Dinah Laprairie
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dinahlaprairie.bsky.social
Dinah Laprairie
@dinahlaprairie.bsky.social
120 followers 170 following 150 posts
Book Coach & Editor • Reader • Optimistic Realist • Always Distracted by Delight & Discovery • 🇨🇦
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dinahlaprairie.bsky.social
Why yes, I did need a book about bison and activism this week.
The book cover of Conor Kerr’s novel Prairie Edge.
September 18, 2025 at 12:12 PM
dinahlaprairie.bsky.social
Today's writing tip: Guide Your Reader

1. Imagine your reader. Why do they need your book?

2. Plot your reader's transformation from cover to cover. What must they experience—and when?

3. On paper, list your chapters alongside the reader's transformation. What needs to change?

#writingcommunity
August 6, 2025 at 7:57 PM
dinahlaprairie.bsky.social
Craftsmanship is timeless. We unearthed this chair, estimated to be at least 110yo now, in the dusty basement of a used furniture store 25 years ago. It continues to please me to no end. Its partner sits in the dining room.

We have no room for them, but I can’t part with them, either.
August 3, 2025 at 5:31 PM
dinahlaprairie.bsky.social
Current book club read: Gator Queen by Tara Lush. 🐊 I have a feeling our mystery club will like this one! We’ll find out next week.

#BookSky #CozyMystery
August 1, 2025 at 4:54 PM
dinahlaprairie.bsky.social
Your book is in conversation with the current moment.
Take a moment to imagine that conversation.
How does your book respond to the world right now?

Use your insights to add purpose to your writing or inform your marketing.

#writingcommunity #nonfiction #memoir

Next coaching tip next Wednesday!
July 30, 2025 at 12:52 PM
dinahlaprairie.bsky.social
You can tell a Sudbury blueberry from the first taste. Nothing better! 🫐
July 25, 2025 at 9:14 PM
dinahlaprairie.bsky.social
🍋Make lemonade while the sun shines?

Yesterday I had 45 min for writing. I squeezed it in while I waited to pick up my daughter from class.

☑️Article: done.

I had lemons so I squeezed them.
Lemonade tastes best when fresh. I made hay.

#WritingTips #WritingCommunity #Nonfiction #Memoir
In this graphic, we see a “laptop lawnchair” in the bottom corner, sitting on the grass. The yellows and greens suggest summer, and indeed it is. The text at the top says "Lawn Chair Coaching: Summertime writing tips." Credit goes to www.dinahlaprairie.com In the centre, we read the tip: "Sooner, not later. Don't wait for summer to 'slow down'—it won't. Today, look at your week ahead, and set aside intentional time for your book. A clear plan now creates room to write later." This tip was brought to you by Dinah Laprairie, Book Coach and Editor. I support everyday experts who want to write nonfiction or memoir. Get in touch if you want to write a big-hearted, reader-centered book. Only a few summer coaching spots left → https://bit.ly/summer-spark-plan
July 23, 2025 at 12:16 PM
dinahlaprairie.bsky.social
Finally reading Demon Copperhead—and highlighting everywhere.

In my margin notes:
“Look at this analogy!”
”Verb tense shifts for tension”
“Why am I so worried right now?”
“Character development in a heartbeat”

Barbara Kingsolver knocks it out of the park. This is why I read.

#BookSky
Pictures here is an e-reader. On its screen is a fully highlighted page of text. The bottom the screen shows it is page 749 of 1609 from Demon Copperhead
July 23, 2025 at 11:01 AM
dinahlaprairie.bsky.social
What does your book need right now?

In my new video, I share 3 way writers can use book coaching to make real progress and start the momentum.

Only *three spots left* for summer book coaching. DM or visit my site to apply → bit.ly/summer-spark...

#writingcommunity #nonfiction #memoir
July 21, 2025 at 1:49 PM
dinahlaprairie.bsky.social
Today's tip: Imagine the person who is showing up for your book's message: Who are they?

Try it! It makes you imagine your manuscript as a finished book.

Need a place to imagine your reader? Try my workbook:
bit.ly/7-Key-Questi...

