Interview Q&A with Maggie Watson
We present our first exclusive Q&A Interview with Maggie Watson whose literary works have graced our Spillwords pages and earned her the title of August’s 2025 Author of the Month.
- What does it mean to be selected as Author of the Month?
For me, being selected as Author of the Month is like having a star on Hollywood Boulevard! Being selected for Publication of the Month was an Oscar. That is the only way I can describe it, to be honest. For something like this to happen to me is beyond my wildest dreams, especially as there are so many outstanding writers out there.
- How have your friends and/or family influenced your writing?
Sadly, I have no living family left. I don’t think my friends have ever taken my writing seriously, to be truthful. I find that anyone I try to tell about my journey so far is uninterested or looks at me as if I am talking nonsense. Most think it is just a hobby!
- What inspires and motivates you to write?
Perhaps this is the answer anyone who knows me should read. I have never dreamt of being rich or any other nonsense. As we know, writers make pennies, unless they are really lucky! Writing has given me a purpose, a reason to get out of bed in the morning. When I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome fifteen years ago, I had already been out of work for some time. I gave up paid employment to care for my mother. Many people have the idea that not working means you must be happy about that. Let me tell you, there is nothing worse than the whole day stretching ahead and hours to fill. Now writing takes up the best part of my day. It focuses my mind too (which is wonderful for someone who can be prone to overthinking).
- Can you tell us about the catalyst that sparked your writing journey?
My writing journey began at the start of the Pandemic. As we all know, it was a very difficult time, more so, I think, for anyone living alone. Was it not for putting my frustration and isolation down on paper, I fear my mental health may not have survived. As I look back now, it really is, even for me, hard to believe how far I have come. Now I honestly cannot imagine not writing! It would be like someone had cut off my hands.
- Please share a glimpse into your writing process.
My writing process involves scribbling down a thought as it pops into my head, and then I try to build on that. I rarely use prompts at all. If I am happy with what I see on paper, I then feed it to Grammarly for any punctuation errors. If I can write one poem a day, then I am happy! I find writer’s block so frustrating! I have learned not to push the muse, though. If she decides to go lie on a beach somewhere, I leave her be.
- What do you find most fulfilling about the act of writing?
The whole act of writing is in itself fulfilling! How else can I express all the pain that was left behind after being abused? It reshapes something traumatic by turning it into something potent and powerful, so that I view it differently, not as a victim, but as a survivor!
- How does the use of imagery contribute to conveying your story?
Great question, thank you! You know, when I began this journey, I was often afraid to use strong imagery with regard to my abuse. There is a fine line where some readers might be put off by your writing. My writing is real and raw. I will never apologise for that. You cannot write about abuse (of any kind) without it being visceral. I like my words to pack a punch, and to do that, I must write them as I felt them then (during nearly 20 years of abuse) or as I still do now. I write not for kudos, but to empower others to do the same. Abuse is a societal crisis, and it is my job to raise awareness now. If that means using words that are not pretty, so be it! There is nothing pretty about abuse.
- What is your favorite reading genre?
Confession time. I rarely read since I started to write. But if I do, it is poetry or a real story written by someone who has gone through hell to survive. No romance novels for me.
- What human being has inspired you the most?
There are so many inspiring writers on WordPress, each with a story to tell. But my father is my inspiration, my strength, and my guide! You will notice my reference to him in my poem Holy Communion. He joined the Merchant Navy at the age of sixteen. He was part of the Russian Convoys that took part in the Baltic Run during World War 2. He was such a kind, humble man with a wonderful, dry sense of humour and so very brave. Even when he developed mouth cancer, he bore it with so much dignity.
- What message would you have for the Spillwords Press community that voted for you?
Thank you for appreciating my writing and granting me this honour. It is something that would not have happened had you not understood the meaning behind my words. It has brought me many tears of joy and means more than anyone will ever know, really. For someone who was completely stripped of her self-worth by her abuser, this is more valuable to me than any amount of money could buy.
- What would you like your legacy as a writer to be?
I would like my legacy to be that my story of survival helps others. To know that you can turn your life around and write a different ending to your story, even if the ink has long since dried on its opening lines!
- Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would like to thank Spillwords Press for giving me this opportunity, which will allow this community to learn more about me. I would also like to thank Spillwords for your continued support of my work! And, I cannot leave this interview without mentioning the WordPress community! A friend of mine calls you the crème de la crème, a line from The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, a very Scottish film (lol). You are my soul tribe, and I thank each one of you for your unending support, love, and encouragement. I am crying now! Beyond grateful to you all.
- Breaking Bread - November 19, 2025
- Interview Q&A With Maggie Watson - September 18, 2025
- Holy Communion - August 3, 2025
