Member Spotlight: Terri Maue

Why is writing important to you and why do you think it’s an important medium for the world? I love the mystery of words, the fact that I can forget I am decoding little black marks on a white background, and instead see images, hear sounds, and feel emotions as if they were happening to me. I also think communication is the birthright of every human being, and I love being a part of it. Writing is an important medium for the world because we are all in this life together, all living in this one physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual ecosystem. Anything that strengthens our connections with each other, our empathy with each other, helps us live as happier, healthier human beings.

What are your tried and tested remedies to cure writer’s block? Take a walk. Take a nap. Take a shower. Make the bed. Make some food. It seems like as soon as I stop trying to write and focus on something else, the logjam breaks. The plot problem solves itself or at least takes a step forward, the word I’m chasing appears. Also, talking through the sticky place with my critique partner. It’s amazing how collaboration works!

What is your favorite time to write? I’m a morning writer. I like to get up early. My mind is freshest at that time.

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received and would like to impart to other writers? Just write it! Blurt it out! Forget pretty language. Capture the ideas first. You can’t edit a blank page. Make a mess, give yourself permission to write total drek. Just get something down.

What excites you most about being a writer in today’s age? I’m 75, so I’m not sure I’m qualified to comment on today’s age. I often feel like it has passed me by! But I will say I love that there are so many opportunities to share my work, so many outlets, and so many ways to interact with readers and other writers.

Terri Maue’s Knife Edge is out now with Camel Press.