1. Tell us about yourself and your most current project/s?
I’m currently working on an ongoing Superhero/Mystery story called the Paladin. It follows a young high school student named Booker Kelly as he comes of age in a crime ridden city and how he responds to the chaotic world around him as someone without any special powers or abilities.
2. Where did the inspiration/idea come for this project?
I’ve always been a massive fan of superheroes and mythology, so I always knew that I wanted to do something with larger than life heroes and messages. Specifically though I wanted to create a superhero that the average person could resonate and relate to because there is very little that separates Booker from the average person. He wasn’t bitten by a radioactive spider. He isn’t a genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist. He isn’t the king of a small country. Booker Kelly is just a kid off the streets who wants to do some good.
3. What does the writing process look like for you?
I like to try and sit down for around an hour a day and try to plug away at some writing. Some days are better than others and I can get into a flow state.
4. How do you handle writer’s block?
I try and write a scene anyway because often times its not that I have writer’s block its that I just don’t like any of the ideas I have. So if I write a scene and I don’t like it then its just a stepping stone for more writing to be done. If I truly am blocked up when it comes to ideas than I’ll take some time off.
5. How do you feed your creativity when feeling drained?
I’m a big believer in consuming media in the genre you’re working in that you both like and more importantly dislike. I read comics, watch animated shows, watch superhero movies, read noir novels and pulp serials, some I really like and some I think are really bad. I do this because not only do I find this gives you good examples of plots, characters, details, to use but I also find things that I think or dumb or I could do better.
6. What advice would you give writers who feel stuck or uninspired?
Take a break, remember what inspired you to write in the first place and re-emerse yourself in that media. It could be rewatching a movie, re-reading a book, traveling to the place you’re writing about.
7. Have you ever thought about giving up writing? If so, what pulled you back?
Many times, I simply can’t stop thinking of stories so it feels like a waste not to write them.
8. How do you keep your voice or ideas fresh over time?
Trying new projects I think can be particularly helpful or writing from a new perspective. I think by being able to contrast one characters voice with another than I think it helps prevent things from getting stale.
9. What do you wish more people understood about the creative process?
I wish more people realized how fun it and accessible writing is. It really is a great hobby or pass time to have.
10. What is the most honest thing you’ve ever written - and did it scare you?
“Is your job to solve crimes or pick which ones are worth covering up.” which was directed at a Police Comissioner in the story. The only thing that scares me about the quote is how close to reality it is.
Where can my audience find you and your work?
I have a website HeroicSerials.com as well as a Patreon, Substack, Instagram, Tik Tok, and Facebook all @heroicserials.