Bethan Hay, a MumWrite pilot mum, tells us about her writing and what she's working on

Bethan lives an island life in Orkney where she tries to write around work as a Home Carer and her young children who are two and three. She has recently been published in Perhappened Magazine, The Aesthetic Directory, and The Adriatic. 



​What is your favourite thing to write?
I love writing poetry but I’m also working on a novel that I’m really enjoying. I’m learning that I just need to go with my moods and write whatever comes, instead of forcing something else....but that means having lots of projects on the go! 

What did you gain from the MumWrite programme?
I had never attended a workshop before as I’m quite self conscious about my writing, especially sharing WIPs or something written on the spot so it was a leap. I definitely gained confidence from the friendly environment. 

I also found a love for experimental techniques, even if the work doesn’t turn in to something that appears experimental. I now really enjoy just opening a book to pick a random line as a poetry prompt and then grabbing the dictionary or thesaurus to play and see what happens. 

How do you find time to write as a parent?
I have no idea! I write mostly in the evenings. I used to just sit with a notebook or laptop in the living room but it wasn’t productive. Now I take myself seriously and sit at the table (often with the door closed) so that I’m focused. I try to write for an hour and then my brain is frazzled after a long day, but will keep going if I can. 

What kind of prompts do you like to use when you need inspiration?
I love to pick a line from a book or just open the dictionary or thesaurus and just start writing, see where it goes! 


What's a writing achievement from the last 6 months that you're proud of?
Taking myself seriously and starting to close the door when I’m writing. 

What are your writing aims for 2021?
Finishing the novel I’m working on. And going through all of my notebooks to work on and type up the draft poems I’ve left unorganised. 

For more publications and information, visit Bethan on Twitter: @bethanhay_ ​

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