What are we even doing here?
Hi, I’m Lyle McKeany. I’m a writer and creative coach. And I work with writers at Foster.
Umm, okay, so what do you write about?
I write stories that are personal, vulnerable, and sometimes funny.
Do you think you could maybe expand on that a bit?
I write about the struggles of being a father to a daughter with cerebral palsy. More generally, I write about life. The messy life we all deal with every day. The ups and downs. The crap that’s bouncing around in my head, which probably bounces around in yours too. The funny, insightful, inspiring, annoying, terrifying, and poignant things that happened to me. Or, you might say, they happened for me because now I get to write about them and share them with you.
Got any examples?
Geez, you’re demanding.
Here’s my most popular piece yet (it’s writing advice but also not writing advice at all): HOW TO WRITE BETTER STORIES IN 4 EASY STEPS
Here’s one about the day my daughter Em was born (fair warning, it’s an intense story): The Hardest Day Of My Life (Part 1)
Here’s a letter I wrote to her (for her fourth birthday): A letter to my daughter
Here’s one about grief (and other emotions and stuff): It’s got no place to go
You mentioned coaching. What’s that all about?
Yesss, I’m glad you asked.
I work with writers and creatives who want to level up their game, go deeper, get more vulnerable, get unstuck, push themselves creatively, and be more prolific. We get there by diving into the details of their creative process and finding ways to help them push the boundaries of what they think is possible. And, ultimately, help them create something they're proud of.
Okay cool! Sooo, back to your writing. What are people saying about it?
Nice, a softball question. I can handle this one. Here are some actual quotes from actual human beings.
From my Twitter friend Amanda:
Lyle is a writer who will steal your heart and smack you in the face with it, and somehow you'll ask for more. He writes about the pain and joys of fatherhood and life.
From my writer friend Sara:
Lyle writes heartfelt stories about dad life, work life, life life.
From someone I haven’t spoken with since high school:
When I read this, it’s like you were talking about me! Sometimes it’s just nice to hear that there are other people going through and thinking the same thoughts that are in your own head.
From someone who I don’t know at all:
Your writing is so relatable on so many levels.
From my Mom’s friend who apparently reads roughly a book per day:
His essays are so well constructed, filled with honesty and humor. Though we are strangers, because he was clearly able and chose to share vital pieces of himself, I feel as though I know him. And I like him. Upon reading the first sentence I was hooked. When I read the last sentence of the last composition I was disappointed because there were no more. His insight, compassion, and depth of love are revealing. He is a gifted and thought-provoking writer. I journeyed with him through parts of his life and visited many of my own emotions along the way.
High praise from a voracious reader. I’ll take it!
And lastly, from my wife Allison:
You write like a male version of Glennon Doyle, except without the history of drug and alcohol abuse.
If you subscribe, I’ll not only be forever in your debt, but you can also expect an email from me at 8:08 am PT on whatever day I finish my next piece.
You’re the best.
P.S. If you just need to get a hold of me, feel free to email me.
