Up Close With: Walt House
Meet the wonderful writers and patrons behind LWS.
There has been a lot of different writing advice in these profiles over the years, but this week’s featured member brings words that really resonate: “A caged imagination will wither and die,” says Portugal-based Walt House, a science fiction and fantasy writer who’s been with us since the end of last year. Walt says writing helps his mental health, and he has a good dose of “writing from real life” to go alongside his more fantastical imaginings. While you have to work at your writing, says Walt, you also have to let your imagination run wild.
Walt House (he/him)
- Based in Braga, Portugal
- Aged 54
- Writes science fiction and fantasy, as well as work more grounded in real life
What are you working on right now?
Outlining a three book science fiction story taking place on another planet during their Age of Discovery.
Where and when do you write?
I need to set a schedule; basically I write when the mood hits me.
How do you write?
Audio record, then listen back, and finally then I write.
Why do you write?
I use it as a tool for my mental health. I have so many interactions and relationships with people — I use writing to digest what has been said and done.
What inspires your creativity?
I’ve always been creative. I love baking and cooking, photography and art, and telling stories.
What’s your favourite book?
One book would be hard to list, but anything from Neil Gaiman, Isaac Asimov, Douglas Adams, or Terry Pratchett.
What’s the best advice you’ve received about creativity?
Let your imagination run wild; a caged imagination will wither and die.
What’s the one thing you would tell other/aspiring writers?
You have to work at your writing and be around other writers and creatives.
How can we discover more about you and your work?
Follow me on Instagram at @whouse4
