Featured Writer: Catherine Walker
On creating space to write and writing advice.
Welcome to Women Writing! It’s my great pleasure to feature author Catherine Walker in today’s issue of Women Writing.
About the author…
Catherine was born in Scotland on December 24, 1944. She is a Canadian citizen
She was awarded a Bachelor of Science in nursing at University of Rochester and a Master of Education at University of Toronto. She worked as a nurse in hospitals and in public health Hired by Toronto Municipal University to manage nursing student placement at Centennial, George Brown, and TMU. Responsible for placing 2000 students. She also taught community nursing and nursing theory.
An active Feminist she was on the board of directors for Women's Referral, Education, Counselling. As a member of the collective planning the for Toronto International Women's Day she problem solved and worked with the collective to plan the march. She secured financial increase for public health nurses as a fight for equal pay for work of equal value. She is mother of three and grandmother of four.
On a writing routine …
When I am in the midst of a project because the ideas come fast I write all day. I work in various places in the house following the sun coming in from the windows on my laptop. Because I am retired I can choose my time for writing and I have a supportive partner who gives me privacy and support.
On writing spaces …
I have an office which is comfortable and bright. I like working in sunny spots especially in the winter. Using my laptop I can write on the porch on nice days. I have a poster that my daughter gave me that says Onwards.
On writing communities …
No, I haven’t joined a group. I am a new writer, just starting ten years into my retirement.
Find a good space that is safe. Read, read, read. You learn by reading other authors.
On challenges …
I have access to quiet and privacy thanks to a supportive partner. My problem is my slow typing and unfamiliarity with computers. It really slows down my process. Sometimes when ideas are coming faster than I can type , I write in notebooks.
On the best writing advice …
Don’t get discouraged. “Writing isn’t for sissys.” If it is not progressing, put it aside until you get inspiration back—don’t push it.
On the worst writing advice …
Write only what you know or have experienced.
On advice from personal experiences …
Find a good space that is safe. Read, read, read. You learn by reading other authors.
On rekindling creativity …
I walk around the house that I love. Walk and think. Write down inspiration when it happens even though you may not end up using it. I save words and their definition. I go to the collection when looking for just the right word to use.
On a recent publication …
I have published a historical fiction about Emily Carr and a Nightingale nurse in pre WW1 England.
Catherine’s online spaces …
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Happy writing!
