Living The Process with host Shannon TL Kearns

The Responsibility of Creativity with Waubgeshig Rice

Episode Summary

In this episode, host Shannon TL Kearns interviews Waubgeshig Rice, a writer and author. They discuss Waubgeshig's creative process, his upbringing in an Indigenous community, and the themes he explores in his work. Waubgeshig shares how his background in journalism has influenced his fiction writing and the importance of research and consultation in his creative process. He also discusses the balance between writing for his community and reaching a wider audience. Throughout the conversation, Waubgeshig emphasizes the significance of storytelling and the responsibility he feels as a storyteller.

Episode Notes

Takeaways

Waubgeshig Rice creates books and aims to create good vibes and a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

His creative life growing up was influenced by his parents and community, who exposed him to various forms of storytelling.

Waubgeshig's creative process involves extensive planning and research before diving into writing.

He balances his responsibility to his community and the wider audience by focusing on the humanity of Indigenous people and being mindful of cultural traditions.

For Waubgeshig Rice's books go to: https://bookshop.org/shop/shannontlkearns

To get creative support and also support this podcast go to: www.patreon.com/shannontlkearns

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:05 Creating Books and Good Vibes

03:50 Starting Writing

05:40 Journalism and Fiction

08:04 Writing While Working Full-Time

09:03 Challenges of Having More Time to Write

10:23 Themes in Writing

11:44 Creative Process and Idea Generation

15:01 Front-End Heavy Process

20:12 Daily Writing Schedule

21:57 Sharing Work with Others

24:20 Balancing Responsibility to Community and Storytelling

31:00 Pushback from Publishers

33:50 Writing for Community and Non-Indigenous Readers

37:42 Influences from Music and Media

40:28 Creative Practice in Daily Life

44:13 Conclusion