Member Spotlight: Renee Von Paschen

Why is writing important to you and why do you think it’s an important medium for the world? Writing involves the expression of thoughts and concepts, which may interest or influence those who read them. Books have always been a great source of learning throughout the centuries and will hopefully remain so, whether in printed or digital form.

What are your tried and tested remedies to cure writer’s block? Just sit down at your computer (or a page of paper) with a good cup of coffee and a head full of ideas. Eventually the first line will come to mind! Personally, I often write my poetry at night, either as I’m falling asleep, or when I wake up in the middle of the night. This approach allows me to tap into my subconscious thoughts.

What is your favorite time to write? Personally, I often write my poetry at night, either when I’m falling asleep, or if I wake up in the middle of the night. This approach allows me to tap into my subconscious thoughts.

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received and would like to impart to other writers? Always write fiction and poetry from a personal point of view. This will make your writing authentic and credible, even if you do not personally identify with all of the characters you created.

What excites you most about being a writer in today’s age? In terms of science writing and literary translation, there are a number of excellent publishers, such as Greystone Books, which are doing a great job of making science and literary translation more readily accessible to a general readership, including those who love marine life!

Renee Von Paschen’s translation of Portrait of an Oyster: A Natural History of an Epicurean Delight, written by Andreas Ammer and illustrated by Falk Nordmann is out now with Greystone Books.