Maegan Blackwell: Laughing at Adversity

Did you think of yourself as a creative kid? What does creativity look like for you these days?

I was a very creative kid. From an early age, I had a couple of imaginary friends who came with me everywhere! Demi and Globbo would be buckled into their seats in the back of my parents’s Oldsmobile.I love to write stories and create “newspapers” for my family.

I would try to make chores, like raking the leaves- into creative games. Growing up in the 80s it wasn’t always appreciated. One of me and my brother’s favorite shows was the Gummi Bears. When it snowed, we tried to make Quick Tunnels in our backyard to get around.

I wrote a story in middle school that landed me in the principal’s office– because the teacher was sure I plagiarized it! I keep it in a drawer in my office with the plan to revisit it one day. It was about my maternal family’s homestead. It was the first piece of writing I had published.

Creativity comes in fits and starts these days. The past several years have been taxing on my family. Having a kid and a partner with complex medical needs took a toll on my creative practice. I held on to something my kids’ Montessori teacher would tell them “That’s not for right now.” I found pockets of time when I could and spent time in doctor’s offices and traveling on the ferry being inspired by great books. When things stabilized, I went back to school at the University of Washington for a Certificate in Editing. My writing took a bit of a hit again, but now that I’ve completed the program, I feel like it’s only strengthened my craft… and I have a new career I love!

What’s inspiring you outside of your own genre?

It may not be best practice, but Instagram! So long as I am not using it as a time suck. I am often moved and inspired by poetry accounts I follow- especially @maryoliversdrunkcousin @davidgate @katejbaer @musingsonbeing @nikitagill. I love the food accounts @grossypelosi, @easygayoven, and @carochambers. And finally @katebowler, @kellycorrigan, @brandikincaid, and @noraborealis help me find hope and wonder in a broken world.

If you had a million dollars to make the world a better place, how would you spend it?

I would love to create a retreat for mothers. I envision it to be like Milkwood, but for moms. That is to say: a week for postpartum moms, a week for menopausal moms, and a week for moms in the sandwich generation, etc. It wouldn’t be prescriptive, but a place where a mom could go to breathe and take the time she needs, while being cared for.

If there was a movie version of your life, who would you like to play you and what story do you want her to tell?

I would want the story of my postpartum depression told by Melissa McCarthy. Besides having a similar build, I feel like she is maybe the only one who could accurately reflect both the seriousness and hilarity (yes, really) of the situation. It would be a story of vulnerability and hope with LOTS of laughs.

If you could give everyone a small treat, what would it be?

A Blackwing pencil

What would you bring to a favorites party?

I would bring a baker’s dozen of books (some serious, some not)  in a basket with a box of goodies from the Dutch Bakery in Victoria, BC, Canada, and a freshly brewed carafe of Kick Ass Coffee from Kicking Horse.

1. STARFISH by Lisa Fipps (I will never not recommend this book!)

2. Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

3. To Make by Danielle Davis and illustrated by Mags de Roma

4. Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott

5. Everywhere Babies by Susan Meyers and illustrated by Marla Frazee (my evergreen baby gift)

6. The Skull by Jon Klassen

7. Me Talk Pretty Someday by David Sedaris

8. Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski

9. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown

10. Devotions by Mary Oliver

11. Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

12. Think Again by Adam Grant

13. Pretty Ugly by David Sedaris and illustrated by Ian Falconer

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Maegan Blackwell is a proud Canadian living on an island in the Salish Sea with her family. She and her husband of 25 years have a 21-year-old daughter and a 16-year-old son. Before and After Baby, due November 3, is her first book. She is donating 500 copies to families in need. Patronages are available starting at $5 to help make this happen. As a former teacher, turned author and editor, she believes open conversations about therapy and mental health struggles are vital. She’d love to hear from you through her website maeganblackwell.com or connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.

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Nebula Notebook is a place to meet kindred spirits, get inspired, and learn how to find ease and joy in the creative process—even when life is bananas. 🍌🍌🍌

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✏️ PS—The fastest way to grow as a writer is to book a manuscript critique or a creative coaching session with an expert. My clients get agents, sell books, and win awards. They also learn how to enjoy the creative process, so they can keep going when life gets hard. 👏