Dawn M. Hunt

BIW Member Interview

Dawn M. Hunt is a member of the Connecticut Artists and Publishers Association, the National Association of Women Writers, Sisters in Crime National and Sisters in Crime New England. She grew up in the high desert town of Bend, Oregon where she raised goats, chickens and rabbits. After a 12 year pit stop in California, she’s now settled in Connecticut with her husband, son, daughter and three cats.

Moe: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Dawn M. Hunt: The moment I learned to put pen to paper. Creating stories has been a passion ever since I can remember, and has become an outer extension of the inner me. Writing enables me to explore my curiosities about human nature and to address my own fears and demons in the safety of words.

Moe: Describe three lessons you have learned about writing.

Dawn M. Hunt: #1 – When the writing bug nips you, you must be ready to capture its venom. This means having pen and paper with you at all times, and being flexible about when and where you write. There is no “write” place, except where ever you happen to be.
#2 – Like the quote, “Dance as if no one is watching,” write as though no one will read it. Don’t censor yourself based on who may read your words and how they will feel. Get them out, rough and raw and real. There will be plenty of time to edit, but you cannot edit a blank page (can’t remember who said that first).
#3 – You are the only one who can write the stories within you. A thousand writers will take the same idea and write it a thousand different ways. We bring our own unique experiences, views and voice to our ideas.

Moe: What are you working on now?

Dawn M. Hunt: I’m doing final revisions on a cozy mystery about a history professor who investigates an unusual death and finds himself enmeshed in a dangerous web of centuries old town secrets. I’m also in the middle of drafts for two different romantic suspense novels.

Moe: Do you have a favorite writing related book?

Dawn M. Hunt: Oh, I have many. I’d have to say the one that broke me out of my shell and encouraged me to make the time for my writing and to actually call myself a writer is The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron.

Moe: What is your favorite writing website?

Dawn M. Hunt: Once I found the BIW resource/links page, that was it for me. Anything I need, I can link to from there. Plus, I can read up on all the great members of BIW!

Moe: Do you have an important BIW tip you’d like to pass along?

Dawn M. Hunt: Don’t try to make your first draft your final draft. And be willing to write in quick stolen moments. You’d be surprised what you can accomplish in five minute spurts!

Visit Dawn M. Hunt’s website.