Kate Hawkes, London Independent Story Prize 3rd Round 2024 Poetry Finalist, 'Grief Across Realities'

London Independent Story Prize 3rd Round 2024 Poetry Finalist, 'Grief Across Realities', Kate Hawkes

- Can you please tell us about you and your daily life?

I am both impulsive and have routine. When I am home, each day I either run in the red rocks or work with my horse (cleaning yards for sure!) - sometimes both. I then have various Must Dos and lots of Maybe Do's. I write grants, assist people with their writing, sometimes teach, produce theatre readings, and try and write for myself. I get in my truck, drive to a desert hot-spring and camp alone.

- When and how did you get into writing?

My doorway to writing was through theatre - writing children's plays, 10-minute and full length plays. Recently I have wandered into the screenwriting world! My plays have been produced, recognized in some forms, a few screenplays have reached 1/4 finalist status in competitions. Poetry is something in which I've always dabbled. I love the short form and the ways it cuts right to the heart of the emotional world. (Details on all this at my website www.wellnesswithkate.com)

- How often do you write? Do you have a writing routine? And what inspires you to write?

I guess I write daily, but not necessarily creatively. No real routine - depends a bit on the weather as I am such an outdoor girl. I wish I was someone who got up early and wrote in dark quiet hours, but I am too much of a night bird. so the writing happens then! I love a deadline - that gets me ON it! I am inspired by events, personal experiences, conversations and emotional overload to the crap in the world.

- How does it feel to have your work recognised?

 Amazing and still unbelievable! Impostor Syndrome has a field day. And if seems to come just in time to offset all the rejections and prevent me from throwing away all my writing tools.

- What's the best and most challenging thing about writing Poetry? 

The most challenging for me is editing, getting it into shape. I have no shortage of ideas - writer's block isn't my problem but jetsoning any part of it is a huge struggle. On the other hand, like writing a grant, I love the challenge of moving phrases around and finding that one word that covers three - that's fun.

-  How did you develop the idea for your LISP-selected story? Is there a story behind your story? And, how long have you been working on it?

I think it was triggered by yet another story about war and loss. and realizing that as I move about in my sweet little house going about my day, people Just Like Me who used to live like I do, are having an experience I can only begin to imagine. I made a conscious commitment not to forget for a moment how lucky I am to be who I am and where I am - an accident of birth. And to note that we are all connected. It pretty much poured out.

- Can you please give us a few tips about writing Poetry?

Pour it out! When I teach the writing for healing workshops, I say 'vomit on the page and then see what you have.' No thinking, come from the heart and gut. Then channel your pickiest house-keeper self and sort through it.  Re-arrange, toss, put aside and go to the basement (or attic) to find what else it might need.

- What's the best thing and the most challenging thing about competitions? 

 The best thing is the deadline and (sometimes) having a topic. The hardest is mustering the courage to send it, and agreeing it's worth any financial outlay. Then back to easy - forget about it until the email arrives. At that time, it's either shrug and mutter c'est la vie. - or celebrate with chocolate.

- Lastly, do you recommend the writers submit to LISP?

Absolutely!  It seems that you take extra time if needed, don't rush the process and communicate that.  Also, as someone not in the UK, how cool to have an international publication? And of course, now I want to come and attend an event. Might be the push I need to cross the pond.

My final comment is that writing, storytelling, is one of the most effective tools for mental health. My decades of work through Performing Wellness, has proved that. As the author of your story, sharing it with others, you are powerful creative being. You build resilience and affirm other people's experience through yours. As a writer, if I achieve nothing else but that? then I am well satisfied. Thank you for the opportunity to perhaps reach one person for whom this poem provides some source of understanding, permission and support.