Heart-centred writing: Holly B. Gutwillinger on finding your authentic voice

Holly B. Gutwillinger is an author and podcaster from Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. She is also the winner of On Creative Writing's Writer's Spark contest! Her writing is shaped by her deep love of family—she is the proud mother of two adult sons—and her commitment to the animals who enrich our lives.

Writer Holly B. Gutwillinger

Holly holds a certificate in creative writing from the University of Toronto's School of Continuing Studies and is currently completing her MFA in fiction at the University of King's College, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Holly serves on the board of her local writers' guild and volunteers with the Women's Fiction Writers Association. In this interview, Holly discusses why heart-centred writing is important to her, how she's a 'plantser', and some of her favourite books. You can find Holly at the link above, and also on Instagram.

From childhood dreams to stories of connection

OCW: What life experiences have shaped your writing style?

HBG: Everything up to this point has shaped my writing style. Picture a young red-headed, freckled-faced girl behind the sofa, creating masterpieces from paper and packaging to gift words of love to her family and friends, as she dreamt of magical places where words came to life in cards and heartfelt messages.

Fast forward 50 years, and I have never lost the passion for creating letters, cards, and words of affirmation, which has evolved into much larger pieces of writing. I never knew I had a writing style until an author friend pointed it out to me. Driving to town one day, she revealed that I tend to focus on stories that have a component of love, whether it's between humans or the friendship bond between humans and dogs. I’d never thought of it in that way, but she was spot-on for pointing it out. Now I embrace my writing style, and for the voice that comes alive from the written word that dances off the page and into the reader’s senses. When I immerse myself in the craft of writing, I remember that my foundation was well established—but I need to ground myself and now and again too.

Embracing a heart-centred writing process

OCW: Can you trace any common themes across your writing?

HB: My work is truly heart-centred. I follow my gut instinct, which guides me to the next project. A few years ago, when I attended my first writers’ guild meeting and had to introduce myself, my skin was clammy, and my hands shook. I simply said, “I’m a writer from the heart,” because I didn’t know what else to say. I hadn’t published any works, nor did I consider myself an experienced writer.  As my writing skills evolved, I pulled away from what felt natural to me to conform to what I thought readers wanted to see. In doing so, my writing sprints decreased, and the words stopped flowing. That’s when I knew I had to return to my roots. I had a full-circle moment and realized themes of love weave themselves in all of my pieces as much as the cute dogs I create.

OCW: Which authors and/or types of books do you like to read?

HBG: I love any chance to talk about books! Just like my hobbies, I like to alternate between the genres I read. On this very day, my reading list includes Agatha Christie’s The Murder at the Vicarage, Diana Gabaldon’s fifth instalment of the Outlander series and a writing craft book called Story Genius by Lisa Cron. I’ve taken a keen interest in reading more local authors as I immerse myself in local writing groups, and further my knowledge on how a book is produced and published. My latest read is Like Water for Weary Souls by Liisa Kovala.

The 'planster' approach and advice for the creative community

OCW: Are you a plotter or a pantser?

HBG: I relate most to the term 'planster’, which is a combination of both! My process starts with a title, and then the idea develops and simmers in my mind. Next, I write bullet points to anchor the concepts. From these, the one-line idea evolves into a full plot point. When I'm satisfied with the story concept, the protagonist, the timeline, and the setting, I feel free to create. The paper then becomes a canvas for my imagination. If I feel inspired, I will review my outline or remake it according to the narrative.

OCW: What advice/guidance would you give to writers?

HBG: Writers are among the most generous people I know. Most are willing to share their knowledge rather than hoard it. My advice to new and seasoned writers is to start or continue a conversation with other writers. Newbies should find a peer who resonates with them and ask as many questions as possible. Finding a group of creative individuals is a fantastic way to share ideas and grow. It might take time to find the right group, but once you do, it can be truly inspiring. Don’t hesitate to ask even the smallest questions or to make mistakes, as that's how growth occurs. I've made plenty of mistakes myself and each one has taught me something new about writing and myself.