Edie Dykeman

BIW Member Interview

Edie Dykeman is a freelance writer, blogger, caregiver, and newly anointed grandmother. She loves to read and write, and has combined the two by creating a wonderful home-based business. In her spare time, she enjoys keeping in touch with family and friends.

Moe: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Edie Dykeman: I kept journals for years and edited several newsletters, but did not consider myself a writer until the late 1990’s when I started writing essays and articles. I eased into fiction writing around 2004.

Moe: Describe three lessons you have learned about writing.

Edie Dykeman: First, allow my mind and pen to flow as they will, and worry about editing later.

Next, no matter what I am writing, it always takes longer than I think it will. Always!

Third, in the overall scheme of whatever I am writing, it helps to have an outline or a good idea of what my objective is for the piece. Once I get the general idea in mind, then the pen flows more freely within that framework.

Moe: What are you working on now?

Edie Dykeman: Right now, I am concentrating on my blogs and writing web content. I have written two novels and have almost finished the third, but they all need major editing.

Moe: Do you have a favorite writing related book?

Edie Dykeman: My favorite has to be The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. This book moved me to write beyond the journal by opening my mind to realize what I could accomplish.

Moe: Do you have an important BIW tip you’d like to pass along?

Edie Dykeman: Yes. I have found I write the most pages when I have set up some kind of outline ahead of time. Usually I jot down ideas on index cards, one for each day of BIW week. That still leaves me open to go with the flow, but gives me inspiration each day when I begin to write. I also find the BIW writing prompts helpful when I need a nudge.