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Write in Time
A young mom, a hotshot lawyer, a beleaguered landscaper, and a feisty widow sign up for a writers’ workshop hosted by a professor who doesn’t want to be there.
Their families, careers, and even the city they love depend on whether they champion each other’s stories or write one another off.
Join Professor Harrington and his students as they eat and critique their way through Madison, Wisconsin’s downtown food scene and struggle to get their stories—and lives—just right before the Christmas deadline.
"Delightful, debut novel filled with humor and hope"
"When a group of men and women from all walks of life and ages join a writing group for the first time conducted by a reluctant professor, surprises ensue. This was entertaining all the way through, an emotional rollercoaster. I began rooting for each of the characters—even those with sour attitudes at first. This reader got involved with each person’s unique life and desperation, from a lawyer on the cusp of ruin to a dad losing touch with his family to a pregnant mom in dire need of support. The author also gives a glimpse of authentic Madison, Wisconsin, which I know well. This is a delightful debut novel filled with humor and hope."
~Christine DeSmet, Fudge Shop Mystery Series and Mischief in Moonstone Series
"Amazing debut novel"
"Any aspiring fiction writer who's ever attended a writer's workshop will immediately identify with the truths in this novel. The tensions, the divisions, the preoccupations of all the participants are effectively rendered in what is ultimately an uplifting tale of five wildly diverse people coming together over a shared interest in completing and improving their unique stories.
"With a deft, comedic hand and the eye of a careful observer, the author develops not 5 characters but 6 with the city of Madison, lovingly rendered, becoming much more than just a backdrop for the events. (The Wisconsin tourism industry should take note of this book.) Each character realizes his/her individual character arc over a limited September to January period, a significant authorial feat when one considers most novels have only 2 main characters to fully develop. Then each individual's story line must be interwoven with the others so that pace is maintained and the entire story becomes one complete, fully entertaining and satisfying whole.
"I applaud the author for her an amazing debut and hope to see more from her."
~Helen J.
Cover art by Evgenia Dolotovskaia
Their families, careers, and even the city they love depend on whether they champion each other’s stories or write one another off.
Join Professor Harrington and his students as they eat and critique their way through Madison, Wisconsin’s downtown food scene and struggle to get their stories—and lives—just right before the Christmas deadline.
"Delightful, debut novel filled with humor and hope"
"When a group of men and women from all walks of life and ages join a writing group for the first time conducted by a reluctant professor, surprises ensue. This was entertaining all the way through, an emotional rollercoaster. I began rooting for each of the characters—even those with sour attitudes at first. This reader got involved with each person’s unique life and desperation, from a lawyer on the cusp of ruin to a dad losing touch with his family to a pregnant mom in dire need of support. The author also gives a glimpse of authentic Madison, Wisconsin, which I know well. This is a delightful debut novel filled with humor and hope."
~Christine DeSmet, Fudge Shop Mystery Series and Mischief in Moonstone Series
"Amazing debut novel"
"Any aspiring fiction writer who's ever attended a writer's workshop will immediately identify with the truths in this novel. The tensions, the divisions, the preoccupations of all the participants are effectively rendered in what is ultimately an uplifting tale of five wildly diverse people coming together over a shared interest in completing and improving their unique stories.
"With a deft, comedic hand and the eye of a careful observer, the author develops not 5 characters but 6 with the city of Madison, lovingly rendered, becoming much more than just a backdrop for the events. (The Wisconsin tourism industry should take note of this book.) Each character realizes his/her individual character arc over a limited September to January period, a significant authorial feat when one considers most novels have only 2 main characters to fully develop. Then each individual's story line must be interwoven with the others so that pace is maintained and the entire story becomes one complete, fully entertaining and satisfying whole.
"I applaud the author for her an amazing debut and hope to see more from her."
~Helen J.
