Featured Writer: Katie Welch
On creating space to write and writing advice.
Welcome to Women Writing! It’s my great pleasure to feature author Katie Welch in today’s issue of Women Writing.
About the author…
Katie Welch lives in Kamloops and on Cortes Island, BC. Ladder to Heaven is her second novel; her debut, Mad Honey, was nominated for the 2023 OLA Evergreen Prize. She is a two-time alumnus of the Banff Centre and was a finalist for the 2023 CBC Short Story Prize.
On a writing routine …
I get up at 5:00 am every day to write. My mind is sharp and focussed, the world peaceful. If I have no other commitments, and the work is going well, I write until noon. On days when nothing flows, I get other things done instead. I go to bed early so I can get up at dawn and write again.
On writing spaces …
I write at a small desk beside my bed. Reference books and previous publications fit beside my computer. There is a daycare next door, and I can often hear children playing. I sometimes listen to music, instrumental only, jazz or classical. Away from home, I write longhand, then transcribe to the computer when I return home. On the wall above my computer are photographs of me and some writing mentors taken at the Banff Centre.
On writing communities …
I’m a member of TWUC and the Federation of BC Writers, but my main writing support comes from writers I met at Banff Centre programs. We email each other, read each other’s work, congratulate successes and commiserate when we suffer difficulties. I’m grateful for friends who understand the specific passion that is writing. I feel less alone, and there is a tendency to feel quite alone when one spends a great deal of time alone with one’s thoughts.
“Sometimes the slow-turning wheel is a useful thing.” I printed this out and it is taped to my computer. I read it every day and am reminded not to rush. I move continually toward a goal, and don’t try to push time.
On challenges …
I wanted to write my whole life. I was 43 years old, a mother with three part-time jobs, when I finally carved out the space and time to write seriously. Also, I am in recovery, 14 years sober; I wrote prior to that but without the time and clarity of thought sobriety affords me, nothing I wrote was worthwhile. I wake up grateful every day now, free to pursue my vocation.
On the best writing advice …
A wonderful editor once took the better part of a year to comment on an early manuscript. She wrote the following to me in an email, in response to my impatience: “Sometimes the slow-turning wheel is a useful thing.” I printed this out and it is taped to my computer. I read it every day and am reminded not to rush. I move continually toward a goal, and don’t try to push time.
On the worst writing advice …
What a great question! In my early 40s, when writing was an intention and not a reality, I told people at dinner parties that I was going to be a writer. On more than one occasion, I was advised to write bodice rippers or romantasy purely for the earning potential. The thought of writing from a place of greed made me feel cheap. Even if I had followed this advice, I doubt it would have succeeded; the best writing is honest. I write what I’m inspired to write.
On advice from personal experiences …
If you are moved to write, prioritize the impetus. As the saying goes, you can’t plough a field by turning it over in your mind. The writing comes first. Once you have a draft, ask for feedback. Listen humbly to the opinions of readers and editors, and revise accordingly. As with any craft, practice diligently to improve. Keep a few close writing friends.
On rekindling creativity …
I teach private music lessons, and playing music enhances my writing. When I need a break I often play piano or guitar for a quarter hour and return to my manuscript refreshed. Exercise is important too; getting outside once a day, even for a short walk, is imperative. I read widely and am often inspired by something I have read.
On a recent publication …
Ladder to Heaven, a novel, is my most recent publication. I’m working on another novel, as well as a memoir / biography of a friend.
Kate’s online spaces …
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Happy writing!
