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Monday, October 14, 2024

'Five hundred words a day'

 

“An early editor characterized my books as 'romantic comedy for intelligent adults.' I think people see them as funny but kind. I don't set out to write either funny or kind, but it's a voice they like, quirky like me... And you know, people like happy endings.” – Elinor Lipman

  

Born in Massachusetts on Oct. 16, 1950 Lipman studied journalism at Simmons College and began her writing career as a college intern with the Lowell (MA) Sun.   Right out of college she was hired to do press releases for Boston television station WGBH, a job she held throughout the 1970s before turning to a creative writing career, starting with short stories.

 

She started writing novels in the 1990s and has written 14 to go along with two nonfiction books and a short story collection.   Her first novel, Then She Found Me, was also made into a successful movie in 2008.  Her most recent best seller is 2023’s Ms. Demeanor, a finalist for the “Thurgood Prize for American Humor.”  

 

Known for her wit and “societal observations,” Lipman’s writing advice is simple:  “Five hundred words a day is what I aim for. And I don't go on to the next chapter until I've polished and polished and polished the one I'm working on.” 

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