Interview with Writer Emma McKenzie
1. Have you always been a writer?
I started getting interested in writing at age 6, when we went through a difficult family time. I picked up a pen and started to write; I have never looked back.
2. When did you realize that maybe writing was actually a "thing" you could do, get published and even sell?
I was always inspired by writing and the books that I enjoyed. When I was younger, I felt overwhelmed by all the negative comments around a career in writing. You find people saying things like: “It’s very competitive” and “It’s very difficult to get published and make any money.”
Instead, I turned to using creative writing to connect people through my day job as an occupational therapist. I found that creative writing as group work was amazing for running sessions that allowed people to get creative and to connect as human beings. I have also found it an excellent resource for self-reflection and development. That led me to taking writing more seriously and eventually completing my MA in creative writing in 2018. I am now studying for a PhD in creative writing. I think it just goes to prove that writing is as much about connection with others than a solitary activity we do by ourselves.
3. What was your first sale as a writer and how did it feel to sell your work?
My first little project was a poetry pamphlet called Fractured which I completed as part of a local art gallery showcase – to raise awareness of environmental issues. It felt amazing to have my booklets on sale alongside some really beautiful artwork.
4. How has writing helped you in other areas of life besides being something you could earn money from?
Writing has been a fantastic resource to help me process difficult situations and to gain perspective on life. I enjoy keeping journals and sketching with words. It has also deepened my connection with nature. This started by me running an eco-therapy nature writing class at a local nature reserve and I now teach nature writing for the Field Studies Council.
5. What was your biggest accomplishment as a writer?
Definitely, completing my MA in creative writing and getting through the first half of a part-time PhD whilst also working and bringing up my family. Writing is a passion, but the family always comes first. I have to be very dedicated and clear with my time. I have focused more on developing my writing and using it in therapy than publishing at this stage, but I hope to publish more in the future.
6. Who has inspired you the most in the writing field?
That is tricky to answer! I absolutely love poetry and particularly like some of the classics, such as Mary Oliver’s poems. I also really love the work of Alice Oswald. I also loved the book Bluets by Maggie Nelson – which used language in such a clever way to describe a feeling.
My absolute favourites are not necessarily people who have come from a literary background. I am totally inspired by memoirs written by people who have undertaken interesting and inspiring travel adventures, or been placed in situations outside of the ordinary, such as the book Hideous Kinky by Esther Freud and Woman in the Wilderness by Miriam Lancewood. Books like these make the world feel magical and that there are still things to discover and explore and different ways of living. They also remind you about what is important in life.
7. What are some of the challenges you have faced as a writer and how did you overcome them?
My main challenges have been time and confidence. Although, I am grateful of having some life experiences under my belt, so perhaps starting late as a more serious writer wasn’t a bad thing. The biggest challenge is giving enough time and priority to writing. I treat it as a paid job (even when it’s just a kernel of an idea) and set dedicated weekly writing time. I have also made it a goal to keep going and to keep reaching out, people don’t know what you are doing unless you share it with them! You can’t expect to just be magically discovered. Half of the success is about good connection with others and sharing stories.
8. What is the best writing advice you have ever received and why do you feel it is important?
To not be afraid of my voice. I think I spent a lot of years writing what I thought was correct, or what other people would expect to read. I’m trying to be brave and to not be afraid of writing exactly what I feel.
9. What sort of writing do you do now?
I’m currently working on a novel for my practice-led PhD. I’m taking the reader through a lived experience of dealing with mental health illness as a patient, carer and health professional to try and use storytelling to instill that we need compassion and humanity at the forefront of all mental health care and for all involved. I believe that when someone is struggling with mental health, they need support and encouragement to bring ‘sparkle’ back to a crushed spirit. Too much of the system is based on processes and sterile clinical environments that don’t do an awful lot for the human spirit.
10. Where can we find some of your work online?
I keep a little blog called Field Notes on my WordPress site. I chose to call it Life at Base Camp – because I view life as an adventure. Base Camp is my home and where I start all my adventures from.
11. What advice do you have for aspiring writers thinking of taking the leap of getting their work published?
Just go for it! Don’t be afraid that your work isn’t good enough, make it your mission to connect and communicate with writing communities and publishers. Writing is a team effort, look at any book and you will see all the thank you messages from the writer. It is important to test your work out with others, see what is hitting the mark. Don’t be afraid of feedback, use it as a learning tool. Don’t be too precious about your work, people won’t know you are out there unless you speak to them and share what you are doing. Some of the best things have happened to me as a result of keeping a blog.
12. What are your final thoughts about being a writer?
Don’t get caught up in just the monetary side of writing. Writing, like baking, can be done by anyone and shared with everyone. It doesn’t have to be a highbrow publication to find an appreciative audience. It’s about connection, sharing ideas and having fun. We might not always meet everyone’s approval, but the internet has enabled us to connect with thousands of others who share niche and quirky interests; there is an audience out there for everyone. Writing enriches life and has introduced me to the most amazing set of people.
ABOUT EMMA:
Emma McKenzie is a writer and artist based in the beautiful city of York, UK. Emma has a special interest in nature writing and memoir writing. Emma also enjoys writing poetry and is a freelance writing tutor for the Field Studies Council. You can find her at www.lifeatbasecamp.com