I met Maria Simbra at an Ironed Words Productions L.L.C. (www.ironedwordsproductions.com) writer’s conference. She is the director and principal of the organization. She’s also a neurologist, successful author, and a former medical journalist/correspondent for KDKA News.
She writes non-fiction memoir and articles for magazines and medical journals as Dr. Maria Simbra and medical romance fiction using the pen name Em S. A’cor.
I enjoyed the conference, but I enjoyed meeting Maria and learning about Ironed Words Productions L.L.C. just as much. I was so impressed that I joined one of her writing groups. I was struggling to find a local (in person) or virtual writing group that ticked all the boxes for me. I found the “writer’s homebase” I was searching for in her Tuesday night Iron Writing Circle.
Each group member submits 1,500 words in the genre of their choice before our scheduled session. We read and critique each other’s submissions. In the group, we share comments and suggestions. We laugh a lot. Sometimes we get a little misty. We also receive and discuss tips about grammar, tone, POV, audience, marketing, and editing. Sometimes we even have time for a writing prompt. Switching between fiction and nonfiction, short articles, and full-length manuscripts can be challenging. This group has helped me adjust my tone and style to suit my audience.
I’m a better writer and a happier human being because of the camaraderie within the group and the guidance of our fearless leader, Maria.
In May 2024, I featured Maria in one of our Q&As. Here is the link: https://www.thisawfulawesomelife.com/home/2024/4/30/q-amp-a-with-author-maria-simbra-by-fran-joyce?rq=Maria%20Simbra
Maria has a busy and ambitious year planned for 2026. In addition to her own writing, she will be expanding her IWC groups, organizing conferences, workshops, guest speakers, personal appearances, and starting a new literary ezine, The Iron Pen.
When I heard about her plans, I knew my readers would want to know more. I asked the questions, and she graciously provided the answers. Welcome to our February 2026 Q&A with Maria Simbra of Ironed Words Productions, L.L.C.
You’ve had several successful careers, what made you decide to create Ironed Words Productions, L.L.C? Writing groups have always been part of my writing process. The feedback and support are invaluable. I recognized this and wanted to provide that for other writers. I started Ironed Words with that goal – to be a champion, an advocate, for writers. Writing is a lonely endeavor, so whenever there is an opportunity for writers to come together to learn from each other and celebrate their words, it is a joyous occasion.
Do you really believe every person can learn to be a writer? I believe everyone has a story, and that story is important and worthy. I believe everyone can find the words to express that story.
What do you like about writing prompts? How are they a useful writing tool? People can be intimidated by a blank page. Prompts can spur imagination and recollection and give writers focus. The brain dislikes vague tasks, but if you tell it to write 200 words about a particular subject or scenario, it will happen.
According to my teachers, “If you want to be a good writer, you should read books in multiple genres by talented authors.” Do you agree/ Why or why not? You will learn something about style and substance. Whenever you read those books you should ask yourself, what’s working? What isn’t? What do I most admire? How can I incorporate that into my own writing?
What can you learn from a poorly written novel? In addition to identifying things that you would not want to do in your own writing, examine other aspects of the book. Is it a best seller even if it’s not well written? Why is that? Is it the cover or the blurb? Has the author found a sympathetic target audience? Figure out what made you pick up the book yourself.
How helpful are writing groups? The participants in my writing groups say it makes them more productive, motivates them to write, and the accountability is priceless.
What are four basic rules you have for your writing groups? 1) Everyone writes and everyone gives feedback, because there is wisdom in crowds. 2) Be honest and conscientious when making your comments. 3) Be respectful with what you express in your writing, as your group mates come from all different walks of life. 4) What happens in the group stays in the group.
Which is more difficult to address grammar issues, writing style, or subject matter? Why? I find it’s hardest to address the elements the writers are most attached to. It’s difficult for anyone to let go of something they love.
How do you help your group members learn to accept and offer constructive criticism? When receiving feedback, listen first. It’s easy to get defensive and want to jump in with “But I… but I… but I…” Try to sit on that urge. To get the most out of a workshop, listen first without defending. When giving feedback, find something you liked, something for the writer to think about, and your favorite part. Writers tend to be receptive to those types of comments.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of virtual writing groups? Some people simply don’t like video chats and the electronic interface. However, for people who live far away from each other, it’s a convenient way to gather and meet and make progress together. It’s all a matter of personal preference and priorities.
Sometimes our group gets a little rowdy and off topic, but it results in the exchange of some terrific ideas. How do you know when to reign in a group or let them go? Part of the fun is the spontaneous discussion. But we have our roundtable format to keep everyone on topic within our allotted time.
