Why Liz Writes

Why a Writer Writes

Most people are natural storytellers; we'll revisit something unusual that happened in our daily routine or recall moments from our pasts. But it's the writers who take those anecdotes and turn them into other, bigger things: the plot for a novel or as the basis for letting their imaginations take flight.

The other day, my son-in-law told me a story about a wild turkey that had wandered into his yard. He was alerted to it by Piper, his excitable female mini Schnauzer with an ear-piercing bark. From her perch on the back of their sofa at the front window, she's always on watch and guards her house against intruders. That morning, she went into a barking fit at the sight of this strange visitor. My son-in-law came to check what set Piper into such a frenzy, and to his amazement, he saw the huge bird, a wild turkey, one that would have made a sizeable presentation on our Thanksgiving table, staring at him through the window. 

One doesn't see that kind of wildlife very often in an urban environment, so he grabbed his phone and videoed the creature to have proof he hadn't made it up. 

When he next came to visit, he pulled out his phone. "You're not going to believe this," he said. But not only did I believe it, I was inspired to go to my computer and record the event, including throwing in some necessary embellishments, of course. A video is a fun way to record a moment in time; a story, however, excites imaginations—both the writer's and the reader's—which is a gift that continues to give.

What is also inspiring is to have friends who, like me, turn moments of life into fanciful stories. Keeping company with these creators keeps my own imagination in peak form. One such storyteller, who I know with certainty if presented with a video like this would've dashed to her computer to write about "The Great Turkey Invasion" is Guelph writer Liz Lindsay. 

Liz, together with two other friends, writes under the collective pen name, Jamie Tremain, a truly interesting concept. Below is her story as part of a writing trio: "Why Does Liz Lindsay Write."

By Marianne Scott, author

Who is Ferris Tremain?

Three writers – Liz Lindsay, Gloria Ferris, and Pam Blance, write under the name of Ferris Tremain. During lockdown Gloria suggested, for fun, that a collaborative book might be a good way to keep writing skills intact. Initially there were 5 writers who contributed to the beginnings of the Mechanic Falls Gem Caper series, but sadly, two found it necessary to bow out. Gloria, Pam, and Liz carried on when it was discovered an actual book was in progress! Since the debut of ‘Worlds May Change’, a Christmas novella, ‘Tequila Claus’ was added and now a second full-length book, ‘Where We Stand’ has just been released!

Why Liz Lindsay Writes? 

A question not easily, or clearly, answered. I’ve wanted to write since I was ten years old. Visions of sitting in front of a typewriter and stacks of blank paper to create upon, fueled childish imaginings. I loved to read and early years were spent devouring mysteries and romance. As I grew older the interest in predictable romance tales dimmed and my love of all aspects of mysteries grew. Psychological, thriller, forensics, detective – you name it, I’ve probably read it.

The desire to write never waned but life was rarely amenable. Working, raising three children – a familiar story, I’m sure. At times I made efforts to begin a story – often by hand because my long-ago childhood portable typewriter was no more. It would be more than 10 years before my first computer, and oh the absolute joy of seeing my words fly across paper. I’m a speedy typist and at last my frustration of thoughts flowing faster than I could write them down was no more!

But until then, I could still find time to read and broaden my genre scope. A means, I now understand, to focus on what I would eventually find myself writing. I’ve now been a published author for about ten years, but it was a long road to get there. Thrilled as “Jamie Tremain” to be picked up by a traditional publisher, but since 2019 it’s been the self-publishing route. Cutting out the middleman and having more control suits me.

Along the way, I met Pam Blance when she began employment where I worked. I had been assigned to teach her responsibilities and skills required for her new job, and mentor her, but it wasn’t long before we discovered a mutual love of reading and wait for it – writing! Almost immediately, lunch and coffee breaks were devoted to writing our first book – no, two books! The blissful ignorance we enjoyed in those early days – finding our way through the myriads of writerly advice, practically clueless to the process. One of those books still sits in draft form awaiting resurrection – when there is time! The other became our first published book under our pen name – Jamie Tremain. When I held a copy of that first book, The Silk Shroud, I had no words to describe the feeling. Although I’m sure fellow writers can relate!

My 10-year-old self still smiles to see the bookshelf in my office which holds visible results to date from Jamie Tremain. More recently Pam and I partnered with established author Gloria Ferris to write as Ferris Tremain. If two heads are better than one, imagine what three can do! And now, once again, I can stop to wonder – why do I write?

Partly because I love words, their origins, their ability if crafted well, to evoke emotion. But also, if I’m honest, it’s because I can let part of “me” become real through the characters I’ve created. Saying they are my alter ego(s) doesn’t do it justice. I don’t always like what my characters say or do, but then there are situations within a story where I have the freedom to say or act in ways that might be disapproved of in my life. And maybe, just maybe, there is a part of me that says even after I’m gone, part of me will remain. That my long-held desire to be an author has been validated.

Realistically I know there will come a day when circumstances will call a halt to writing, but I don’t think I’ll ever stop wanting to write, to find the elusive ‘best seller’ all we writers crave. And while the Holy Grail of Best Seller is not likely to be achieved, or even a passable income, I continue to write while I can – because? Because I love to write.

written by Liz Lindsay