1. Tell us about yourself and your most current project/s?
I’m a Christ follower, professional copywriter, and storyteller. I’ve always been passionate about writing fiction, and my goal is to provide value-driven entertainment for people who love books and stories as much as I do. My current project is a book of modern fairytales that I’ve been publishing here on Substack — it focuses on a young maiden narrator who has offended an evil leprechaun. She’s cursed to wander the woods and wastes of fairyland until a stranger says her name, and the story is about all the people (and creatures) she meets over the course of her journey. I’ve also been working on a sci-fi novel trilogy that is set in futuristic Los Angeles, where some people have discovered that they have the power of telekinesis. The main character, a young female nurse, finds herself right in the middle of a conflict between two telekinetic factions — and its outcome may have global implications. I have a few more ideas in the hopper too... so many books to write, so little time! Right now they are all in the fantasy and sci-fi genre.
2. Where did the inspiration/idea come for this project?
For the fairytale book, I wanted something that could work in a serial format here on Substack. I figured a fairytale narrative would work well for one big story (if readers kept following along) and a bunch of small episodes (for those who wanted to read sporadically). I’ve always enjoyed reading fairytales. And I don’t know who else remembers watching Rocky and Bullwinkle, but the Fractured Fairytales segment was always my favorite. It seemed like a fun idea to make this fairytale story modern, even a little anachronistic, while bringing back characters and themes that people would be familiar with (the Pied Piper, Little Red Riding Hood, etc.).
3. What does the writing process look like for you?
These days I start with a really basic outline. I have an idea; I try to think of how the story may start and finish; then I write out a bunch of ideas for what could happen in the middle. I line them up, make adjustments, and take a run at the first chapter to see if the concept really sticks. If it does, I just keep going. I can usually write a chapter a week, but sometimes I do sprints where I try to write everyday and see how much I can get done in a couple weeks or a month, etc. Then it’s just a matter of seeing how the story develops!
4. How do you handle writer’s block?
Sometimes I go back to the outline and analyze the story structure. I ask myself what “should” happen at the point where I’m stuck, based on the context of where the characters are in their journey. Sometimes I just put a couple of them in a situation and see what they do. Other times, it helps to take a walk, listen to music, or read... that usually jars something loose.
5. How do you feed your creativity when feeling drained?
Getting outside is really nice if I can. Reading a book that I love, or even a new book — that helps a lot. Sometimes my brain just needs a break. You can only do so much thinking and writing and analyzing in a day. Driving, doing dishes, or just staring into space creates an opportunity for my brain to connect ideas. And it never hurts to have a tea break or take a nap!
6. What advice would you give writers who feel stuck or uninspired?
Just start reading one of your favorite books or authors. Get sidetracked for a while. Engage in some different activities that are fun for you, and move your body. You don’t need to think any harder. You need to have fun.
7. Have you ever thought about giving up writing? If so, what pulled you back?
I don’t think I ever really thought about giving up. When I was younger, I had some incidents where people were overly critical or even making fun of my writing, and that really hurt. But I don’t think I contemplated quitting; I knew I was going to be a writer anyway. It was hard to get through those experiences, but I’m not sure that writing has ever really been a choice for me. It was always something I was going to do, one way or another.
8. How do you keep your voice or ideas fresh over time?
I think it’s fun to keep learning and see what other people are doing. I get inspired by other writers all the time. And think continuing to write and publish really helps you stay sharp. Copywriting is my day job, so I have to publish in order to make a living. You get used to putting your work out there and having people go over it with a fine-toothed comb. I think that has made me a better fiction writer — just being used to having the exposure and being willing to let people give me feedback.
9. What do you wish more people understood about the creative process?
There are definitely highs and lows. And there’s a wide range of ways you can approach your work. I think we’re always comparing our process to what other people are doing — which isn’t bad — but you don’t necessarily want to make what other people are making. It’s good to get a sense of what might work for other people, but the creative process is really versatile, and it’s worth figuring out what works for you.
10. What is the most honest thing you’ve ever written - and did it scare you?
I wrote some things about the city I used to live in, just because it changed so much — and my experience of it changed. I was trying to process what I had gained and lost. It was definitely scary because it felt a bit raw, and it was pretty unpolished. I didn’t even really know what it was or if it was going to turn into a story. But writing it down helped me navigate what I was feeling.
How can my audience find you and your work?
You can visit my Substack publication,
and you can also head over to my website