#writingcommunity #nonfiction #memoir
In this graphic, we see a “laptop lawnchair” in the bottom corner, sitting on the grass. The yellows and greens suggest summer, and indeed it is. The text at the top says Lawn Chair Coaching: Summertime writing tips. Credit goes to www.dinahlaprairie.com In the centre, we read the tip: "Invite Company: Imagine a real person—curious, confused, hopeful—reading your words. Picture that reader sitting beside you. What do you want to tell them?" This tip was brought to you by Dinah Laprairie, Book Coach and Editor. I support everyday experts who want to write nonfiction or memoir. Get in touch if you want to write a big-hearted, reader-centered book.
July 16, 2025 at 1:26 PM
dinahlaprairie.bsky.social
One 2-day book coaching spot available for July 16 & 18.
Need clarity, structure, or a plan that works for you?
Let’s make meaningful progress on your book this week.
DM for info or apply via my site.

Link → bit.ly/summer-spark...

#writingcommunity #nonfiction #summerwriting #memoir #bookcoaching
The sun shines down on summer grass, suggesting an energetic day with possibility. Above the grass: “The Summer Spark Writing Plan. Book coaching that fits into summer.” Then: “Available this week: July 16 & 18. Two full days to focus on your book. Apply today.”
July 14, 2025 at 3:31 PM
dinahlaprairie.bsky.social
On the road this morning, so my reminder is a tad early: The Summer Spark Q&A is today at noon!

If you have questions about summer book coaching, register now and join me at 12ET. Come tell me about your book. No pressure.

Register → linktr.ee/dinahlaprairie

#writingcommunity #memoir #nonfiction
In this illustration, it's a sunny day, and on the grass lies an open laptop and a glass of fresh lemonade. Above, we read these words: Your Book. This Summer. The Summer Spark Writing Plan. In One Hour, Live Q&A. July 11 at noon EST. Register for the Zoom link.
July 11, 2025 at 12:30 PM
dinahlaprairie.bsky.social
Writing nonfiction or memoir?

I'll be on Zoom Friday to answer questions if you're curious about my Summer Spark book coaching.

No pressure. Just come ask questions & see if we're a fit. Tell me about your Book Spark!

Find the links here → linktr.ee/dinahlaprairie

#writingcommunity #memoir
An illustrated sun shines down from the top of this image onto these words: "Your book. This summer. Book coaching that fits into summer. Live Q&A this Friday, July 11 at noon EST. Come find out more! Register for the Zoom link."
July 8, 2025 at 2:33 PM
dinahlaprairie.bsky.social
Immensely enjoying McCall Smith’s loving humour & keen observations about being in relationship to others.

🍦I matched my current reads to ice cream flavours—because why not! Find out what flavour this book is here:
dinahlaprairie.substack.com/167535442/ic...

What flavour is your book?

#BookSky
Book cover of Alexander McCall Smith’s The Perfect Passion Company. A raspberry red cover titled in yellow serif typeface. In the centre, a graphic illustration of an apple half in which we see the silhouettes of a man and woman (presumably). I am halfway through the book and don’t yet see the significance of this image. Nonetheless, it’s a lively, lovely colour and, matched with the size of the book, I enjoy holding it in my hands.
July 8, 2025 at 12:05 PM
dinahlaprairie.bsky.social
Today, I have a freebie for new nonfiction writers: From Here to There, a PDF worksheet to define your book's transformation.

Try it, and if you like it, get in touch -- or book one of my summer coaching spots.

Links here: linktr.ee/dinahlaprairie

#writingcommunity #nonfiction #bookcoaching
In the center of the image, we see a laptop. On its screen, a writer is scribbling in a notebook in front of their computer, a coffee cup beside them. The text reads: "Free download for nonfiction writers. Coaching Exercise. Reveal your book's transformation. Take the first step to: Define your book's journey, Decide on your approach, Curate your content, See your expertise on the page." At the very bottom, in small text, we read: "The Summer Spark Writing Plan is open now. Apply for a coaching spot."
July 7, 2025 at 4:14 PM
dinahlaprairie.bsky.social
I've been sharing writing tips and my summer coaching program, but I figured I should introduce myself properly!

Always happy to chat about books! (Enthusiastically, too!) Tell me what you're working on this summer. I'll cheer you on.
July 3, 2025 at 6:10 PM
dinahlaprairie.bsky.social
Reading makes you a better writer. This summer, find a book in your genre that readers love. What did the author well?

→ Hi there! Each Wednesday this summer, I’m sharing a new writing tip. Tell me: What's your best advice?

