An important part of every writer’s journey is the transition from seeing ourselves as “someone who writes” to seeing ourselves as writers.  We asked all the Go Dog Go Baristas to tell us a little bit about their journey as a writer.  We hope you enjoy learning more about the Baristas and are inspired by their stories.

When you did you start writing?

I have always been a scribbler and wrote lots of little stories in high school, was even school magazine Editor in my final year in high school. I moved a lot and lost my notebooks and now trying to recall some of those long lost stories. I write for my professional journals and editorials and am on a list of published authors for my profession in Malaysia. But I don’t really consider that “writing”! My eldest daughter encouraged me to start blogging in 2016 and I played around with writing different themes and topics, finally finding my passion for flash fiction and then for poetry. That’s when I felt like I was writing what really mattered to me. The Daily Prompts in WordPress gave birth to some memorable articles that I wrote inspired by just one word. I’d encourage new and young writers to try this and you will be exposed to a lot of feedback and make lovely new friends.

What kind of writing do you do?

I enjoy writing short stories the most but have fell behind after a personal crisis mid last year and so resorted to keeping my blog active by doing short book reviews and sharing songs and quotes that meant something to me. I am now writing a weekly post of my thoughts for 2018 based on prompts my friend sent me for a span of 52 weeks. I don’t think I will ever limit myself to a certain “type” of writing; I like to be challenged and also have a comfortable space to unleash my creativity and thoughts. I started writing poetry only in 2016 and found I had another avenue of expression. My favourite type of writing are the haibun, it’s tight and challenges me to be precise in short paragraphs. As for poetry I love composing an Ottava Rima as I find it the most challenging but I love the rhyming meter of this poetic form.

Where do you find inspiration for your writing?

My walks, my ordinary life, and the books I read and the movies I watch. Also from the relationships I have and have lost. My inspiration for stories comes from remembering my childhood. I think I write the best about the memories I have growing up and also of my time working and living abroad.

What are you current writing rituals/practices? 

I used to write every day and that was good for that time but then I sacrificed my reading time and also social interaction time. I felt disconnected from the real world. Now I write in the mornings in my journal and that’s a record of how I am feeling and the things I want to write more on later. I am setting aside time twice a week to sort my short stories out. I also write articles for a local magazine and get paid every month based on the number of articles I submit and are selected. I usually want to submit at least one a month. The topics for the magazine are given to me a month in advance so lots of time to decide what to write. Working full time, almost 10 hour days and being a single mum makes setting aside time very difficult but I try to manage time as best I can.

When did you start thinking of yourself as a writer?

I am not sure I ever have until my e-book was published and was discussed at my hometown poetry club and book club. I still don’t really call myself a writer as I feel I have so much more to learn and develop. I just love words and hope the words love me back! I write because I need to.

What are your future writing goals?

1. to continue submitting to the local magazines here
2. to attend poetry readings and literary fests for inspiration
3. to set aside focused time to write new stuff
4. to set aside time to get my written work in order to publish a book

“Great books help you understand, and they help you feel understood.”

–John Green