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# Write Now With Margaret Dulaney
- URL: https://justincox.com/blog/2024/11/write-now-with-margaret-dulaney/
- Published: 2024-11-06T16:00:15.000Z
- Updated: 2024-11-06T16:00:15.000Z
- Description: Today's Write Now interview features Margaret Dulaney, author of WHIPPOORWILL WILLINGLY.
- Author: Justin Cox
- Tags: Interview, #margaret-dulaney

## Who are you?

Margaret Dulaney has been writing for the past thirty-five years. Beginning with non-fiction in playwriting and moving into nonfiction with essays. In 2010 she founded the spoken word website, [ListenWell.org](https://listenwell.org/?ref=justincox.com), where she offers one ten minute recorded essay a month. She has published three books, *To Hear the Forest Sing*, *The Parables of Sunlight*, and *Spend Some Love*. She lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania with her musician/producer husband, Matt Balitsaris, and records at his studio, Maggie’s Farm.

## What do you write?

I write story based, open-faith, philosophical musings on the mysteries of life. I think of myself as an explorer of the spiritual traditions around the world, and try never to voice a hard conclusion. I dearly love what I do, and so appreciate those who write to me every month to share their own musings. I feel more of a companion to my audience. Emerson suggested we write to the “unknown friend.” I try and follow this wisdom.

## Where do you write?

My preferred method of writing any first draft is to be outside with pencil and paper. A mechanical pencil with a spiral notebook. The writing might go through several changes before I enter it into my computer.

## When do you write?

have a morning ritual of coffee and reading, followed by a long walk with my dog in the woods, and finally a return home to write. I try not to interrupt this schedule with opening my computer. I only write when I believe I have something to say.

![](https://justincox.com/content/images/2024/09/Whippoorwill-front.jpg)

Photo courtesy of Margaret Dulaney

## Why do you write?

suspect that I began to write for all the wrong reasons. I picked up the pen more out of frustration with the way my life was going, rather than love of what I might put on the paper. This has completely shifted over time. I can honestly say that I relish the process of writing now. My most recent book is a return to fiction. It is called *Whippoorwill Willingly* and it follows the mystical journey of a rather practical eleven-year-old girl who travels to an enchanted lake deep in the Swiss Alps. The book was a pure joy to write. Whenever I sat down with pencil and notebook, Whippoorwill would show up to continue telling me her story. I listened.

## How do you overcome writer's block?

I don’t deal with writer’s block precisely. If I am not writing, it is typically because I am too busy, or have nothing to say at the time.

## Bonus: What do you enjoy doing when not writing?

I am a rather feral person. I love walking in the forest, travelling to wild places, observing the remarkable happenings in nature. I also love comedy: movies, books, stand-up and most of all, my comical friends.

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*My thanks to Margaret Dulaney for today's interview.*