In this interview, we have the pleasure of speaking with Paula Werdnik, a passionate writer and creative mind behind the Instagram page “@paulasbooksandpoems.” From her earliest days with a childhood journal to her academic journey in Literature, Paula has always been deeply connected to the world of words. Through her writing, she explores the beauty of curiosity, the richness of her vibrant city of Rotterdam, and the transformative power of creativity. Paula shares her experiences with embracing vulnerability, overcoming writer’s block, and the importance of honoring one’s creative practice. Her insights are not just inspiring but a powerful reminder to all women to embrace their stories, trust their inner voices, and make space for their creative journeys.
What motivated you to start sharing your writing through “@paulasbooksandpoems”?
I have always been really passionate about books, reading, and writing. Ever since I received my first journal as a child, I have been writing consistently. There’s been some ebb and flow in my writing journey but it is something I always come back to. English class was always my favourite class growing up. In university, I studied Arts & Culture Studies with a minor in Literature and went on to do a master’s degree in Literature. After I completed my studies, I was a bit at a loss of how to continue my writing practice. I decided to create an Instagram page dedicated to my writing, a digital diary of sorts. I wanted to dedicate more time and energy to my writing and push myself to share my work more actively. It was scary at first to share my writing so publicly, yet it has also been a great way to meet other writers, get feedback, and feel part of a larger writing community.
How does your location in Rotterdam influence your writing and creative process?
Rotterdam is an incredibly creative city. There is always something to do, from festivals to museums to literary events. I try to join literary events taking place in the city whenever I can – it has been a great source of inspiration. Rotterdam has a very specific energy, it is a bustling city and a melting pot of different cultures. The street art, the unique architecture, the fashion you see on the streets – they are all sources of inspiration. I feel that there is so much we can learn from the people and places around us. For me, being a writer means maintaining a sense of curiosity. Curiosity for my emotions and inner world, but also curiosity for the world around me. The writer doesn’t exist in isolation, we are all part of a much bigger ecosystem. There is inspiration all around us if we truly learn to look.
What role does creativity play in your daily life, and how do you nurture it?
Creativity is incredibly important to me. In a world of constant consumption, I wish to also create and put something back out into the world. Writing is a way of connecting with others, and connecting to the self. For me, maintaining a daily journaling practice has been really helpful. Some days I write several pages, some days just a few lines, but I try to be consistent about writing every morning. I take my journal with me on the train when I am travelling or if I’m going to sit in the park – sometimes inspiration strikes you at the most unexpected times. I enjoy the analogue sensation of putting ink on paper. Many great women writers have also been diarists, such as Sylvia Plath, Anais Nin, and Virginia Woolf. I find them to be greatly inspiring.
How do you handle writer’s block or moments when you struggle to find inspiration?
When I feel uninspired, rather than staring at a blank page or blank screen, I try to get out of my own head. Going for walks, being in nature, or going to art galleries and museums can really help. An interdisciplinary approach can be helpful. Reading books, listening to music, watching films, and going to open mics can also help with discovering new ideas. Mindset is also important. Rather than getting caught up in thoughts of “Is this work good enough? Am I saying something new, something profound?” I try to return to a place of connection. If my writing helps me to connect with myself, or if even one other person in the world reads my work and can relate to it, I feel that it is meaningful. Nurturing creativity, to me, means letting go of the ego, of the inner critic. My writing can always be improved, but it is more important to aim for improvement than perfection. Otherwise, if I waited for every piece to be perfect, I would never publish anything at all.
How has your writing helped you in understanding or navigating your own experiences and challenges?
For me, writing, especially poetry and journaling, are incredibly personal. Writing can be therapeutic, a form of self-expression and a way of reclaiming your narrative. It can be empowering to put words to paper and feel that you have been able to reflect on an experience or challenge, to make better sense of it. It can be a mirror to our subconscious and act as a tool for self-reflection. It also is incredibly powerful when you share a personal piece of work, and others can relate to it. I feel that is the true purpose of writing, and reading. We see ourselves reflected in others, and we feel less alone in our stories.
What message would you like to share with women about embracing their creativity and personal stories?
The most important thing is to start. Everyone needs to start somewhere, and by being consistent with your creative practice, you will continue to improve. Being creative is not something that comes from outside, it is not a label granted by an external figure. It comes from the inside. While it can be easy to doubt yourself, your creativity, and your talents – don’t be afraid to stand in your own power. Life can be busy, and creativity and exploration can be pushed to the side as an afterthought. By consciously carving out time for it, and giving your creative practice the time and energy it deserves, you are able to honour your creativity and give voice to it.
https://www.instagram.com/paulasbooksandpoems
