Congratulations to Katherine Scott Crawford from Brevard, North Carolina for her amazing nonfiction essay titled:
Check out Katherine's submission, Only Water, as well as all the other winning entries and then stop back here to read Katherine's enlightening interview with Crystal J. Casavant-Otto from WOW! Women on Writing.
Katherine Scott Crawford is the award-winning author of The Miniaturist’s Assistant and Keowee Valley. A former backpacking guide, adjunct professor, and recovering academic, her newspaper column appeared weekly across the U.S. and abroad, including in USA Today, The Detroit Free Press, and the Herald Scotland. Winner of a North Carolina Arts Award in Fiction, she holds an MFA in Writing from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. She’d rather be in the woods with her dog than anywhere else, enjoys curious people, adventure, and snow—and believes historical fiction the best way to time travel. An eleventh-generation Southerner, she directs writing retreats at a remote mountain lodge in Western North Carolina, where she lives with her family.
WOW: Let's just take a moment here - we are all absolutely jealous of that view from Earthshine Lodge. What a great place to work, and I love your support of others with the workshops! That begs the next question though, who is your support, and what have you found to be most supportive in your writing life as well as in life in general? You are clearly a very busy writer, but who do you turn to when you need some support?
Katherine: If I could tell my younger self anything (and not that I would actually listen; I've been pretty focused and headstrong my entire life), I'd tell her to take as many risks as possible when it comes to life, which creates writing: to say "yes" to every adventure, be it a study-abroad opportunity, classes, contests, internships, and more. To talk to teachers and professors. To check out writing groups, go to the poetry reading, ask to join classes she might not feel ready for, be brave. I'd encourage her to write, and to read, as much as is humanly possible, and to seek out people, environments, classes, and more which align with her passions and hopes. And then, to be unafraid to mess up.
Today's post was penned by Crystal J. Casavant-Otto
WOW: Katherine, thank you so much for taking time today to chat with me. Thank you also for your personal and touching entry into the Nonfiction Essay Contest and Congratulations! We have just a bit of time today so let's get to it!
Where do you write? What does your space look like? I’d love to know more about your mountain lodge - (dear reader - check out this view!) >>>>>>
Katherine: I write in what I call my "Boffice": it's my bedroom plus office, which sits at the top floor of my house. My desk is in a corner of the room. It's an antique, sort of mission-style secretary which my mother-in-law refurbished years ago and gave to me. Unfortunately, it's probably killing my neck and back, as antique desks weren't built for modern computers--but it's hard to let it go. I have twinkle lights draped over the top, my grandmother's antique glass lamp, my storyboard nailed to the wall beside me, and my dog, Merlin, usually asleep at my feet.
The mountain lodge where I direct writing retreats is the wonderful Earthshine Lodge in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina. I work with the fabulous folks at Earthshine to host writing retreats and workshops there for writers in all stages of their journeys once or twice per year. Earthshine is at a remote location at 3,000 feet with views of the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests. It's heaven. (photo at right)
Katherine: My greatest support is my husband, Stuart. We met as camp counselors two weeks after I graduated from college. He is my biggest cheerleader, sounding board, and partner-in-parenting and life. I could not be a publishing writer without him. My family and friends, especially my parents and sister, show up for me in more ways than I can express, and often have had more confidence in my abilities than I have had over the years. I'm ridiculously lucky to have them in my life. Frankly, I also rely a great amount on my dog, and on the natural world, when I need support. A hike along the river, in the open air, gives me much of what I need when it comes to slowing down and listens to my creative voice.
WOW: Oh Katherine, that makes my heart so happy! Support is so important and I love that you have a village supporting you!
This is a favorite question of mine: Do you have advice for your younger self when it comes to making decisions, believing in yourself, and/or writing? What would your current self say to the younger you?
WOW: Well, I'd say that is great advice for anyone. If only our youthful selves would listen...
You have an impressive bio; it begs the ask - tell us more about your professional goals? Long term aspirations?
Katherine: Thank you! I want to keep writing and publishing novels, and to reach more readers. I'd love to teach in a low-residency MFA program or take on writing students of my own, and I'd love to direct writers' retreats overseas at some point. I long to marry two of my great loves, travel and writing, in any way I possibly can.
WOW: Does Stuart know you're looking to marry again? Seriously though, I love those goals not just for you, but for many of us! I hope all your dreams come true (for you and Stuart that is!)
What advice do you have for others during turbulent times? What works or doesn’t work for you when it comes to dealing with stress and the pressures of everyday life?
Katherine: This is such a great question, especially in our current national and world climate. My best advice--at least what I have found to be the most helpful for me as an individual and a creative person--is to rest when you can. To take the time to sit in the comfy chair, wrap yourself in a blanket, and close your eyes, even if it's for twenty minutes. To say "no" to unnecessary asks, and to be with yourself.
Then, it's to reach out to the people and activities you love in small ways: call your people (for me it's my sister and best friends), even if it's just to hear their voices. Grab tapas and sangria at your favorite hometown restaurant. Walk in your neighborhood and let yourself enjoy the way the dandelions push their cheery yellow selves up through the cracks in the sidewalk, the house finches fighting with each other in the trees, the way your elderly neighbors hold hands on their nightly walk. Watch a favorite movie with your friend, spouse, or kids. Enjoy each other. And always, always, find a way to get outside in nature, wherever and however you can find it. This is the stuff of life, and it's all that really matters.
WOW: Katherine, thank you so much for that fabulous reminder. I find myself taking time to relax and that inner voice kicks in a reminds me of how much work there is to do. Your words resonate deeply with me.
Thank you for your time today and for sharing your many talents with us and the world! I'm ordering The Miniature's Assistant and Keowee Valley right now and look forward to reading them. I'm also looking forward to being your WOW! Blog Tour Manager on your next book! Keep my email and cell phone number handy!
and until we meet again - enjoy your twinkle lights and that antique lamp!
Crystal Casavant writes. Everything.
If you follow her blog you have likely laid eyes on every thought she has ever had. Her debut novel, It Was Never About Me, Was It? is still a work in progress and shall be fully worthy sometime in 2025. She has written for WOW! Women on Writing, Bring on Lemons, and has been featured in several magazines and ezines relating to credit and collections as well as religious collections for confessional Lutherans. She runs a busy household full of intelligent, recalcitrant, and delightful humans who give her breath and keep her heart beating day after day.
Crystal wears many hats (and not just the one in this photo) and fully believes in being in the moment and doing everything she can to improve the lives of those around her! The world may never know her name, but she prays that because of her, someone may smile a little brighter. She prides herself on doing nice things - yes, even for strangers!
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