Your Writing Mentor - Mary Knippel

Black History Tribute

February 20, 2019 By Mary E. Knippel

Mary E. Knippel (past pres WNBA-SF) & Effie Lee Morris (Founding President WNBA-SF)

The little lady who had the wisdom of the owls she loved to collect, as well as a heart full of the love of books, and readers of all ages…

I just got back from the San Francisco Writers Conference and once again, a treasured memory resurfaced and gave me a chance to pause and smile. In honor of Black History Month, I’d like to share the story of my history with a woman who cast a giant shadow but barely stood less than five feet tall. I proudly called her my teacher as well as my friend. She was also the reason this Minnesota-born Scandinavian had the privilege to give testimony at a Baptist gathering. And the first woman of color who personally had such a significant influence on me.

Effie Lee Morris was a visionary, advocate, author, San Francisco leader, and honored as a Living Legend by the California Library Association. “I am proudest to have been a librarian,” she said, “a librarian who has made a difference.” The first book she owned, The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter, launched her love of reading and planted the seeds of her career as a children’s librarian and children’s advocate.

Ms. Morris’s awards are numerous, but two that she was particularly proud of are the Silver Spur Award for Dedication to Enhancing the Quality of Life and Economic Vitality of San Francisco, and the Women’s National Book Association’s Award for Extraordinary Contribution to the World of Books.

The annual Effie Lee Morris Lecture Series lecture was created to salute Ms. Morris for her outstanding contributions to the San Francisco Public Library and the children of San Francisco by the WNBA-SF in 1996. The Children’s Historical and Research Collection was established in 1964 by Morris and officially renamed the Effie Lee Morris Historical and Research Collection of Children’s Literature in 1981. The collection was created as a research collection of outdated or out-of-print books deemed important to children’s literature and books containing ethnic stereotypes.

Little did I know as I sat taking notes at that WNBA-SF planning meeting which organized the first lecture in the series, that one day I’d be receiving phone calls from Effie Lee congratulating me on doing such a great job as WNBA-SF’s president, or passing along a suggestion about our next chapter meeting.

She passed away in 2009. She was our cheerleader, shining star and an amazing example to live life to the fullest every day. Her spirit continues to shine brightly with all of us who were touched by her deep abiding love of the written word and enthusiasm for everyone who participates in the passionate pursuit of just the right combination to create an engaging story.

Do you long to get started writing or sharing their love of books? Consider getting involved at your local library, or joining such organizations at Women’s National Book Assn-San Francisco Chapter (WNBA-SF) or the California Writers Club (CWC) who offer speakers and programs to help you unleash the writer in you.

[Friday Five-Minute Writing Prompt] Onward…

February 15, 2019 By Mary E. Knippel Leave a Comment

Onward…

Friday five-minute writing prompt

Take out a fresh sheet of paper. Natalie Goldberg uses a “fast-writing” pen. I suggest using your favorite writing instrument and an unlined piece of colored paper for fun. I use a fountain pen with purple ink. Some folks opt to use their computer. If that is your preferred method to write, then just open a new word document on your computer and go for it. The point is to keep your fingers moving for five minutes and not stop. I want you to experience how much writing can be accomplished in a short period.

If you get stuck, just repeat the writing prompt – Onward... or any other phrase that is comfortable for you. Do not stop to edit, correct spelling, look up a better word, or rearrange a sentence. Do not question what comes up in the five minutes: this doesn’t make sense, where did that come from, or what a crazy notion. This is a timed writing exercise so be sure to set the timer on your watch, phone, microwave, computer, or kitchen stove. Whether you use an egg timer, a No. 2 pencil and a spiral notebook, your iPad, or even your iPhone, the theory is the same. Keep your hand and fingers moving and have fun taking dictation from your unconscious self. Make a list, hum a tune, write a poem, or create a short, short story. This is your time to explore and experiment.

Photo credit: SherieCohenPhotography

Wanna explore the writing craft?

February 13, 2019 By Mary E. Knippel Leave a Comment

Do you have dreams to write, and wonder what to do with them?

Here’s one that happened when I said “Yes” to my writing dreams.

I’m bracing for a fast and furious week (Feb. 14-17) at the 16th San Francisco Writers Conference (SFWC).

I am thrilled to once again be supporting writers along their publishing path as the Independent Editor Coordinator. SFWC attendees can sign up for a free 8-minute consultation with Independent Editors during the conference (I am also one of the editors).