Tell us about some of your previous writing conferences. Topics, guest lecturers? My guest speakers are all published authors representing a variety of genres and publishing paths. Here are some of the previous speakers and their talks:
■ Sarah McKnight ~ How to Edit Your Work Like a Pro
■ J.V. Hilliard ~ Keys to Writing a Successful Series
■ Ann K. Howley ~ Your Journey to Publication
■ Christian Shane ~ Creating a Time Structure for Your Story
■ Ann K. Howley ~ Capturing the Art of the Query
■ J.V. Hilliard ~ Maximizing Your Writing Productivity
■ Cori Wamsley ~ What to Expect Working with a Professional Editor
■ David Rullo ~ Finding Compelling Stories in Fact and Fiction
■ Ann K. Howley ~ Using Feedback to Improve Your Writing
■ Clayton Bradshaw-Mittal ~ Developing Your Author Voice
■ Hilary Hauck ~ Creating Tension in Your Story
■ Jamie Lackey ~ Rekindling Your Muse
■ Gabe Welsch ~ Writing Big, Writing Small
13. Name a topic you’ve always wanted to explore in a writing workshop or conference but haven’t covered yet. What are you waiting for? I’ve offered conferences on publishing, marketing, blurbs, bios, and many aspects of writing. I’m currently evaluating the Ironed Words events strategy to ensure we are delivering the most value to the most people.
14. Some writing groups focus exclusively on one genre. What are the advantages and disadvantages of single and multiple genre groups? In a single genre group, everyone is aware of genre expectations and can provide feedback in that regard. Multi-genre groups are fun because everyone brings something different to the table. This keeps things interesting. It’s also useful to hear how a general reader would react to the writing.
15. How important is networking to authors and aspiring authors? I’m a big fan of networking. It leads to opportunities and new audiences.
16. Tell us about Building Books™ and Hot Off The Iron. Hot Off the Iron is the free monthly newsletter on Substack from Ironed Words. In it, you’ll get useful writing tips and updates on all the opportunities for writing with Ironed Words. As a bonus, twice a month, subscribers also receive Building Books™. It’s part blog, part podcast where you can meet all the people you need to build a solid, marketable book. I’ve interviewed editors, publishers, ghostwriters, book marketers, cover designers, audiobook narrators, and more. When subscribers upgrade for as little as $5 a month, they’ll get full access to the recordings and each expert’s Q&A.
17. Ironed Words Productions L.L.C. also provides a beta reading service. Can you tell us about it? Are beta readers important? How do you make sure your service is impartial? Beta readers are people who read the completed book before it’s published. They take the book for a test drive. They can identify problem spots and give authors a heads up about the segments that could use some additional attention before it goes out into the world and into readers’ hands. With Ironed Words, you can request up to three beta readers who are experienced, published authors. Each beta reader fills out a standardized questionnaire addressing multiple aspects of the manuscript. The process can help authors see their blind spots.
18. Tell us about your new ezine, The Iron Pen. The monthly ezine, The Iron Pen, launches in July 2026 on the Hot Off the Iron channel on Substack. It features writers worldwide who respond with 100 to 500 words to the calls for submissions. The ezine will also include select pieces from the writing groups – the Iron Writing Circle. Paid subscribers get full access to every issue.
19. What are some other programs/services you offer? The Ironed Words Writing Retreat takes place twice a year in Washington, Pennsylvania. Participants retreat to a hotel for three days to get a solid chunk of writing done. There are writing sessions and brief discussion sessions, as well as opportunities to meet accomplished local authors. The Pop-Up Group Write comes around every few months as an evening of dedicated writing. We meet at a coffee shop in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. Everyone brings their laptop or a notepad, and we write as a group for 90 minutes. Write Through Lunch is an opportunity to work with me through one-on-one virtual meetings to make progress on a writing project. Information on all these programs and services can be found at IronedWordsProductions.com.
20. Are you working on a new novel for 2026? My pen name, Em S. A’cor, will be releasing book THREE of the Tweet Hearts series, Twitter Passion. In this book, Dr. Greg Kaczmarek faces a new foe at work, and Dr. Marisol Cruz’s surprise diagnosis puts everyone on edge. Also, as Marisol and Greg take their relationship to the next level, midlife pressures strain the status quo. This one starts with a bang!
Learn about her writing workshops and mentoring services at https://www.ironedwordsproductions.com/
Books by Maria Simbra
Scoop M.D.: The Doctor’s Guide to Media Interviews and Opportunities
Books by Em S. A’cor
Twitter Crush: a holiday, Gen X, medical romance
Twitter Flames: Part I, Home
Twitter Flames: Part II, London
Twitter Flames: Part III, Nebraska
Greg and the Weddings: a medical romance, novelette prequel
Greg and the Jill of All Trades: A Gen X, May December, doctor romance, short story prequel to Twitter Crush
You can follow Maria on social media:
Facebook: Ironed Words Productions
Twitter (X):@IronedWords
Instagram: ironed_words
All Photos Courtesy of Maria Simbra