FOUR DAYS A WEEK. At Our Fingertips. An Unexpected Place.

UNDER THE LIGHT of the Cistercian Abbey, San Galgano (above). We continue our journey from last week with Melissa to share in a moment, to meet, and to celebrate Melissa following her passion for writing, poetry, and the arts. Read on and be inspired. Love her insights and fearlessness. -Mia


When did you first become interested in writing? Do you remember your first writing piece?
I have been compelled to write since I was very young. In elementary school, I wrote an illustrated story about a mischievous cat who wreaked havoc around his neighbourhood. I also wrote my first cliché-ridden poem about love when I was 11 or 12 years old. I feel somewhat maternal toward these pieces of writing now, as though they are embryonic beginnings of what has become a lifelong passion.


Through your writing, what is the story you want to tell? What is the spine that weaves and holds your writing together?
This is a difficult question, and an important one. I could offer a unique answer for each individual story or poem I have written, but if I consider it from a wider perspective, I think the story I want to tell has something to do with the process of learning to occupy space in the world as an intellectual, political, and sexual being without apology. My writing also aims to confront the various ways in which we connect and separate by examining the evidence that is left behind—objects, echoes, and bones.


What do you love most about the writing/editing/creative life?
I love how the written word enables me to connect intimately with strangers. As a reader, I am able to access the author’s imaginary world—or their representation of the real world—and meet them there, on the page. It’s a little bit of magic, really. As a writer, I want to make the acquaintance of my readers in this way and connect with kindred spirits I may never meet in the flesh.

When pursuing what we love to do, there is always fear we must face to move forward. And there may be days when we think about giving up. What is your biggest fear and how do you overcome that fear?
My biggest fear is that I don’t have an important or relevant enough contribution to make in the ongoing conversation of literature. I worry that my writing will be met with indifference, which would be even worse than a slew of bad reviews.

I try to overcome this “voice in my head” by remembering that to remain silent is self-censorship. I live in a place that allows me freedom of speech and expression. Therefore, it is my responsibility to use my voice and contribute to the conversation, whatever the outcome.


What is the one single trait you have that carries you through the ups and downs of your writing journey? That one trait you cannot be without? How about a trait you can live without?
The trait I cannot live without is the fact that I need to live a life that strives for meaning and truth. This sounds very conceptual, but I certainly don’t have practical traits like self-discipline or time management skills to aid my productivity. For this, I rely on the fact that if I’m not creating—or immersing myself in the creativity of others—I feel as though I’m living a half-life. Writing is a big part of what gives my life meaning and purpose.

As far as what I can do without, it would be my close relationship with Resistance (capitalized term coined by Steven Pressfield in The War of Art). More insidious that simple procrastination, Resistance is an enemy within that consistently keeps us from doing whatever it is we were put on this earth to do. I need to end my relationship with Resistance.

You recently became an editor at Evolved Publishing and part of a diverse and talented staff. Tell us about that position and experience. How do you like it so far?
Evolved Publishing is an exciting new model for publishing in a rapidly changing industry. We are a collective of writers, editors, artists, and marketing professionals who are focused on the eBook market (for now), and serve as an alternative between traditional publishers and self publishing.

I am currently working on my first editing project as a sub-contractor and learning a ton from the other members of this cooperative venture. I think we’re building something big here.


This past summer you were a member of the Writing Immersion in Tuscany Retreat. What did you love most about that amazing experience? How did it change the way you approach your own writing?
I loved connecting with you (Mia) and everyone else in our group over wine and incredible Italian cuisine on a nightly basis. I also found the imposed discipline of our full-day writing marathons very productive and benefited from putting pen to paper again. In an increasingly digital world, walking through the Secret Garden at Spannocchia with my pen and notebook in hand, felt like a return to something simple and close to the earth. Since my return, I’ve been writing some of my first drafts by hand, without the barrier of the backspace button.

Tell us about your current writing projects.
I have completed my first book of poetry and am preparing to send it out to publishers. (Come, rejection letters! I welcome you!) I’m also working on a collection of interconnected short stories, and collaborating on a screenplay for an animated feature.


When you are not writing, where can your family and friends find you? 
For now, I can be found at my day job in Yaletown, a trendy neighbourhood in downtown Vancouver, or facilitating a creative writing program for teen girls at a nearby high school. I spend many evenings at home snuggling with my cats and my partner, Wade, while we watch movies and breathe in the aroma of my latest baking adventure. I’m also a huge supporter of the performing arts in Vancouver and spend a lot of time at various local venues watching theatre, musicals, dance, and concerts.


A year from today, what would you like to see happen in your life?
I would like to publish my first book of poetry and embark on a modest book tour to connect with potential readers. I also intend to go on another writing retreat and make it an annual ritual.

_✶ MELISSA SAWATSKY'S work has appeared in OCW Magazine, Quills, Sad Mag, and Rhubarb, among others. She has an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia and is currently working on her first book of poetry, a collection of short fiction, and a screenplay for an animated feature. Melissa is an Editor at Evolved Publishing and facilitates a creative writing program for teen girls called "Hot Ink." She spends much of her time in libraries (having worked at several), and worships the art of dance (call her a professional audience member and an amateur dancer). ✶

✶ Follow Melissa on Twitter and at her blog, where she posts news and updates on her writing, reports on literary events in and around Vancouver, reviews books, and discusses the writing process. You can also find Melissa at her other blog, Write It Down. ✶

✶ A top story in Anita's Finding Inspiration Daily and
The Becoming Daily. February 2012. ✶