Industry Interview: Indie Author

Earlier this week, I was contacted by a local high school teacher in regard to participating in an “Industry Interview” project for the school's Critical Thinking course. Although I was a bit hesitant - and excited - in the beginning, I have to say that I had so much fun completing this interview for an aspiring young author!

As an indie author, I often find myself immersed in the worlds I create, exploring themes of bravery, betrayal, suffering, salvation, love, loss, and more. This interview was a refreshing opportunity to step out of my writing bubble and share my journey with a new audience.

The project aimed to provide students with a real-world perspective on various industries, and I was honored to represent the world of indie authors. The young interviewer, brimming with curiosity and enthusiasm, posed insightful questions that made me reflect deeply on my journey as a writer. Given the enjoyment I experienced (once I actually sat down to answer the questions), I thought it would be wonderful to share these questions here. This way, other authors can also take the opportunity to sit down and answer them—consider it a creative writing exercise or a path to self-discovery.

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in writing?

2. Can you describe your typical workday or routine as a writer? 

3. What types of writing projects do you enjoy the most, and why? 

4. What challenges have you faced as a writer, and how did you overcome them?

5. How do you manage deadlines and keep yourself organized? 

6. What role does networking play in your career? 

7. Have you ever faced writer’s block, and if so, how do you deal with it? 

8. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in writing? 

9. How do you handle feedback and reviews from readers? 

10. What skills are essential for a successful writing career? 

11. How do you stay motivated and inspired in your writing? 

12. What trends do you see shaping the future of writing? 

13. Do you have any long-term goals or aspirations within your writing career? 

14. Scale of 1-10, how well do you feel like you have it all together? 

15. What is the best advice you have ever been given? 

16. What’s the best book someone could be reading right now? 

Overall, this experience reminded me of the importance of community and mentorship. It’s not just about writing stories but also about inspiring and guiding the next generation of writers. I hope that by answering these questions, authors not only gain valuable insights but also have a blast in the process. Here’s to embracing the joy of storytelling and the thrill of sharing our creative journeys!