How did your journey as an author begin?

I’ve found strength in writing since childhood. My mother used to read from “The Book of Virtues” most nights but when I was maybe eight or so, I became “too old” for stories. Especially since our family was steadily growing there was less time for such things. So instead, I started telling myself stories every night. I had some storylines that continued on for years and when I learned about more intentional creative writing through a class in middle school, I started writing my narratives down. In addition to this, I dream nearly every night. When I was younger, I would have dream series, some of which have continued into my adulthood. They were always very detailed and plot-driven so I have always taken that as a confirmation that storytelling is my reason for being here.

Was it something you always wanted to pursue?

I always had an interest in stories and storytelling but I had determined at the ripe old age of three that medicine was the career path for me. As I moved through life, I held onto that lofty dream because I didn’t want to be “a liar”. So for years, I kept pursuing medicine and never considered that I could live a passionate life. When I was in college, I had a few mental breaks downs and through my healing, I discovered I want to live my own life that I can be proud of. I didn’t see myself working 12 hours in a hospital. I saw myself sitting on some soft grass, working on my next novel and I thought “why can’t I have that life?” and decided to change my major. It has been a difficult road since then but one that I never regret and I’m happy to say I’m in a position where I love my life.

Who or what motivated you to write?

I grew up in an emotionally stunted home. As someone who processes the world through my emotions, I struggled a lot growing up. So stories served as the perfect escape from the harshness of the world around me. It was something I never would get in trouble for so I delved very heavily into it. As well, when my mother remarried, a lot of the attention focused on my younger siblings which made me feel very unseen for most of my childhood. The writing was one of the few things my family acknowledged and praised me for and that added to my self-image so I used to over-indulge into my writing. There was a period in my life, during an existential crisis, where I thought “am I truly passionate about this, or was this just an escape?” but in the end, I realized that the reason it was an escape for me is that it brought out so much joy and it was validating that others also found joy in my work.

How was the publishing process?

I took the self-publishing route because I didn’t have enough knowledge about traditional publishing to pursue it. I stumbled my way through self-publishing and it was a bit stressful, especially as I approached my self-imposed deadline but I think I came out okay after it.

Since becoming a published author, what challenges have you faced if any?

Since I self-publish, the thing I struggle with is marketing and the logistics of having to find different avenues to get my work out. Writing is my forte but the other steps that go into bringing work into the word are more of a learning curve for me.

Are you currently working on any new projects? If so when can we expect them to be released?

Currently, I am working on two bodies of work. A fantasy novel that takes place thousands of years after the fall of man where magick and otherworldly creatures have made their home on Earth and have integrated with the humans. The first book follows two human children as they navigate a world that is about to be consumed in war and chaos as some of those creatures fight for total dominion over the Earth. I plan on publishing it at the end of this year or early 2022 if need be. I’m also working on a self-help book series called “Living Therapy”. It’s a series of personal essays to not only showcase what it is like being a “high-functioning” person with mental health issues but also strives to give those who struggle hope, empathy, and if possible ideas to incorporate into their own mental wellness plan. The first book in this series, I planned on publishing this year as well.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In five years, I see myself living my best life. I think within that time, I will publish more works in my favorite categories: fantasy, poetry, and self-help. I think the work I’m doing now and the energy I am investing in my goals today will come to fruition and multiply in that time span. Though I can’t say how many bodies of work I’ll have completed, I can tell with the path I’m currently exploring, my life will be filled with even more happiness and success than it is now.

What’s your favorite quote and who’s it by?

“Every day is a new life to a wise man”, Dale Carnegie

If you could co-author with anyone – dead or alive – who would it be?

J. R. R. Tolkien