Who are you?
Margaret Dulaney has been writing for the past thirty-five years. Beginning with non-fiction in playwriting and moving into nonfiction with essays. In 2010 she founded the spoken word website, ListenWell.org, where she offers one ten minute recorded essay a month. She has published three books, To Hear the Forest Sing, The Parables of Sunlight, and Spend Some Love. She lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania with her musician/producer husband, Matt Balitsaris, and records at his studio, Maggie’s Farm.
What do you write?
I write story based, open-faith, philosophical musings on the mysteries of life. I think of myself as an explorer of the spiritual traditions around the world, and try never to voice a hard conclusion. I dearly love what I do, and so appreciate those who write to me every month to share their own musings. I feel more of a companion to my audience. Emerson suggested we write to the “unknown friend.” I try and follow this wisdom.
Where do you write?
My preferred method of writing any first draft is to be outside with pencil and paper. A mechanical pencil with a spiral notebook. The writing might go through several changes before I enter it into my computer.
When do you write?
have a morning ritual of coffee and reading, followed by a long walk with my dog in the woods, and finally a return home to write. I try not to interrupt this schedule with opening my computer. I only write when I believe I have something to say.
Why do you write?
suspect that I began to write for all the wrong reasons. I picked up the pen more out of frustration with the way my life was going, rather than love of what I might put on the paper. This has completely shifted over time. I can honestly say that I relish the process of writing now. My most recent book is a return to fiction. It is called Whippoorwill Willingly and it follows the mystical journey of a rather practical eleven-year-old girl who travels to an enchanted lake deep in the Swiss Alps. The book was a pure joy to write. Whenever I sat down with pencil and notebook, Whippoorwill would show up to continue telling me her story. I listened.
How do you overcome writer's block?
I don’t deal with writer’s block precisely. If I am not writing, it is typically because I am too busy, or have nothing to say at the time.
Bonus: What do you enjoy doing when not writing?
I am a rather feral person. I love walking in the forest, travelling to wild places, observing the remarkable happenings in nature. I also love comedy: movies, books, stand-up and most of all, my comical friends.
My thanks to Margaret Dulaney for today's interview.