Instructor Wisdom from Novelist Libby Cudmore

Instructor Wisdom from Novelist Libby Cudmore

Libby Cudmore is a favorite among our Summer Creative Writing Intensives teens. For the last several summers, she’s taught everything from mystery and detective novels to sci-fi/fantasy and micro fiction. 

Her brand new novel, Negative Girl, is getting rave reviews. Libby’s also the 2018 recipient of the Oregon Writer’s Colony prize, the 2023 Shamus Award for best Private Eye short story, and the 2023 Black Orchid Novella award. Plus, she’s a terrific podcaster. Hear her regularly on the  OST Party and Misbehavin’ podcasts.

We asked Libby to share some writing and publishing wisdom with us.

Read on!

What should new writers know about the drafting/revising/editing process?

Remember, it takes time! I think challenges like NaNoWriMo set unrealistic expectations for how long it takes to write a novel, or even a short story. It’s not an overnight thing. Good writing takes practice. Some stories will work. Some stories will get cast aside and carved up for other stories. Some will be abandoned entirely. All of that is just part of the process. Don’t panic because you haven’t met some imaginary deadline or metric. Just keep writing, keep reading, keep learning and improving.

And yes, you will have to revise. And edit. You may have to cut lines and scenes you love. I’m sorry. Set those scraps aside for something else if you really love them.

What writing advice do you hold near and dear as you write your own books?

That you have to build a routine. Find a time that works for you (mine is early morning) and put your butt in the chair. Some days the writing will be great. Some days it will be terrible, or it won’t come at all. That’s okay. You just show up the next day. It’s a practice like anything, and it’s crucial that you seize and protect that space.

What’s an uncommon bit of industry wisdom that you’ve discovered in your career?

Do not limit yourself to one genre or style! Take classes in what you’re curious about, surround yourself with a variety of writers and artists and interesting people who make you happy and lift you up. Reading and practicing widely will help you develop a distinct voice, and being present in the world will help you find those great story ideas.