Ask the Author: Fiona Mason
Answered Questions (5)
Fiona Mason
I use all the senses at my disposal, notice things, get curious, think hard and make connections. Together this knot of ideas and experiences gradually untangles itself on the page.
Fiona Mason
My recent book is a memoir. It is about my late husband's last 36 Hours. He died at home and I was his carer. Writing the book was, in part, catharsis. But I decided to share the book because I want it to make a difference to the experience of end of life care, and how we talk about death and dying. The book deals with a heavy subject, but there is humour and humanity. And for those who have, are or might find themselves in the role of carer or cared for, I hope there is recognition, validation and comfort.
Fiona Mason
To shift from being an 'aspiring writer' to being a 'writer ', write. Developing a regular writing habit, without self judgement, is key. How to do that? Personal journalling, using writing exercises, attending a writing class, joining a local or online writing groups - are all good ways to get started.
Fiona Mason
Not all my writing is creative, per se. I spend a lot of time as a professional writer helping arts organisations tell their stories better to the charities that fund them. In this context, am very familiar with writers block. What I have learned is that an externally imposed deadline will finally force the words out but often at the eleventh hour. What I have also learned is that even though I haven't put words on screen or paper, I have quietly been writing in my head, so when I eventually sit down to write, it flows quickly. Creative blocks are real and distressing and can certainly make you doubt yourself. If I am really stuck, I might walk around the house and talk to myself - 'Ok, Fi, what is it you're trying to say here...?' This helps me simplify my language and reach a straightforward way of approaching an idea. This often unblocks me and gets be back on track. I also use creative techniques such as 'Morning Pages' - which actually can be done at any time of day. Open a journal, pick up a pen and start writing. Fill three pages. Write the first thing that comes to mind. If nothing comes to mind, begin with - 'Oh heck, I can't think of anything to say!' and keep going. It's suprising how quickly you'll fill the pages. No judgement, no writing for an audience, no reading your words afterwards. It's a great way to loosen-up. My prescription? Do this every day for a week and then try reapproaching your project.
Fiona Mason
Writing is not something I would say I chose to do, it is, quite simply, something that I have always done. So for me, the best thing about being a writer is that it feels like the most natural, most authentic 'me', and there's a great relief in just being yourself. I'm quite an introvert, so one of the things I love is that writing gives me time to quietly think and make choices about how to express myself. With words we can build worlds, populated with characters and events and share that inner world of our imagination with others. It's like alchemy. Isn't that extraordinary?
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