Ames Writers Collective
Recently, Acacia Coates interviewed Denise Williams who will be hosting an upcoming release celebration promoting her latest novel, The Re-Do List. The event will be hosted in partnership with Dog-Eared Books at the Prairie Moon Winery at 7pm on January 27th. CLICK HERE to hear the interview along with information to register for her event.
What’s your genre?
Journalism and fiction
Are you published?
Self published
What inspired you to become a writer?
I’ve been writing since I was four years old. I believe that stories have power to connect people and to shape history; that fiction reveals truths about human nature in ways other art forms can’t. So many books have influenced me over the years. There hasn’t been a single book I’ve read that hasn’t altered how I think or who I am in some small way. To write is to rub up against what makes us human and to display it for the world to see. That’s what inspires me to write; a fundamental desire to show the creativity of humanity and a belief that we are more than the organic material that we are made of.
What author do you admire and how have they inspired your writing?
I deeply admire and respect Louisa May Alcott. She was able to weave truth and beauty into her narratives seamlessly. Her stories have substance without being “preachy” and they have value because they inherently give weight to the actions of the characters. Her novels are fun and engaging without being “fluffy” and lacking in depth. Her ability to communicate the human life across generations and through time is something I aspire to.
Name three of your favorite books and their authors
The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.
What’s one thing readers should know about you?
My love for telling stories through art doesn’t just extend to writing; I love music and I think it grips people’s spirits. I’ve played classical piano since 2012 and some of my favorite composers are Debussy, Bach and Chopin. I think the sweeping lyrical melodies of Debussy and Chopin’s intricate polyrhythmic style create stunning tension in their respective pieces. Like writing, music inspires people, touching parts of their souls that are never stirred up without the influence of the arts.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to a budding writer?
Don’t let perfectionism paralyze you from writing. Mess up again and again and again, fighting for a piece of art that exists, not a product that’s perfect. Writing is about moving people – let that be your aim. Communicate who you are when you write, not what you think other people want to hear.
Author Bio
Acacia is a student at Iowa State University but with a deep love for writing and music. She’s completed several projects throughout the course of her studies, including podcast creation and social media production. She hopes to one day have a fulfilling career working for a company she can be passionate about.
This month, join us for Open Hours at Fifth Street Writers. Open hours are available for members only! Interested in becoming a member? Click here for more information!
Looking for a space designed for writers by writers? Or are you looking for a quiet area to focus on your most recent project? At Fifth Street Writers, we aim to provide just that from 5pm – 7pm on Mondays in September. There are a few exceptions, please check our events calendar for specific dates!
We have seating areas spread throughout the building at Fifth Street Writers that run the gamut from comfy club chairs to benches with tables, to larger tables with chairs. Limited parking is available in front of the building, with plenty of street parking. Our site host is communications intern, Acacia Coates.
