Virginia Watts
Oyster River Pages: How does your own writing or art surprise you?
Virginia Watts: What surprises me on a recurring basis is that once I begin writing a poem or a story, I don't have to think very much. It sounds impossible but writing happens to me. It doesn't feel like something I do. I know that many writers describe the writing experience this way. Of course, I worry that someday that may not happen to me anymore, but I try not the think too much about that possibility.
ORP: Do you rely more on discipline, inspiration, or something else when writing or creating artwork?
VW: The only thing I rely on are ideas that won't go away. I can't begin to estimate how many times I have tried to dismiss an idea thinking: Why would anyone want to read about that? Invariably, I give in to whatever it is, get started and hope for the best.
ORP: Are you working on anything at present that you would like to share with your readers/viewers?
VW: I am really excited about my upcoming short story collection currently entitled "Aerial View" that will be published by Devil's Party Press in the spring of 2023. Devil's Party Press is a wonderful publisher located in Milton, Delaware committed to the success of their authors and I highly recommend the other titles they have published. As the name might suggest, their chosen work has a tantalizing, dark edge you don't want to miss.
ORP: What do you see as the greatest obstacle or challenge to your personal creativity? How do you work to overcome it?
VW: My greatest obstacle has been the idea that I am not writing about anything that is important enough. I write mostly about everyday life though recently I have written a few science fiction stories. When I get hung up on doubting myself, I think about writers like Charles Bukowski who just wrote about what he observed in life as he set one foot in front of the other. I remind myself that the worst thing any writer can do is stray from who they really are.
ORP: What is the artist’s/writer’s greatest asset?
VW: A writing group who will honestly critique your writing. This is essential. I prefer a group because you receive several points of views. I have been a member of the Greater Philadelphia Workshop Studio created by the wonderful poet and generous mentor to so many writers Alison Hicks for many years now. The critiques of my stories provided by my fellow group members is one important reason why I have an upcoming collection of short stories. I could never have done it without them. And I have so valued the opportunity to critique the writing of other members. I just hope I have helped them as much as they have helped me.
