Six Questions interview #109 : Mary F. Hawkins

Mary F. Hawkins: I am a Writer/Author and a photographer, but as for most writers and creative artists, I earned my living through teaching (Professor of Communications and English Writing Strategies at three post-secondary schools since 1993), and editorial assignments along the way.  My first passion is writing, and photography, however.  I also dabble with acrylic painting on canvas.  Once this pandemic is behind us, hopefully soon, I can return to not only creating, but also my other passion which is sharing my work with the public through public speaking.

Q: How long have you been in Ottawa, and what first brought you here? 

I was born in Ottawa at the then Grace Hospital along with my twin brother.  We moved within the city about three times.  Once I ventured out into the world, I began to travel developing a love of other horizons and what it is I could learn from new environments and people.  I did move to Calgary in 1986, but only remained there for five months returning to Ottawa as my home base to the international globe of travel.  I also returned to work for several years with the media, first as a photojournalist, then moved over to working behind the scenes in radio, television, online and print writing.  I ultimately went onto teach for 25 years at the post-secondary level in the field of Communications studies.  This allowed me to continue to work on my creative works.

Q: How did you first get involved in writing, and subsequently, the writing community here? 

Writing for me just came naturally. I work alone, and I just do it.  However, my late mother noticed my desire to write, and so encouraged me. She proof-read my works in progress, as well she read my completed work to offer feedback.  I miss that part of our relationship.  Why did I want to write in the first place?  I have always wanted to write partly because I needed and wanted to express my vivid imagination, and ideas.  It’s innate, I feel.  It started at a very young age.  In fact, I do remember at the age of twelve years gathering pieces of drift wood with the goal to build myself a ‘Writer’s Shack’, in my parent’s backyard.  One day a neighbour called over the fence and asked me what I was doing. Hammer and nails in hand I said, “I’m building a writer’s shack.”  I think they were amused by my determination to do so.  I never did finish building it, but I went onto write five books that did become published by Canadian publishers. Four of these books are nonfiction, and one a children’s book.  My dream though has been to write fiction.  Over the years, and in-between earning a living, I chipped away at doing exactly this.  So, that is my next goal to have my two completed fiction novels published, sooner than later. We are in 2021 now.  Hoping for a book deal in 2022.  I would say, developing my creative work is my raison d’étre.  It is my place of bliss, and contemplation.

My involvement with the writer’s community is mostly online or listening to what they have to say in interviews, events, and seeing their own successes. I also dialogue with other writers one-on-one and with other artists over coffee or at social events, rather than belonging to one writer’s group.   

Q: How did being in such a community of writers shift your thinking about writing, if at all?  

I guess in some ways, I am a loner even though I love to socialize. As I said earlier, I prefer one-on-one interaction with other creative mongers.  I do have readers review my work though.  Feedback is an inspiration too, critical or complementary.  For example, a few years ago I submitted the first 10 pages of one of my novels to a Toronto library writing contest.  I was accepted and met with the writer in residence who said to me after reading my submission, quote, ‘You don’t need to be seeing me for feedback. This is great.’  I was dumbstruck, but thrilled, and this was from an author with three novels published, so I was on cloud nine.  

Even though I am not part of a formal writing group, I am thrilled about the writing community in Ottawa, in part from those I have met. I recognize that Ottawa has a number of creative people and some are published authors.  Most have to work full time and write in between their daily routine.  Now to me, that is passion! 

Q: What do you see happening here that you don’t see anywhere else? What does Ottawa provide, or allow? 

Really, I think most cities have activities to allow writers to showcase or share their works.  I love that each year Ottawa has the Writer’s festival.  I find this a great inspiration to writers and readers, too. I enjoy seeing local and international writers take part in this festival.  Hearing about their process in writing and their own inspirations is uplifting to most writers, I would think.

Ottawa does provide a cozy spot for writers to work, interact, and share their work. But I’d like to see more designated places, such as a coffee shop, where writers could hang out sharing ideas or information about their work or anything they want but amongst other writers?  Emerging writers might also like a place like this idea to gather to share information about who and where to send their works. Call it, ‘The Writer’s Retreat Café or ‘The Writer’s Co-op,’ perhaps.  Maybe this exists, but I am not sure where?   Perhaps, more of this will take place after this pandemic.

Q: Have any of your projects responded directly to your engagements here?  How have the city and its community, if at all, changed the way you approached your work?

I am not sure of the questions, but my engagements for me have been in presenting my work to small groups at schools of all educational levels, and book signings.  Local and national interviews have also brought me into the living room of radio or television interviews.  This helps the response of others to my work, I think?  I hope!  The key though is to keep writing and creating because it’s part of a spiritual drive, if stirring, that must be nurtured.

How has the city and its community changed my approach?   I can’t really answer this question either because it doesn’t really apply to my writing process.  I think what inspires me most in Ottawa though is seeing other writer’s present their work to small or larger audiences, through broadcast media, as well as  succeeding as internationally read authors.  It inspires me to see them bringing their work and personality forward to their audiences. I do think that Ottawa people enjoy being an audience to these writers.  It’s a great community support.  

Q: What are you working on now? 

I recently completed edits on two novels I wrote at different stages in my life.  I am now in the process of sending submissions to literary agents in the USA mostly, Canada, and the UK.  No bites yet but I am optimistic.  One of these novels has a sequel in the works.  Both novels are set primarily in foreign lands.  As I said earlier in this interview, hoping for a new book deal in 2022.  I will end with; patience is a virtue when it comes to hearing back from agents or publishers.