Dawn Web, a Dalhousie Alum (BSc, focus in Neuroscience), is completing their degree in Creative Writing and Inter-Arts Entrepreneurship at Dalhousie University. Dawn Web was born and raised in Ottawa, ON, and comes from a conservative mixed-race family of six. Dawn is a published author, an award-winning dancer, a multi-instrumentalist, a successful emerging interdisciplinary artist, a scientist, an educator, a publisher and an entrepreneur. Dawn stumbled upon writing "by accident", seeking creative outlets for expression, regulation and connection. Dawn’s debut poetry collection (the first of six volumes), Red Corner: a poetry anthology, within the Colours Collection. Red Corner explores themes of identity, queer and political issues, love, growth, perseverance, and navigating intergenerational trauma aftermath. Dawn founded Vivid Illusion Creative Studios, a Canadian inter-arts publishing house, online art store and networking platform for artists to host and share their creative work. Web also hosts Plum Poetry Night (Spoken Word Series) on Tuesdays in Halifax, which involves a feature artist performance, poetry open-mic, and creative writing workshop led by Dawn themself.
How did your first book change your life? How does your most recent work compare to your previous one? How does it feel different?
This is a tough question to answer. I used to worry that I would never make anything as good as my poem “Flashbacks,” which is published in Fathom Creative Writing Journal “Growth” on pages 47-48 and Red Corner on pages 78-79. Maybe the content in “Flashbacks” because it was such a large obstacle I was overcoming or because I felt unworthy and insecure. I had such a grandiose reaction from peers and strangers in response to this piece of work and thought maybe that was the only thing people would like coming from me. But I guess, in some ways, my earlier work has a stronger focus on rhyme and free verse around soul-sucking events because my poetry almost solely came from moments of coping. It has since evolved from poetic journal entries into writing practice, where I write about various topics with a breadth of beauty and engage in more poetic form. I struggled to write poetry from a happy place; my poem “Snakes” on pages 214-215 of Red Corner uses imagery among metaphors to explore this theme in my attempts to navigate feelings of joy and learn how to allow myself to feel happy.
How did you come to poetry first, as opposed to, say, fiction or non-fiction?
I wanted to write songs, but I was rarely satisfied with the result. As I grew older with more literary exposure, I realized I had been writing poetry! The words came easily, but I could not connect the words with melody lines to find adequate pairings. Writing poetry feels natural which gives me self-confidence. Poetry is cunning — the ability to connect with someone on an abstract idea that can mean two very different things to two individuals and yet, bring them closer to one another. That is beautiful. I love eliciting images and thoughts and evoking feelings in others with something that does not always have to “make sense” and still be able to deliver an important message through play.
How long does it take to start any particular writing project? Does your writing initially come quickly, or is it a slow process? Do first drafts appear looking close to their final shape, or does your work come out of copious notes?
I tend to avoid editing my work as it feels quite daunting, but the immediate transfer of literary work from pen to keys has proven most effective in my form development and editing process (typing, printing, pen and paper, re-writing, and re-typing). I find my work comes on rather rapidly and lock-in pen to paper, typically. But ultimately, length of a project varies drastically based on my life circumstances.
Where does a poem usually begin for you? Are you an author of short pieces that end up combining into a larger project, or are you working on a "book" from the very beginning?
I have included a poem titled “Where does a poem begin”. I heard about your online journal called periodicities through Dani Spinosa, which prompted this poem surrounding my life experiences. But I think to answer your question directly, it’s both!
Are public readings part of or counter to your creative process? Are you the sort of writer who enjoys doing readings?
I love doing reading, my work is meant for spoken word. Which is why I have recorded an audiobook for Red Corner, which will be released soon. However, I do not like promoting my work, it feels icky.
Do you have any theoretical concerns behind your writing? What kinds of questions are you trying to answer with your work? What do you even think the current questions are?
Well, that is a loaded question. I am trying to better understand my world through writing, and hope that I can bridge the gap to bring a greater understanding of different perspectives to others through my work.
What do you see the current role of the writer being in larger culture? Do they even have one? What do you think the role of the writer should be?
I think that is may be different for everyone in terms of their intentions. But, for me it comes back to storytelling in the oral tradition: for entertainment, for connection, for education, or whatever else it may be.
Do you find the process of working with an outside editor difficult or essential (or both)?
I think it can be difficult if you guys don’t gel. I think it is essential for certain projects, where not so much for others. But there always been a mistake somewhere, no matter how many eyes view it.
What is the best piece of advice you've heard (not necessarily given to you directly)?
There is growth only outside comfort, so listen to your body especially when you don’t want to, it remembers and is trying to tell you something. Listen to what is behind the rejection, it will guide you in the right direction.
What kind of writing routine do you tend to keep, or do you even have one? How does a typical day (for you) begin?
I go through phases. Routines only stick around for so long until they become mundane and you get stuck. It is important to dedicate specific time for creating and not wait for inspiration to come to you. Some amazing pieces come from routine and dedication where other strike a more spontaneous leap. It is vital to have a balance.
When your writing gets stalled, where do you turn or return for (for lack of a better word) inspiration?
Going out and engaging with nature and putting a timer on to start some freewriting.
What fragrance reminds you of home?
Hmmm. Sense of smell and sense of home. I want to say, smell of the fresh salty air off the ocean.
David W. McFadden once said that books come from books, but are there any other forms that influence your work, whether nature, music, science or visual art?
Definitely, all. I find alot of my work will come from my dreams or nightmares I have as well.
What other writers or writings are important for your work, or simply your life outside of your work?
I draw inspiration from Shane Koyczan’s interdisciplinary and mixed media delivery. Whitney Hanson’s expression of vulnerability and connection to poetics. I love The Lumineers for their story telling among other ballads. Saeed Jones, writes “how we fight for our lives” in such an enchanting and poetic style. Nancy Pague’s Write Moves was assigned as a course textbook for a class with Becca Babcock, and it is still a book I use as reference or guide now and then. The rhythm executed by Josie Balka intertwining a classic Dr.Seuss rhyming scheme.
What would you like to do that you haven't yet done?
I would like to live in Spain.
If you could pick any other occupation to attempt, what would it be? Or, alternately, what do you think you would have ended up doing had you not been a writer?
I have worn so so many hats. I have done so many different occupations—I’m a jack of all trades, so to speak. So, I think that I actually did the reverse. I had to try everything else before I could land here.
What made you write, as opposed to doing something else?
My mom and my professor Dr. Becca Babcock, were the first people to believe in my writing when I felt brave enough to share. Their encouragement led me to continue.
What was the last great book you read? What was the last great film?
21 things you may not know about the indian act by Bob Joseph, and Introduction to Internal Family Systems by Richard Schwartz, 101 Essays that will Change the way you think by Brianna Wiest. Movie: The Six Triple Eight
What are you currently working on?
You’ll just have to follow along to see. You can follow me on instagram @dawnweb & my business @vividillusion.studio and sign-up for the studios newsletter www.vividillusion.studio
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