Isabella Hawkins

I am Isabella Hawkins and I am a writer and photographer from Melbourne Australia. I love the art of photography, but I am especially inspired by nature. I have recently regained my love of reading, so in my free time I am catching up on all the romance and fantasy books I have been missing out on.

Question 1: What inspired you to start writing?

I admired the storytelling I saw as a reader of fiction, watcher of film, and a listener of music. Fantasy worlds and characters from Harry Potter and the Marvel universe brought stories that I could fully immerse myself into. Folk music with lyrics that hold intimate stories and tales that spoke directly to me.

Question 2: How have your past experiences influenced you as a writer?

In the last couple of years I have been focusing on my mental health journey, and I have started to use my writing as an outlet to understand my emotions. It had given me a more balanced outlook. People can relate to writing when you are vulnerable and show your darker emotions just as much as the light. When I have read about someone’s experiences with anxiety, I feel more engaged as a reader and more connected to the writer. I have started to feel more comfortable in showing this side of myself in my writing.

Question 3: What have you written that you're the most proud of?

I am actually the most proud of my creative non-fiction piece ‘Plunge head first into your dreams’ that was published in the first issue of Livina Press. It was my first piece to be accepted by a press. It is about the first step of sharing my work as an emerging writer. Publishing your writing is a scary process that is felt by the entire writing community. Knowing this vulnerability is something we share connects us all as artists.

Question 4: What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

My favourite artist to listen to while I write is Alec Benjamin. His music encourages me to tap into my own emotions and incorporate them into my work. His songs use a lot of acoustic sounds which calms me and doesn’t distract me from writing.

Question 5: What do you think is the best way to improve writing skills?

I know it sounds counter intuitive, but reading really helps. Sometimes you can be too enveloped with your own voice and you can’t decide what to focus or experiment on. By reading poetry, non-fiction, fiction, prose or any genre of text you can find what inspires you and can take you in an entirely different direction. Don’t limit yourself to what you already know.

Question 6: What do the words “literary success” mean to you? How do you picture it?

To be successful with my writing, I think it means to have connected with my reader. To have them feel understood and seen is something that would mean the world to me. To hear my writing has resonated with someone brings me the most fulfilment as a writer. If immersing in my writing provided an escape for someone, I consider that a success.

Question 7: If you had to describe yourself in just three words, what would those be?

Kind, naïve and introverted