1. What inspired you to write this book and explore the themes of self-discovery and personal growth?
The inspiration behind writing a book centered on self-discovery and personal growth came from observing the universal human journey—the search for meaning, purpose, and identity. Everyone, at some point, grapples with questions like, Who am I? What do I want? How do I become the person I am capable of being? These questions are powerful because they push us beyond the surface of everyday life, challenging us to confront both our limitations and potential.
2. Can you share a memorable moment or experience that influenced the creation of this story?
One of the most memorable moments that influenced the creation of this story happened during a period of personal reflection in my own life. I was going through a time of change, where I felt as though I was at a crossroads. Everything around me seemed uncertain—career, relationships, and even my sense of self. I vividly remember sitting in a small café, watching people come and go, and thinking about how each person has their own unique story, their own challenges, and their own pursuit of meaning. It struck me that we all, in some way, carry a piece of that journey with us, whether we realize it or not.
3. How do you approach creating relatable and authentic characters in your writing?
In my writing, creating relatable and authentic characters starts with grounding them in genuine emotions and experiences. I try to see each character as a real person, with their own complexities, flaws, and motivations, rather than just a role in the story. I will often start by digging into their backstory—thinking about the defining moments, relationships, or beliefs that shape them—even if those details do not appear in the novel directly. This foundation gives me a sense of how they would act and react, making them feel more like real people rather than constructed personalities.
4. What was the most challenging aspect of writing this book, and how did you overcome it?
One of the most challenging aspects of writing this book was diving deeply into themes of self-discovery and personal growth without feeling overly introspective or heavy-handed. Because these themes can be both intense and personal, it was important to balance that depth with moments of lightness, humor, and connection to keep the story engaging and relatable.
5. How do you balance writing about serious topics with maintaining an engaging narrative?
Balancing serious topics with an engaging narrative is a fine line to walk. My approach is to ground the heavier themes—like self-discovery and personal growth—in the character’s journey and make sure that their experiences feel relatable and human. Even if the subject matter is intense, readers stay connected when they feel like they are going on a journey with the character rather than being taught a lesson.
6. What do you hope readers will take away from your book?
I hope readers feel inspired to embrace both the messy and beautiful parts of their own experiences. Growth does not always happen in a straight line, and sometimes the detours and setbacks are what teach us the most. If this book encourages someone to look at their challenges with a little more compassion and curiosity or helps them feel less alone in what they are going through, then I feel like I’ve accomplished something meaningful. Ultimately, I hope the story leaves readers with a renewed sense of resilience and a reminder that every step, no matter how small, counts in our journey to becoming our truest selves.
7. Are there any particular authors or books that have influenced your writing style?
Several authors and books have profoundly influenced my writing style. One of my biggest influences is Elizabeth Gilbert, particularly in her memoir Eat, Pray, Love. I admire how she delves into personal transformation with honesty and vulnerability, making complex emotions feel accessible and relatable. Her way of blending introspection with narrative flow is something I have drawn inspiration from.
8. What was your writing process like for this book? Did you have any unique rituals or habits?
One ritual that helped me stay connected to the story was starting each writing session by reading the last few paragraphs I had written, often over a cup of coffee. It grounded me in the scene and helped me get back into the characters' mindset. I also found that writing in short, focused bursts—usually 45-minute blocks— helped keep the momentum going without feeling overwhelmed by the bigger picture.
9. How did you find your own voice as a writer, and what advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Finding my voice as a writer was a journey that took time, trial and error, and a lot of self-reflection. In the beginning, I found myself imitating writers I admired, almost trying on different voices to see what fit. But as I kept writing, I began to notice patterns in my style—the kinds of themes that kept surfacing, the way I naturally wanted to tell stories and the tone that felt most authentic to me. I realized that my voice emerged when I focused less on sounding “literary” and more on simply telling the truth as I saw it. For aspiring authors, my advice would be to write from a place of truth and curiosity. Don’t worry too much about getting it “right” or sounding like anyone else. Instead, focus on what matters to you, what you’re passionate about, and allow yourself to explore that without judgment. It’s also important to keep writing, even on days when it feels challenging because consistency is what will help you uncover your voice over time. And finally, read widely and often—it’ll inspire you and help you recognize what resonates with you. Your voice is there; it just needs time and patience to fully emerge.
10. What are you currently working on, and what can readers look forward to from you next?
I’m currently working on a new project that explores similar themes of personal growth and connection but from a different perspective. This story dives into the complexities of relationships—how they shape us, challenge us, and ultimately reveal different parts of who we are. I’m excited to explore not only individual journeys but also how we find meaning in the relationships we build along the way. Readers can look forward to a story that blends introspective moments with a focus on connection and resilience, and I’m aiming to keep that same mix of depth and relatability. It’s still early days, but I’m enjoying pushing myself in new directions and creating characters who feel both familiar and fresh. I can’t wait to share more about it as it develops!
