Hello all,
Welcome to Women Writing! In this fourth edition, we feature Sudbury, Ontario’s Poet Laureate, Kyla Heyming (KPH).
The city of Greater Sudbury’s 7th Poet Laureate, Kyla Heyming (KPH) is a bilingual Canadian writer with a yearning to set her soul in ink and paper, with the help of her typewriter. Author of “For Those I Have Loved”, her poetry and non-fiction have appeared in a number of arts and literature journals, including the League of Canadian Poets’ “Poetry Pause”. Fiercely driven to ensnare all of life’s little moments, she works tirelessly for her passion and community so that she may someday lead others to find their own meaning in her words.
“Just do - set your pen to the page, your fingers to the keys and write what comes to mind. Write what only you can say in the way you can say it.”
On a writing routine …
My writing routine is sporadic at best, and thorough when given the time. I'm a young professional who has been writing with a purpose since the age of 14. I've had to adapt my writing routine for a variety of different stages in my life, but the most common thing is squeezing in writing whenever I can. I work a full-time job, do part-time and freelance work, as well as volunteer for a couple of organizations in the city, so my time is precious. But so is my writing, so I always carry a notebook to jot down ideas, and a book to inspire ideas whenever I'm feeling stuck. When it's possible, I like to block off certain evenings, weekends, or even weeks during my year specifically dedicated to writing; sort of turn those moments into mini writing retreats where the only thing I need to focus on is my writing. It's really the only time I can put a significant dent in the work, but being ready to contribute whenever I have the time also moves my progress forward.
On writing spaces …
If I'm busy, the afternoon is my time to shine. If I've got time off, I schedule myself morning sessions after my coffee. My space shifts depending on what I'm writing. I use different tools for different genres. My computer is for my editing and freelance work. Pen and paper for fiction and non-fiction. And a typewriter for poetry. I have a study in my home that I set as my writing and creating space. But sometimes, I really enjoy coffee shops hoping for a chance of an environment.
On writing communities …
I'm part of the Sudbury Writers’ Guild, the League of Canadian Poets, and the Writers’ Union of Canada. I think it helps by connecting me with other writers to promote my work and look for advice. But it also shares opportunities to further my growth that I wouldn't have otherwise.
On challenges …
Absolutely. Especially finding that writing was my calling at such a young age, it took a tremendous amount of time and effort to convince those closest to me that this wasn't a phase and to gain their support. The biggest challenge nowadays is to set aside the time to write in an already overwhelmingly busy schedule while also simultaneously managing my responsibilities as an adult. I have a couple of hours every night not dedicated to some kind of work, and so I have to ration my time in between chores, errands, personal care, meals, friendships and relationships, and writing. Having to prioritize constantly because I'm doing everything on my own isn't always ideal, but it is necessary.
On the best writing advice …
"Don't try. Just do." Meaning don't try so hard to write like you think you should, or to write to sound like someone else. Just do - set your pen to the page, your fingers to the keys and write what comes to mind. Write what only you can say in the way you can say it.
On the worst writing advice …
"Write when inspiration strikes you." Somedays, some months, you might not get that spark of inspiration to guide you, and that's okay. It made me feel like everything had to be divine inspiration when in truth, you just need to write about things in your own way. You don't have to write the next Lord of the Rings … you can write an informative article for your blog, and that will have been a good achievement. I think we put a lot of stress on writing, and expect ourselves to succeed only if we can dedicate the totality of our time to it, but most of us can't. We have patchwork lives that require some maneuvering in between our various responsibilities and commitments.
On advice from personal experiences …
Just start and write what you want. Go with your gut and stop trying to make yourself sound like someone else.
Kyla’s online spaces …
Website: kphwriting
Facebook: kpheyming
Instagram: kpheyming
I believe the world needs more women’s stories. Are you ready to write yours?
If you've dreamt of writing a novel or memoir but don't know how to get started, or you have a work-in-progress that needs attention, as an Author Accelerator Book Coach I can give you the tools to move forward. We all have a story within us, waiting to be shared. I can help you tell yours. Let me show you how.
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