Guest: Dawn Greenfield Ireland, Author and Storyteller

Website | https://degreenfield.com

On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/degreenfield/

On Facebook | https://facebook.com/dawn.ireland.18

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Host: Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals Podcast

On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli

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This Episode’s Sponsors

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Episode Introduction

Hello, everyone! Marco Ciappelli here, and welcome to another episode of ITSPmagazine. Today, I had the pleasure of speaking with the incredibly talented author and storyteller, Dawn Greenfield Ireland. Dawn has an impressive catalog of written works, spanning from science fiction and dystopian novels to cozy mysteries and award-winning screenplays. Let’s dive into her fascinating journey and gather insightful tips for aspiring writers.

The Genesis of a Writer

Our conversation kicked off with Dawn sharing the origins of her writing career. Dawn’s literary journey began in an unusual way—through technical writing. In the 1970s, while working as an executive secretary in an oil and gas company’s documentation department, a surprising opportunity arose. Dawn was asked to review some documents, which led her to discover a new talent she hadn’t previously known she possessed.

This realization was a game-changer, and she transitioned into technical writing. Later, Dawn moved on to work at Compaq Computer, where she gained invaluable insights into the publishing industry as a whole.

Transitioning from Technical Writing to Fiction

One intriguing aspect of Dawn’s career is her transition from technical writing to fiction. I asked her about this shift and whether she had always harbored a desire to write fiction. Dawn revealed that her first foray into fiction happened during a long commute to work, where daydreams turned into notes jotted down on a yellow legal pad. These notes eventually materialized into her first science fiction novel, Second Chance (later renamed Prophecy of Thal).

However, the journey was anything but smooth. Dawn’s first draft took years to complete and underwent numerous revisions before it was finally published—33 years later.

The Importance of Editing and Critique Groups

Dawn’s story underscores the significance of continuous learning and refinement in the writing process. She shared how joining a critique group was instrumental in improving her writing skills. The group provided constructive feedback that helped her transform raw ideas into well-crafted stories.

For aspiring writers, Dawn emphasizes the importance of finding a critique group or, at the very least, a good editor or proofreader to help polish one’s work.

Adapting Books into Screenplays

As an author who has also delved into screenwriting, Dawn explained the distinctions between writing novels and screenplays. While novels allow for expansive descriptions and detailed storytelling, screenplays demand brevity and focus. Adapting a 400-page novel into a 95-page screenplay requires careful condensation, often leaving out important elements.

Despite the challenges, Dawn enjoys both forms of writing, finding fulfillment in the unique constraints and creative opportunities each offers.

The Role of Reading in Writing

We also discussed the pivotal role of reading in one’s development as a writer. Dawn reads two to six books per week, attributing much of her writing prowess to this habit. Reading widely exposes writers to various styles, techniques, and vocabulary, all of which contribute to honing their craft.

She encourages budding writers to read extensively and use modern technology, like eBooks, to easily look up unfamiliar words and concepts.

Practical Advice for Aspiring Writers

To wrap up our conversation, I asked Dawn to offer some practical advice for new writers. Here are her key suggestions:

• Start with an Outline: Jot down your ideas and gradually expand them into a structured outline.

• Join or Form a Critique Group: Feedback from peers can be invaluable in improving your work.

• Stay Organized: Use tools and strategies to keep your writing process efficient and avoid working with outdated drafts.

Final Thoughts

Dawn Greenfield Ireland’s journey from technical writer to multi-genre author and screenwriter is a testament to the importance of perseverance, continuous learning, and embracing new challenges. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to transition into a new genre, implementing her advice can undoubtedly help you become a better writer.

Thank you for joining us on this episode of ITSPmagazine. Don’t forget to check out Dawn’s extensive library of work and consider reaching out to her for further insights. Until next time, keep writing, and keep telling those stories that make us all human.

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Resources

Writers Preparation Handbook Online Course: https://www.degreenfield.com/online-classes

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For more podcast stories from Audio Signals: https://www.itspmagazine.com/audio-signals

Watch the video version on-demand on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllQvnJ8eHUlVX8AuyhehtexA

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