Reading time: About 2 minutes
When struggling with writing, Natalie Southworth will sometimes tie her Ethernet cable into a complicated knot to keep herself off the internet…
Originally from England, Natalie Southworth has lived all over Canada, where her stories take place, and today she lives with her husband and children in Montreal. Her award-winning short stories have been published in literary journals in the US, UK and Canada, including The North American Review, The Moth Magazine, The New Quarterly, The Brooklyn Review, Canadian Notes & Queries, Grain and more. Her brand-new debut short story collection, There’s Always More to Say, was published in March. To learn more about Natalie Southworth, visit her website.
I was excited to talk to Natalie about how she approaches writing.
Q. Roughly how much time do you spend writing every day?
I write on Fridays, as I don’t work then, and some afternoons if I get my work done early, and also in bursts when I’m deep into a story. I don’t have the discipline to go to the gym in the morning or write from 5 to 8 am either. I like to imagine my dreams during those hours are supporting me creatively!
Q. What’s a simple activity or habit that makes you a better writer?
Reading poetry helps loosen my mind before I write. I prefer not to read other short stories, or what might more directly influence my headspace.
Q. What interferes with your writing?
The internet and the outdoors are probably the main two interferences, but the list is long.
Q. How do you persuade yourself to sit down to write on days when you really, really DON’T feel like doing it?
I pull out the blue Ethernet cable attached to my computer and tie it up in a complicated knot, so at least the internet won’t make matters worse. If I still can’t get into writing, I work on something different. I usually have two stories on the go at the same time, and they tend to be vastly different — one sometimes helps to unlock the other. If I’m really stuck, I put whatever I’m writing into a scene. This tends to bring new life to the writing.
Q. Is there a particular motto or saying that you’ve found helpful for writing?
“So long as you write what you wish to write, that is all that matters; and whether it matters for the ages or only for hours, nobody can say.” ~Virgina Woolf.
Q. Which stage of the writing process do you enjoy the most: researching, writing or editing/rewriting and why?
My favourite part of writing is when I’ve figured out the story and the energy is there and now I can start improving it; not exactly a rewrite, but not the very beginning.
Q. What’s one of the best books you’ve read (either fiction or non) in the last five years?
Train Dreams, Denis Johnson.
Q. What book are you reading right now?
Wellwater by Karen Solie and The Redemption of Galen Pike by Carys Davies.
Q. What do you think is the biggest misperception that new writers have about the act of writing?
That talent is a major factor. Perseverance and attentiveness are superpowers for a writer.
