Book Coach & Anthropologist Amy Goldmacher

This week’s Writer Wednesday features Amy Goldmacher of Farmington Hills. Amy is an anthropologist, book coach and author. She also holds a Ph.D. Before anthropology, she worked at a textbook publishing company in editorial, marketing and sales. She loved books and wanted to be intimately involved in bringing them into the world. Fun fact: She’s read over 100 books a year since 2013! Read more about her latest projects below!

What writing projects are you currently working on?

Exactly a year ago, I put out a call for essays on the topic of father-daughter relationships, and that manuscript is currently being reviewed by a press, which I hope means it will be published within the next year!

I thought I was working on a memoir, but I’ve recently discovered speculative, non-traditional forms and flash nonfiction, so I’m letting the work take shape instead of trying to force a shape on it. I’ve had some short pieces published in the last year, which are linked on my website at amygoldmacher.com/author and in the linktree in my bio on Instagram.

What is your favorite part of the writing process?

When something clicks or releases. When you’ve been doing what you’re supposed to do, putting words on a page, butt in chair, and then finally you get an insight or see a connection or find a theme running through and it feels like all the internal turmoil was worth it.

What does your writing workspace look like?

I have a lovely quiet room with a window and purple carpet, a long desk and a big monitor so I can spread out my books and notes and get to work.

How has being a book coach and working with other authors influenced your own writing?

Learning to coach other writers has taught me a lot about what goes into good writing. I think writers face many common issues, so being able to see opportunities for improvement as a coach shows me where I can improve my own work as a writer. And learning how to explain what works or what could be made better also means I teach myself the same lessons. I think it really helps me to see how other writers face challenges and come up with solutions while working with them on their content and structure.

What is your favorite non-writing hobby?

I love to read and nap with my cats, and travel with my husband.

What is your favorite piece of writing advice?

Write small. In other words, dwell in a moment, focus on the sensory details, show what you are thinking and feeling. Don’t rush to the next thing.  

What books are currently on your nightstand?

“All the Wild Hungers” by Karen Babine, “The Book of Delights” by Ross Gay and “Waveform: Twenty-First-Century Essays by Women,” edited by Marcia Aldrich.

Read more about Amy at amygoldmacher.com and follow her on Instagram at @solidgoldmacher.