Mary Harelkin Bishop is a memorable part of many a Saskatchewan childhood. Her Moose Jaw Tunnel’s of Time books are made all the more real if you visit the Tunnel’s of Moose Jaw.
She’s written many other books, but took time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions. I am so inspired by the enthusiasm and delight Mary brings to her work, and by her dedication to pursuing her dream.
Enjoy!
Question: What advice would you give someone who is trying to establish a writing life?
Mary: If you want to be a writer, and write well, you need to write, write, WRITE a lot!! You need to write every day. It can and should be any kind of writing – journal entries, letters, short stories, essays, poetry. The point is to practice writing and learn how to express yourself. You also need to read, read, READ!!! You need to read every day and think about what you are reading. Read in different genres, and formats – magezines, graphic novels, poetry, etc. And when you find a passage or story you like, stop, and ask yourself what you like about it. What did the author do that made you enjoy that particular passage or story? You need to analyze it for its style and the writing techniques. You should then try to incorporate that style and those writing techniques into your own writing.
Make sure you take the necessary time to edit and revise your writing. Many beginning or novice writers skip over this part, but this is where your writing is really polished. Always think, too, what message am I trying to communicate, and who is my audience? I also employ the help of friends and family who read my work in its earliest stages. They provide invaluable feedback that helps me so much. So, gather a group of trusted friends, or a writing group around you, who will critique your writing and help you improve your pieces. Have fun with the process! Good luck!
Question: What has writing brought to your life, for better or worse?
Mary: Writing has enriched my life in so many ways! I can hardly begin to list all the positive things writing has brought into my life. My favourite thing, though, is meeting kids and talking about reading and writing! Being a published writer has brought me many opportunities to meet readers who love my books and stories. Because I write for children and young adults, I have many opportunities to do readings in schools. I meet students and have the chance to talk to young people and inspire them to follow their own dreams, whatever their dreams are. I also get to talk to young writers, and I love that. Mostly, I love asking about, and talking about THEIR writing! I am so surprised at the number of young kids who are writing chapter books, comic books, graphic novels, or short stories. As much as I inspire the students, they really inspire me! Every school visit inspires me to keep writing. I have also been invited to speak to many adult groups, and that has inspired me as well. I wouldn’t have had all of these wonderful encounters if I wasn’t a writer.
Question: What was the most difficult part about getting your book published?
Mary: As with many writers, I faced a lot of rejection notices before I finally got published. Although I did have a few poems and short stories published in local magazines, Tunnels of Time: A Moose Jaw Adventure was my very first published book. It came out with Coteau Books of Regina in 2000. I had been sending manuscripts away and getting rejected for over 20 years before that book got published. It is very difficult to keep going after so many rejections. It takes courage and a strong belief in yourself to keep putting yourself and your writing out there despite the rejections. To me, writing is like putting a piece of yourself – your soul – out in the open for everyone to see. You reveal yourself and leave yourself vulnerable to criticism. So, it does take a lot of courage to say to yourself that you’re going to keep aiming for that goal, and it was the most difficult part for me.
I’m so glad I stuck with it!