I’m going to take a minute here to share with you on my path…my evolution of participating at this prestigious event catering to everyone and everything in the publishing industry.

Once upon a time, my family moved to the beautiful San Mateo Coastside. I told someone I was a writer. I was introduced to the Andrea Brown, President of Women’s National Book Association-San Francisco chapter (WNBA-SF) and Linda Mead, Membership chair, who also lived on the Coastside. They immediately took me under their wing and ferried me to monthly meetings in the City because I couldn’t imagine driving the streets of San Francisco yet. That’s where I met the founders of the SFWC, Elizabeth Pomada (past president of WNBA-SF) and Michael Larsen (programs chair).

Over time, my confidence in my writing and my leadership skills grew with a lot of hard work and encouragement from my colleagues and friends in WNBA-SF. Teresa LeYung-Ryan, my colleague, friend and mentor, and I had the pleasure of co-presenting at SFWC for several years. I served as president of WNBA-SF and vice-president of the California Writers Club-Peninsula Branch. I sought out and won assignments as a writer for the monthly CoastViews Magazine.

At the first SFWC, the job I felt qualified for at the event was…babysitting the purses in the volunteer lounge.

Yes, that’s all I felt I could handle because I didn’t feel ready to go for what I really wanted…to do what I’m doing now…helping other women tell their story, and shining the light so that they can see their gifts.

As you can tell from the list above, my expertise at the conference has evolved along with my confidence and skill-set. When my own editor, Vicki Weiland, suggested I help her at the conference as a “Book Doctor,” I jumped in because she’d be there too. When she was unable to continue with the conference, she recommended me for the job with a glowing endorsement.

I’m sharing where I started at the conference to help you see that if you keep showing up and moving forward those wonderful things may happen.

If you stay in one place, nothing will happen.

If you are attending the conference, stop by and say Hi…or better yet…sign up for a free 8-minute consultation with an Independent Editor!

Show up and Shine!

[Friday Five-Minute Writing Prompt] There are no coincidences…

February 8, 2019 By Mary E. Knippel Leave a Comment

There are no coincidences…

Friday five-minute writing prompt

If you get stuck, just repeat the writing prompt – There are no coincidences... or any other phrase that is comfortable for you. Do not stop to edit, correct spelling, look up a better word, or rearrange a sentence. Do not question what comes up in the five minutes: this doesn’t make sense, where did that come from, or what a crazy notion. This is a timed writing exercise so be sure to set the timer on your watch, phone, microwave, computer, or kitchen stove. Whether you use an egg timer, a No. 2 pencil and a spiral notebook, your iPad, or even your iPhone, the theory is the same. Keep your hand and fingers moving and have fun taking dictation from your unconscious self. Make a list, hum a tune, write a poem, or create a short, short story. This is your time to explore and experiment.

Photo credit: SherieCohenPhotography

Yes, Your Story Matters!

February 7, 2019 By Mary E. Knippel

We are only days away from being immersed in the 16th annual San Francisco Writers Conference and the adrenaline is already running high in anticipation of all the stories coming together! Being a part of this conference and celebrating the craft of writing is something I have had the privilege of being a part of since the beginning. What holds true every year is the amount of incredible talent who come together to inspire, inform, encourage, awaken, light a fire and unleash the writing spirit in all of us.

For the past several years, my job has been to coordinate the free consultations participants have at their disposal with Independent Editors. Break-out sessions covering all aspects of the writing process are conducted in other parts of the Hyatt Regency San Francisco, while my group, the Independent Editors, spend our time during the conference dispersing our expertise in eight minutes one-on-one sessions with conference attendees. We hear all about the who, what, when, where, how and why of their stories. We share advice, goodwill, guidance, instruction, support, wisdom, along with generous amounts of understanding and compassion.

Every story is unique.

Every story is unique to the storyteller.

Every storyteller is the same with a tremendous desire to be heard and seen.

I promise you that your story matters to me!

My mission is to support the storytellers who hesitate to share their story because

1) they fear no one will want to hear what they have to say, and

2) who would want to listen to them if they were to speak up?

No one except you can tell your story because it is yours alone to tell.

I guarantee that someone is waiting for you to tell your story. They need to hear your story so that they can see themselves reflected in your story.

Hop over to my Facebook Page and let me know what you think of this story!