The Writer’s Desk features the desks and writing practices of Gemini Ink faculty, visiting authors, teaching artists, volunteers, students, interns, staff, partners and more. Receive new posts in your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter at bit.ly/geminiinknewsletter.
Join Denise Tolan on Tuesdays, Feb 3, 10, 17, & 24, 2026, 6-9pm CST, Hybrid, for her workshop: Tapping Into Your Senses. This course is open to writers of all genres and skill level, 18+. Through engaging activities and guided exercises, you’ll explore the sensory details of key moments in your story and use them to develop your memoir more fully. We’ll build from these moments to create stronger characters, richer plotlines, and breakthroughs in your writing. Students are encouraged to bring a memoir-in-progress, if they have one. We will also generate work in class.
Hi Denise! Thank you for taking the time to talk to us about your writing life. We’re so excited to have you teach for us.
Has your preferred place to write changed over the years?
Definitely. I used to write in open spaces like libraries or coffee shops or my kitchen table (open to the whole house). Now I have a room and a desk and space. I appreciate my quiet space, but sometimes I still sneak off to a library to write. I love the sounds of a library.
Do you have any habits or routines that you follow before writing?
I sharpen a Blackwing 602 pencil and place it on top of some 5X7 post it notes just in case I need to make a note or come up with an idea to explore later.
Is there anything that you’ve been listening to lately—an interesting podcast, a song list, or album?
Anderson Cooper’s podcast All There Is. After my mother passed, I found myself adrift in the world. I cried, I screamed, I participated in all the parts of sorrow, but I understand now that grief is something completely different.
What theme or symbol often emerges in your work? Why are you drawn to this theme/symbol?
When I look over my writing I see a lot of birds on the pages. Birds and hands, specifically fingers. Birds, to me, are messengers and hands and fingers are the way we convey meaning and messages. One thing writing does for me is connect us (readers/writers) to each other.
My memoir, Italian Blood, uses the theme of blood and symbols like volcanoes. The memoir was a passion project, so that made sense to me – the heat, the intensity, the family ties all packed deep inside waiting to erupt. Birds and blood and volcanoes and hands – I guess they live together inside of me.
What is your motto? Does it also apply to your writing?
I don’t know if I’ve ever thought of this as a motto, but I have a note on the wall next to my writing desk that says, “Be Stronger Than Fear.” So much about life is scary, just look at the times we are living in, and though it seems easier to just hide at home, we have work to do. Writing is the same way. There is so much to be afraid of as a writer: that no one will read my words, or I will be misunderstood, sound dumb, reveal too much. I try to remember to be stronger than what I fear. I try anyway.
Who are your favorite writers?
I almost skipped this question because there are so many writers I love, but the first names that came to me today were Elena Ferrante and Cherrie Moraga, Lucia Berlin and Carmen Maria Machado. Oh, and Harry Crews. Each of these writers reveals truth in such unique ways. I also love when writers use setting to take me with them on a journey. I mean, Machado’s house, Crews’ Georgia swamp, and Ferrante’s Italy – wow.
What are some misconceptions about being a writer that you can discredit?
That writing is all inspiration and magic and publishing. Sometimes that is true, but mostly it’s working through the writing, editing, journaling, reading, listening, taking workshops, going to readings, and being a kind literary citizen. My two cents anyway.
What is your next project?
I have a collection of nonfiction/hybrid pieces and another collection of short fiction looking to be adopted. The next thing I must tackle is a book about my sister, Augie. When she left this world she left behind dozens and dozens of journals. I want to explore them more deeply and share her story with the world.
If people want to learn more about your work, where should they go?
www.denisetolan.com or on Facebook or on Instagram.
Denise Tolan’s work has appeared in The Best Small Fictions, The Penn Review, Cherry Tree, and Lunch Ticket. Denise was a finalist for Best of the Net and the International Literary Awards: Penelope Niven Prize in Nonfiction. Her memoir, Italian Blood, was a finalist for the 2024 Eric Hoffer book award and the Reader’s Choice Awards. Denise has taught Creative Writing classes at the college level for over 20 years and given workshops at conferences in Texas, Arizona, Ohio, and Oklahoma.
