Meet Debra Eckerling

Happy New Year!


This year starts with the presentation of a talented author, Debra Eckerling.

I am sure you will be delighted to learn about her!


Interview with Debra Eckerling, the leader of Write On! (www.writeononline.com)

Tell us about yourself first.

I am a freelance lifestyle and entertainment writer who developed a niche in writing about writers. I moved to LA from the Chicago suburbs 12 years ago, and freelanced while working fulltime until two years ago when I went out on my own. Some of my “day jobs” included Community Relations Coordinator for Barnes & Noble, Production Editor at Publications International, Ltd., and Director of Communications for an executive benefits company.

I have been leading a writers support group for the last eight years, and have a writers website – www.writeononline.com. I also host workshops in addition to freelance writing, editing, and coaching.


When did you start writing?

Like most writers, I developed a love of writing from the moment I learned to write in grade school. In high school, I did a lot of essays and creative writing, and even had a poem in the high school literary journal (which I find extremely funny since poetry is the one thing a do not do now). I graduated with a degree in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and freelanced for one of the college papers. I also was an award-winning public speaker on the nationally ranked Forensics team. Participating on the team involved a lot of writing and peer-coaching.

What types of writing do you do?

My writing includes non-fiction articles, essays, and corporate communications. In addition to the content for my website – WriteOnOnline.com – I edit the eZines for The Writers Store and StoryLink.com.

I have also written four screenplays and participated in/completed National Novel Writing Month for the first time last November. I am currently working on a non-fiction book on writing and am planning to participate in NaNoWriMo again this year, as well as it’s sister-group ScriptFrenzy, which encourages people to write a screenplay in a month. That takes place in April.


Tell us about Write On! What is it about?

Write On! is the writers support group I have been leading in Santa Monica for the last eight years. We focus on goal-setting, productivity, and accountability, as well as networking with light critique. Whereas most writing groups cater to a specific type of writer, Write On! is open to writers in all areas, mediums, and levels of experience. Most writers create in more than one medium. Plus, all writers need people who understand them to cheer them on.

I launched the dedicated website – www.WriteOnOnline.com – about a year and a half ago. People would move out of town and want to stay involved, have a place to post their goals, and stay in touch with the community. I also met a lot of people from other states and other countries, who liked the idea of the writers support group and wanted to participate.

Over the last year and a half, Write On! Online has developed into an informative website and community. We have Author Q&As twice a week, Expert columns every Thursday, and a drawing for posting monthly goals either on the website or on the Write On! Online Facebook Fan Page (www.facebook.com/writeononline). The Facebook page allows people to participate in writing discussions, share knowledge, and post links to their latest success. I also have a monthly writing challenge with prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. The topic for the January Challenge is Review Yourself: submit a 200- to 400-word review of your own work. Details here: http://bit.ly/5ZUYEW


What inspired you to create this?

I was the Community Relations Coordinator for Barnes & Noble in Schaumburg, Illinois, and, whenever I was at a loss for events, I would sit in the café and talk to our customers. One day, someone asked if I would start a writers support group at the store. I thought it sounded like a good idea, and decided to try it out. It was quite a success. As a bonus, I started writing essays as my goals for the meetings – I don’t believe in bugging people to set goals unless I intend on setting them myself. When a freelance opportunity came up, I had writing samples ready to go.

I re-launched the group in Los Angeles in 2002.

Where is it online?

The website is www.writeononline.com, and the Facebook page is www.facebook.com/writeononline
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Tell us about your other work.

In addition to my niche of writing about writers – WriteOnOnline.com, as well as editing the eZines for The Writers Store and StoryLink.com – I love to teach and I love to talk. I lead workshops on topics such as Breaking through Writers Block and Marketing through Blogging and Social Networking. My next class is Goal Setting & Productivity on January 30 at The Writers Store in Westwood, CA. Details here: http://www.writersstore.com/product.php?products_id=4440

Has the Internet helped you in your writing career? How?

Yes. The internet is awesome. Really the best tool for education, networking, and self-promotion. It has helped me expand my reach to writers, and allowed me to assist authors in increasing their visibility – and share information – through interviews on my website.
Authors need a platform. – and there is no better, far-reaching platform than the Internet.

What do you advise new writers to do?

Start by journaling. Write what’s happening in your life, feelings, observations, unique characters you encounter, and ideas. It’s great practice for developing style and tone, and there’s plenty of material to write about. Writing is exercise: the more you do it, the more skilled you become.

Thanks Debra for being with us!

Good luck!

Liana