Copyright Charleston Post and Courier
Back when Maggie Smith penned her poem “Good Bones,” which reached nearly 1 million readers after going viral in 2016, she was a mom working from home. She went on to become a New York Times bestselling author multiple times over and earn several national accolades as her body of work grew. In her most recent endeavor “Dear Writer,” Smith explores the creative process through 10 foundational elements: attention, wonder, vision, play, surprise, vulnerability, restlessness, tenacity, connection and hope. Her writer’s guide calls to mind the phrase, "create like a child, edit like a scientist," offering prompts for any skill level and motivating essays to draw out a sense of wonder for the craft of writing. We talked with Smith ahead of her speaking event on Nov. 14 at the Charleston Literary Festival, which takes place Nov. 7-16 at the historic Dock Street Theatre downtown. Q: When your poem "Good Bones" went viral in 2016, how did that affect your journey as a writer at the time? A: “Good Bones” going viral was like a lightning strike. I was a work-at-home mom with two young kids, and I spent more time caregiving than writing. But I became more known overnight, and more opportunities started coming my way — to travel for readings, to teach workshops, to judge prizes and contests, etc. That poem changed the trajectory of my career, and it also, I think, exposed some cracks in my marriage. So it changed my whole life. Q: Tell us about one of the essential elements you discuss in "Dear Writer" that writers can apply to their creative practice. A: The first element in the book is first for a reason: Attention. Life’s everyday activities create static — a constant hum of responsibility, news, reminders, encounters — and our work is to dial past that static and tune in to what matters. I try to be attentive as a writer, but also as a parent, a partner, a friend, a teacher, a daughter, a neighbor. I can’t think of anything more important for a writer or artist than to be a sensitive, finely tuned instrument in the world, so this section is about staying open, and the writing prompt and suggestions for further reading support that. Q: In the chaos of this modern world we are living in, how has creativity helped you become more in tune with our shared humanity? A: Creativity has been the door that has opened into nearly every good thing that has happened in my life. Creativity brings out the best of us. Reading and writing, listening to music, watching films, engaging with visual art — all of these things have expanded my perspective and made me more empathetic, curious and flexible in my thinking. I think creativity makes us better human beings, and I hope this book helps readers see that creativity isn’t just about making art; it’s about how we live. Making your life is the ultimate creative act. Q: What is a writing prompt readers will see in "Dear Writer" and how is it designed to aid creativity? A: Each of the 10 sections in "Dear Writer" closes with a generative writing activity and a list for further reading. It was important for me that this book was full of practical resources. One of my favorite prompts is to write a poem or an essay in the form of a letter. It’s an accessible form we’re all familiar with, and it never fails to crack something open.
