Despite having shared stories for years, Stirling and I have never met face-to-face. Part of an extended writing group, we know each other primarily through our stories. Which, all things considered, is a pretty cool way to know someone. She’s an accomplished writer, poet, and painter, and I’m thrilled she agreed to answer my questions. You can learn more about Stirling on her site at https://stirlingdavenport.com/.

Onto the questions!

Question 1

Poetry, science fiction, fantasy, children’s books, art… One commonality in all of your work is that you seem to really enjoy creating. Can you talk about that spark? What is it that you love? Any tips for someone who might be feeling a little less inspired?

When I sit down with a blank page, I want to feel excited. Sometimes I’ll be editing or adding to a book that feels more like work. And that’s a sign that I’ve lost my inspiration and it’s time to step back. Even editing can be fun. For instance, if I hit a snag in the plot, I might take a fictional character and go for a walk. And out there in the woods or wherever my feet take me, I have a dialogue with them. It might be someone from my book. Or it could be a muse or mentor. Then when I come back to that blank page, I have new inspiration.

Question 2

Everyone gets inspired by different things. How about you? What inspires you to write or paint? Is it different every time, or do you have moments that you know will get your creative juices flowing?

For painting, I like to use music, or tack up a photograph to copy, even though I always change it in one way or another. Usually, I make it more impressionistic. With writing, other people’s poems or stories or plays can inspire me. A beautifully written book can get my juices flowing. Do you ever notice how you step out of a movie theater and find yourself talking like those people in the film? Their accent, their word choices. That can also happen in real life, where you’re stepping inside of another world.

Question 3

What does writing (or painting) look like for you? Do you get inspired and throw yourself into it for days at a time? Do you have a set schedule where you create for a few hours each day? Any advice for people who might be struggling with finding their own balance between creating and their daily life?

I’m very much driven by whims, moods and passions. If I’m not feeling it, I don’t force it. But when I do embark on a project, I’m obsessive. I usually finish a painting within three days, two days on a poem, or a week on a short story. With a book, I launch myself into a chapter a day, even when I’m just editing. I find it helpful to set myself a goal and a deadline, on paper, listing out the steps. Once I have a good draft, I’ll print a chapter and read it aloud, stopping to make edits. I also go through periods where I don’t touch my work, and I think it’s important to respect that, too. Sometimes things have to gradually come to the surface. You’ll know when that’s happening and I believe you have to be true to yourself and do what makes you feel complete.

Question 4

One of my favorite things about being a writer is interacting with readers. These days, that interaction is easier than ever before. How about you? Any fun (or funny) stories you can share?

I mostly remember the occasional hilarious Halloween stories by members of my old writing group. Every year, we had to draw “clues” out of a hat to include certain items or characters in a story set on Halloween. The clues were always wildly creative and ridiculous when combined. Once I had to write about a robot who lands on a planet where he meets a dog and has to describe the animal to his operators back home. He falls in love with the dog and completely disobeys his programming instructions.

Question 5

These days, with so much noise coming at us from so many different directions, can you share some ideas for how to tune it out? How do you manage to put the world aside and focus on your art?

I set a time and place away from the radio and phone, and stay off the internet. Once I get even a sentence or a brushstroke done, the world ceases to exist for me. Today, for instance, I decided to go up to my studio and write instead of taking a long walk in the park – even though it was a beautiful day. That’s what it means to be an artist, right?  You have priorities. It doesn’t mean you avoid doing laundry, but maybe it’s not your first task.

Question 6

I always end with the same last question. Any projects you can tell us about? Anything on the horizon we can look forward to?

Oh, man. I have a lot. First, I’m putting the final touches on a memoir that I’ve worked on for over thirty years. Yep, it’s a life work and I hope to publish it soon. Next, I need to edit an illustrated travel diary from 11 months in northern India. In my quiet moments, I also write poems. I might publish an illustrated poetry book I created for my late mother. Once those are published, I’ll turn to a purely fun project – writing a sequel to one of my fantasy novels (The Nightwing’s Quest). Happily, I’m participating in a local author’s showcase soon, and a few months later, an exhibition of my paintings from India, Nepal and Tibet. My goal is to get as much out there as possible before I turn 80!

Thank you, Stirling!

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