would like to impart to other writers? A couple of quotes related to showing, not telling: “Don’t tell us the old woman screamed. Bring her on and let her scream.” — Mark Twain “True story telling reveals meaning without committing the error of defining it.” — Hannah Arendt

What excites you most about being a writer in today’s age? One of my favorite writing venues is my WordPress blog. I love the instant gratification of someone reading a piece and discussing it with me immediately after posting.

Eilene Lyon’s Fortune’s Frenzy: A California Gold Rush Odyssey is out now with TwoDots.