1. Tell us about yourself and your most current project/s?
Hi, everyone! I’m Jessica M Coronado, philosopher and author of the upcoming speculative fiction novel, Permutations— “When a physicist’s failed attempt to travel to his past traps him in a parallel universe, he has 5 days to escape before it collapses, again.”
I became chronically ill around the time I began working on this project, so it has been a labor of love that has taken years to get through. But I’ve recently progressed to a worthy draft, which was shared with my editor in March. The years of hard and consistent work is now paying off!
2. Where did the inspiration/idea come for this project?
My favorite class in college was Philosophy of Identity, in which we explored all the things that made a person who they are, and all the things that don’t. I was fascinated by the Problem of Identity and wondering if I am the same person today as I was yesterday. I wanted to explore this dense philosophic argument through entertainment, and thus I found Speculative Fiction!
3. What does the writing process look like for you?
Am I a planner or pants-er? I’m some mix of everything! Ideas come to me in random order, and I write them down. Then I meticulously put them into one large “outline” where I plan everything, down to the emotions I want to invoke in the reader. I use that as a guide when I sit down to write the scenes, but then I see what else the characters choose to show me. There are still surprises!
I confess that I cannot help but edit as I go. I will rework a sentence until it finally flows properly into the next. And the same for each paragraph and section. We’ll see if this ends up being a blessing when it’s time to edit, but I can’t help but write this way.
4. How do you handle writer’s block?
Writer’s block can take different forms. Sometimes the writing itself is blocked, and I back up my process and start again, or start somewhere else where the flow is still present. In that case, as long as I’m doing some work, I’ll eventually break through. But if the block is a personal block, that’s when rest of mind and body becomes important. Because if writers forget to take care of themselves as well-rounded humans, the art will eventually suffer.
5. How do you feed your creativity when feeling drained?
When I’m feeling creatively drained, I usually try to immerse myself in other stories, via books, tv, and movies. Even non-fiction can be a great way to spark ideas. Anything artistic can get the ideas flowing, from music, to visual arts, or even a walk in nature. Usually, it helps to get out of my head and fill the creative well with new things.
6. What advice would you give writers who feel stuck or uninspired?
The first thing I’d let them know is that it’s a normal part of the work and doesn’t mean anything. It doesn’t mean they’re not a writer. It doesn’t mean they’re not a good writer. It doesn’t mean the muse will never show again. Maybe it means the person needs rest, or inspiration. Try a nap, a walk, a shower, and a good book. And above all, remember the real reason why you started.
7. Have you ever thought about giving up writing? If so, what pulled you back?
I’ve never considered giving up before I finish this project that I’ve dedicated so much time to. But there have been times during the process when I’ve thought, maybe I won’t do this again, maybe I’ll only publish this one book. I think that’s normal, especially as an indie author who has many jobs on top of writing. Sometimes the “work” gets in way of what you fell in love with, and it gets to you. Only time will tell if I continue as a novelist. I have a feeling the stories won’t leave me alone, as I have many other ideas waiting to be written!
8. What is the most honest thing you’ve ever written - and did it scare you?
The most honest thing I’ve ever written was an exploration of why humans choose to continue existing despite the pains of life. In many ways it was a written battle against death by depression, a battle to defend life amidst hardship. The subject scared me, but writing made it easier to explore and helped me understand more about myself and the journey of life.
Where can my audience find you and your work?
You can find me on Instagram and other socials @JessicaMCoronadoAuthor and my website JessicaMCoronado.com where my novel, Permutations, will be available for pre-order in late 2026.