#writingcommunity #nonfiction #booksky #memoir
In this graphic, we see an illustrated “laptop lawnchair” in the bottom corner, sitting in the grass. The yellows and greens of the image suggest summer, and indeed it is. The text at the top says Lawn Chair Coaching: Summertime writing tips. Credit goes to www.dinahlaprairie.com In the centre, we read the tip: Read to Write Better. ÈRead one book in your genre this summer as a writer. What did the author do wellÉ What would you change? Your own book will thank you. (Bonus points if you read on the beach.) This tip was brought to you by Dinah Laprairie, Book Coach and Editor. I support everyday experts who want to write nonfiction or memoir. Get in touch if you want to write a big-hearted, reader-centered book.
July 2, 2025 at 8:03 PM
dinahlaprairie.bsky.social
Beautiful rain today in Sudbury.
June 27, 2025 at 8:30 PM
dinahlaprairie.bsky.social
I'd love to browse Kim's bookshelf. We had a wonderful talk about books last year when we met for coffee... Here are her book picks for Canadian readers right now.

You can read more about our Top 3 Book Picks at open.substack.com/pub/dinahlap...

#BookSky #Canada #WritingCommunity
Image shows three book covers beside the heading "Top 3 Book Picks for Canadian Readers: Kim's Picks". The books are Endling by Maria Reva, Welcome Home by Stuart McLean, and Happiness by Will Ferguson.
June 27, 2025 at 1:43 PM
dinahlaprairie.bsky.social
Want a peek at the titles we chose for Canadian Readers? Here's mine.

Read more at open.substack.com/pub/dinahlap...

#BookSky #Canada #WritingCommunity
Image shows three book covers beside the heading "Top 3 Book Picks for Canadian Readers: Dinah's Picks". The books are: The Treasure Hunters Club by Tom Ryan, That Time I Loved You by Carrianne Leung, and The Bittlemore, by Jann Arden.
June 27, 2025 at 1:39 PM
dinahlaprairie.bsky.social
Your book outline gives you direction. Think of it as a trail map and go explore.

🧭

This summer, I’m book coaching from my lawn chair. Each Wednesday, I share a new writing tip.

I have 7 summer coaching spots open now. Find out more here → lnkd.in/gT-R4J5G

#writingcommunity #bookcoaching
In this illustration, a “laptop lawn chair” is standing in the grass. The text reads: “Lawn Chair Coaching: Summer Writing Tips. www.dinahlaprairie.com.” The tip: “Outline without Overwhelm: Think of your outline as a trail map, not a contract. It guides your direction but leaves room for discovery along the way.”
June 26, 2025 at 12:16 AM
dinahlaprairie.bsky.social
The light has shifted. There’s more air, more time, more you.

Today, I opened 7 summer coaching spots. Rediscover your book & why it lights you up.

✨ A short-term, high-impact spark to start writing again.
📝 Learn more: bit.ly/summer-spark...

#writingcommunity #nonfiction #memoir #bookcoaching
A bright, illustrated sun shines its rays down on this text: The Summer Spark Writing Plan Write the book that lights you up This image accompanies a post about Dinah Laprairie's new book coaching program for summer 2025. Details at this link: https://bit.ly/summer-spark-plan
June 24, 2025 at 4:43 PM
dinahlaprairie.bsky.social
Sometimes it’s worth it to get up before everyone else.

…Actually, it always is.
Photograph: We see panes windows in front of us. The right hand window is wide open. Beyond the window are large maples, silhouetted against a sunrise.
June 24, 2025 at 9:34 AM
dinahlaprairie.bsky.social
In summer, the pace shifts.

There’s more joy in the air, and more space to think, reflect, and reconnect.

✨

Tuesday, I’m announcing my summer coaching program for writers who want to use this brief season to dig in and write. 7 dates only.

#WritingCommunity #BookCoaching #Nonfiction #Memoir
In this illustration, the hot sun of summer is beating down on these words: "Open the Window. Let the breeze in." Below: "What still wants to be written?" At the bottom of the image is an illustration of a book, lying open, with cheery summer flowers growing out of its pages. This post introduces the summer offer from nonfiction and memoir book coach Dinah Laprairie. If you have a book idea that needs attention, follow Dinah here for more details. Or, visit bit.ly/summer-spark-plan
June 22, 2025 at 8:21 PM
dinahlaprairie.bsky.social
In summer, my sunporch becomes my workspace.
I scribble & read, watch birds, sip iced tea. In the sunbeams I give my ideas and my mind room to breathe.

I have summer book coaching spots just for this season.

More details soon, but ask for a sneak peek.

#writingcommunity #nonfiction #memoir
At the top of the image is the sun, shining its rays on these words: Sit and dream and write and think. It's summer. Below, we see a book lying open. Out of its pages grow summery, cheery flowers.
June 18, 2025 at 5:46 PM