Member Spotlight: N. L. Westaway

Why is writing important to you and why do you think it’s an important medium for the world? Writing is fundamental to me. I’ve used it for over 30 years as part of my career as a computer engineer, turning thoughts into structured permanent forms. Now I use writing as a means to entertain readers. The act of writing is often considered a form of thinking that enhances memory and learning. It can serve as a therapeutic tool to help people process trauma, reduce anxiety, and gain self-discovery by unloading mental baggage onto paper. It is considered an exponential skill in career advancement to have clear written communication, which is essential for leadership and collaboration. As for the world, it is the foundation of civilization, key in global knowledge sharing, and for fostering empathy by placing readers in the shoes of people with vastly different life experiences

What are your tried and tested remedies to cure writer’s block? In the case of writer’s block, if I’m well into the story I’m writing, I usually reread several previous chapters to revisit where my characters were, to get them where they are now. If I’m near the beginning, I work with the summary of scenes or dialog only to focus on the characters’ interactions and natural conversation rhythms. Eliminating distractions helps too, as does taking breaks and prioritizing my wellness by getting enough sleep, eating and exercising.

What is your favorite time to write? I’m not sure that I have a favorite ‘time’ to write, but I wish it was a set time every day. My muse likes to wake me in the early morning before the sun is up, and I often have to rush to get what they’ve shown me written down before it fades. I think for me, writing is about ‘where’, not when, as I love the opportunity to sit out on our back deck and write. I can write from sunup to sundown if the weather cooperates.

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received and would like to impart to other writers? The best writing advice always seems to come when I’m having a rant session with a fellow author. We constantly remind one another that we need to write what we love, write for ourselves, for the reader in us, and then other readers like us will love the story. There are so many rules in writing, and I say break them, find your voice and write how you want to write. The End.

What excites you most about being a writer in today’s age? These days, I find myself more frustrated than excited, unfortunately, but I do love the ability for instantaneous research and verification in just moments via search engines and online databases when writing real-world stories. This allows for deeper exploration of topics and faster iteration on drafts. Also, with social media platforms, you can have a direct connection with your readers and followers these days.

N.L. Westaway’s Haven Sent is out now with Beach House Press.