Cover art by Evgenia Dolotovskaia
246 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2019
1 person is currently reading
44 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 10, 2020
Any aspiring fiction writer who's ever attended a writer's workshop will immediately identify with the truths in this novel. The tensions, the divisions, the preoccupations of all the participants are effectively rendered in what is ultimately an uplifting tale of five wildly diverse people coming together over a shared interest in completing and improving their unique stories.
With a deft, comedic hand and the eye of a careful observer, the author develops not 5 characters but 6 with the city of Madison, lovingly rendered, becoming much more than just a backdrop for the events. (The Wisconsin tourism industry should take note of this book.) Each character realizes his/her individual character arc over a limited September to January period, a significant authorial feat when one considers most novels have only 2 main characters to fully develop. Then each individual's story line must be interwoven with the others so that pace is maintained and the entire story becomes one complete, fully entertaining and satisfying whole.
I applaud the author for her an amazing debut and hope to see more from her.
With a deft, comedic hand and the eye of a careful observer, the author develops not 5 characters but 6 with the city of Madison, lovingly rendered, becoming much more than just a backdrop for the events. (The Wisconsin tourism industry should take note of this book.) Each character realizes his/her individual character arc over a limited September to January period, a significant authorial feat when one considers most novels have only 2 main characters to fully develop. Then each individual's story line must be interwoven with the others so that pace is maintained and the entire story becomes one complete, fully entertaining and satisfying whole.
I applaud the author for her an amazing debut and hope to see more from her.
January 19, 2025
As a local to Madison Wisconsin I enjoyed all of the details of The locations and restaurants in this book. I enjoyed the intertwining stories and relationships that developed. There were parts that were expected and hopes for and there were those that came by surprise. I would read it again. Great debut novel from Meg!
December 20, 2020
Aspiring writers sign up for a workshop hosted by Professor Harrington. As a Wisconsinite, it was really fun to read a book set in Madison, Wisconsin. I am not a writer, but the struggles the writers in the story faced seemed realistic. The characters were developed with lives of their own outside of the writer’s workshop, and you will get to follow their journey over the time frame of September to January. This was an impressive debut from Meg Matenaer and I’m excited to see what she writes next!
January 16, 2020
Sweet, inspiring read
I loved the setting, since I am a native Madisonian. The attention to detail at the restaurants and around the city made it so special. The characters’ voices spoke so clearly as the styles of speech varied with each one. Surprising twists and turns were so fun. I am hoping for a Professor Brian sequel! Bravo Mrs. Matenaer!
I loved the setting, since I am a native Madisonian. The attention to detail at the restaurants and around the city made it so special. The characters’ voices spoke so clearly as the styles of speech varied with each one. Surprising twists and turns were so fun. I am hoping for a Professor Brian sequel! Bravo Mrs. Matenaer!
January 16, 2020
Loved this book! The characters are relatable and enjoyable to read. The sense of community woven throughout is fantastic! ♥️
January 1, 2021
This was an easy fun read with interesting characters that develop really well. However, I imagine that it may be off-putting for anyone not familiar with Madison as we tend to gush over the city.
March 10, 2020
This is simply a delightful read with an interesting cast of characters that interact in authentic and often humorous ways. You’ll love them, quirks and all. As a writer myself, the struggles of these writers to get their stories right, along with their ever present self-doubt and time constraints of real life responsibilities, had me rooting for their success from the beginning. An awesome twists awaits you near the end. A very satisfying read, indeed!!
September 10, 2021
Recommend? If you attended UW-Madison, you will enjoy this. If you did not, you may not appreciate this.
Matenaer's debut novel is a fun and delightful read. The group of seemingly misfit characters are fully developed over the course of a semester at UW-Madison. I gave it one less star because of the quick, dramatic events that are not always realistic. A disclaimer to readers is that this is not a Christmas novel, as the holly berries on the cover had me deceived.
Matenaer's debut novel is a fun and delightful read. The group of seemingly misfit characters are fully developed over the course of a semester at UW-Madison. I gave it one less star because of the quick, dramatic events that are not always realistic. A disclaimer to readers is that this is not a Christmas novel, as the holly berries on the cover had me deceived.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews