Interview with author Sarah Jackman on moving to Berwick and her new Creative Energy

Can you tell us about yourself and what inspired you to come live and work in Northumberland?

I am a freelance writer, project facilitator and author. I work with individuals and organisations on their writing needs and creative projects. I am the author of four novels and my short fiction has appeared in a number of anthologies.

I have moved many times in my life but more recently thought, until the pandemic, that I was settled. My plans had to change, but so did my perspective. I came to Berwick-upon-Tweed to be closer to family and to live by the sea again. It has surprised me how quickly I have felt at home - I love it! - and living here has given me a new creative energy too.

Which part of your job do you feel most passionate about?

Writing fiction feels essential to me and I think lockdown really showed that creativity is important for everyone. For our well-being and for connecting to others.

I love working with individuals and organisations on their creative journeys and projects. Supporting them to move forward or helping to bring creative ideas into being is exciting and a privilege.

What tips would you give to someone starting out in fiction writing?

Read as widely as possible and keep writing. There is no right or wrong so just be yourself.

What is the best feedback you have ever had?  

When a reader says they have re-read a novel of mine, there is nothing better. For me, fiction has always been a way of navigating the world and if one of my novels helps someone else do that, I couldn’t be happier.

Who do you admire most in the world and why?

I admire anyone who, despite dealing with their own challenges and struggles, still finds the time to be kind and offer hope to others.

Do you have a favourite quote that you turn to for inspiration?

The American poet, Mary Oliver, is always good for a quote. This one helps me get through those moments of self-doubt:

“The most regretful people on earth are those who felt the call to creative work, who felt their own creative power restive and uprising and gave to it neither power nor time.”

And for those tricky moments in life, writer Haruki Murakami’s:

“And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure whether the storm is really over, but one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.”

What is the biggest challenge you face in business and in being an author?

Writing can be a very solitary business. That is why I like working with others; it is inspiring, often fun, and helps restore my creative energies.

How will you use your headshots and how do you feel they have or will benefit your business?

I wanted the images to look approachable so that people would like to work with me! I also wanted them to reflect my creativity and values. Sarah really understood what I was hoping for; the fact that she made the experience enjoyable was a bonus!

What does a typical workday look like for you?

I dedicate a block of time to fiction writing (usually in the morning) and in the afternoon I work on writing and projects for others as well as my research and marketing. If I take a break in the garden at lunchtime and a walk on the beach in the evening, that is a perfect workday!

What are your future plans?

My most immediate plan is to finish my next novel before the end of the year! During 2020, I took a printmaking course and my current passion project is creating an artists’ book using images and text.

The creative sector has been hit hard by the pandemic and I am hoping I can soon be part of some creative and community projects as organisations ‘open up’ again.

Finally, where can people find you online?

My website and LinkedIn are:

www.sarahjackman.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-jackman-writer/