Draft Chats are for writers of fiction and creative nonfiction who are dedicated to improving their craft and celebrating the shared successes of the group. Together, we meet monthly to review each other’s work, offer feedback and guidance, and encourage each other along our individual paths to publication. Less rigorous than a workshop, Draft Chats are designed for the writer who is searching for a thoughtful community of readers and/or who simply seeks encouragement to continue their journey. Participants should bring copies of work to share; designated manuscript-reading time will be followed by constructive, facilitated discussion. We welcome you!
Meredith grew up in New Orleans, collecting two degrees from Louisiana State University before running away to Chicago to be an actor. In between plays, she got her black belt and made martial arts and yoga her full-time day job. She fought in the Chicago Golden Gloves, ran the Chicago Marathon, and competed for team U.S.A. in the savate world championships in Paris. In spite of doing each of these things twice, she couldn’t stay warm and relocated to Nashville. She owns several swords, but lives a non-violent life, saving all swashbuckling for the page, knitting scarves, gardening, visiting coffee shops, and cuddling with her husband and two panther-sized cats. Her debut, Ghost Tamer (September ‘23) is an Amazon Editors’ Pick and IBPA Benjamin Franklin Gold Winner for Best Science Fiction and Fantasy. A Dagger of Lightning released April 1, 2025, both with CamCat Books. Dagger’s sequel, A Horn of Onyx, releases March 31st.
"Big fan of Meredith Lyons! She’s a great writer and teacher. Her class gave me great insights and practical ideas to apply to my own work."
"Meredith did a great job, and her class was a ton of fun!"
"Meredith's writing advice for each person was clear, tailored to each person's needs/interests/goals, and concrete. Great job of setting practical goals and providing productive strategies!"
