Bestselling Author and Writing Retreat Leader Lynne Golodner
This week’s Writer Wednesday features award-winning author and writing retreat leader Lynne Golodner!
Based in Huntington Woods, Michigan, Lynne is the bestselling author of 10 books, including her latest release “Cave of Secrets.” She’s also the founder of Your People LLC, a marketing and PR firm for authors. With an MFA in Writing and years of teaching experience, Lynne leads global workshops and writing retreats.
Lynne will be leading our virtual workshop, “Marketing for Authors,” on Jan. 22 at 7 - 9 p.m. EST. Join us to learn how to build a powerful author brand and marketing strategy!
What writing projects are you currently working on?
I am in the production phase for a collection of personal essays, “Forest Walk on a Friday,” that will be published Jan. 28, 2025. I also just finished writing and revising my third novel, “I Love You, Charlie Tanner," which is in the hands of my early readers and will go to my editor in about a month. Its publication date is May 13, 2025. So there’s a lot of production and marketing planning happening right now. However, I am traveling a lot on my book tour for my second novel, “Cave of Secrets,” and traveling always gives me time to contemplate and notice and journal and write, which will likely be fodder for my next project.
What is your favorite part of the writing process?
I love every part of it, honestly! But really, writing is my way of figuring out what I think, processing events and experiences, and so there’s the writing it all down, and then there’s the a-ha moments that come when I read what I’ve written and start to shape an essay or a book idea into a workable project. With every piece that I write, I understand myself, and the world, more.
Lynne Golodner at The Detroit Writing Room’s 2024 Summer Author Series at The Whitney. Her novel “Woman of Valor” was featured at the event. Photo by Alexia Stephenson.
What does your writing workspace look like?
Ha! I wish I could say that I have a space just for writing, but honestly I do my business work and also my creative writing at the same desk. I do make it a little different though, when it’s time to write — I light a scented candle, play certain playlists, sometimes burn incense, and make a creamy cup of tea, and I am transformed into a creative person. I like the lights low, and I keep little bits of inspiration nearby, books, old journals, crystals, etc.
What’s your advice for authors marketing themselves for the first time?
You can’t do everything, so pick one thing and do it well. Also, what would be FUN for you? Honestly, marketing can and should be fun! So if you hate doing videos, don’t choose TikTok. I focus on building relationships with readers, so speaking engagements are a big focus of my marketing. Also, be yourself in every appearance — online or in person. People want to know the real you.
What is your favorite non-writing hobby?
I have many! I love being in nature, so hikes and walks in the forest are big for me, but also baking and cooking is a creative endeavor that slows me down and lets me nourish the people I love. So we’ll go with those two.
What is your favorite piece of writing advice?
Write the story that YOU need to write — not what you think people want to read. When it comes from your heart and soul, it’ll be the best thing you can write and people will want to read it.
Follow Lynne’s work on Substack and on Instagram at @lynnegoldoner.
— Interview by DWR intern Jenna Hausmann.