the joy of moving right along
September 11, 2026
Thursday Sept. 10. I’ve said this before, but … what a long strange trip it’s been. And I mean trip
Welcome.
I’m the author of five nonfiction books, long-time teacher of creative writing at the University of Toronto, an editor, and former actor. Lover of Beatles, France, Jon Stewart, cheese, reading, and my garden, among much else.
If you want to buy a copy of Midlife Solo from me, email me at beth@bethkaplan.ca. I’ll be happy to dedicate, sign, and mail it to you or to someone else as a gift. The audiobook is available now.
“A terrific writer, I am so impressed. And what a life!”
ABIGAIL THOMAS, New York Times best-selling author
Photo by Marion Voysey
News: Beth’s upcoming and recent events:
Tara Henley Podcast Interview
I was thrilled to be contacted by Tara Henley, a thoughtful, very bright journalist with a popular podcast. She had read Loose Woman, loved it, and wanted to discuss it with me. She asked the most scintillating and pointed questions I’ve ever had to answer. Fascinating and very enjoyable.
“In recent years, I’ve read a lot of memoirs from women of my generation who feel stuck in specific ways: single, childless, consumed by work, and disillusioned with hook-up culture. My guest on this week’s program is the author of the first memoir I have read about breaking free from that pattern — and the story of how it happened is as moving as it is surprising.” -Tara Henley
Kingston WritersFest
I was thrilled to teach a workshop in memoir writing at the prestigious, fabulous Kingston WritersFest on Friday, September 19th, 2025.
Many fascinating writers, interviews, workshops in a pretty Ontario town in autumn. Heaven!
I don’t know if I’ll be there next year, but you should be.
CanadaHelps Short Interview
A former writing student of mine now working for CanadaHelps asked if I would like to be a part of a project they were filming about generosity. I certainly would, and so I was. Check out @CanadaHelps on Instagram if you’re having trouble loading the video.
San Miguel Writers' Festival
I had a wonderful experience attending and teaching at the exciting San Miguel Writers’ Festival in Mexico in February. A historic small town filled with writers and readers in the sun, what’s not to like? My own workshop on memoir writing was sold out, and a student sent me this note afterwards:
“The workshop you gave at SMA was an incredible experience. I learned so much. You’re a writer and teacher with a lot to offer, and I found your workshop truly inspiring. Your voice, insights, and guidance were all beautiful.”
My new Substack
Voila my new Substack. It’s called Touchpoints: a writer’s truth, and is about this particular writer at this particular stage of her life — what’s working, what’s not, what she’s trying to accomplish, and what she has given up on. Follow her journey as she struggles to get her words into the world. And even better, see pictures of her adorable cat, who does not appreciate literature.
Media Appearances
I was interviewed for New Books Network about my first book, Finding the Jewish Shakespeare, about my great-grandfather. Earlier this year, I did two long interviews, one with Lisa Lucca, a vivacious writer and radio host in New Mexico, and the other for Vancouver book podcaster Joseph Planta, who reads deeply and asks great questions. On a visit to Ben McNally Books, Rupert McNally asked, on the spot, to tape a brief video of me speaking about my book and then about a favourite writer of my choosing; you’ll see who I chose. A fourth interview, conducted by my good friend Christopher Moore about putting together a memoir-in-essays, appeared recently on the Creative Nonfiction Collective’s website. Wish I could go to Barbados now and put my feet up, but no — onward.
Midlife Solo named Ben McNally Books bestseller
Midlife Solo was one of Ben McNally Books’ top ten bestsellers from November, alongside some other great books. Thank you to everyone who has read Midlife Solo so far and supported a wonderful local independent bookstore in the process.
Books
Midlife Solo: Writing through chaos to find my place in the world
A single mother starting afresh in her forties struggles to come to terms with the messy complications of middle age.
An extraordinary life, written with tremendous heart, insight and humour.
—GLENDA MACFARLANE, Book Review Columnist, The Bridge newspaper
Loose Woman: My Odyssey from Lost to Found
To her own amazement, a mixed-up young actress finds herself in an extraordinary situation in the south of France and is changed forever.
I loved reading this hugely enjoyable book, page-turning and honest. And it’s funny!
—DAME HARRIET WALTER, one of Britain’s foremost actresses
True to Life: 50 steps to help you tell your story
A succinct, illuminating guide to writing memoir or anything else.
This book is fabulous: a user-friendly, down-to-earth accessible guide to writing.
—WENDY LITNER, Huff Post and TV writer, lawyer, former writing student
All My Loving: Coming of age with Paul McCartney in Paris
A teenaged girl spending a lonely year in Paris in 1964 keeps herself company with hilarious fantasies about the Beatles as she struggles to understand the world.
A lively, evocative, and moving memoir of a period, a girl, and a family.
—VALERIE HAUCH, former Toronto Star staff reporter
Finding the Jewish Shakespeare: The Life and Legacy of Jacob Gordin
A biography of the author’s great-grandfather, a titanic figure in the turbulent, mesmerizing world of the Yiddish theatre on the Lower East Side of New York.
This is a witty, shrewd and elegant book which tells a story of vital importance.
—TONY KUSHNER, Pulitzer, Emmy, and Tony award winning playwright and screenwriter
Teaching and Coaching
I’ve been teaching memoir and personal essay writing for thirty years at two Toronto universities. In 2012 I was given the Excellence in Teaching Award at the University of Toronto.
Born to Blog
healing the heel
September 1, 2026
The good news: I survived nearly five hours in Emergency last Friday and emerged with a diagnosis – a fractured
pride cometh before a fall
August 27, 2026
So — shit happens. It’s been a busy time, much work in the garden and preparing for the arrival of
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