How do you think your background in finance influences your storytelling, and do you find any parallels between the two seemingly different worlds?
I cannot say I see direct influence or parallels between writing and finances, but it is a fact that hours of working on financial projects trained me to be able to sit and concentrate for long periods of time. Although writing requires a completely different type of concentration, it still demands the same set of skills, aside from creative ones.
What inspired you to transition from your role as a financial director during the day to becoming an author who explores the theme of diversity and inclusivity through storytelling at night?
My background in finance is actually what motivated me to write! And it was not “because,” but “despite.” Looking at numbers, reports, and invoices for a whole day can become exhausting. Doing it for years is certainly draining. I have always worked on creative projects, but somehow one day, another part of my creative mind was activated. It felt like I was hit by a story, and I desperately wanted to get it down on paper. I didn't know anything about formatting, editing, or publishing. So, it was definitely a challenge to learn everything from the beginning.
As to the theme of diversity and inclusivity, this is who I have always been. I have always wanted our diverse world to live in harmony, with everyone feeling happy and included. So, expressing it through my stories felt like an obvious choice.
Can you share some specific moments or experiences that influenced your decision to write stories about queer characters from diverse backgrounds?
I have had LGBTQ+ friends throughout my entire life. My firstborn is queer. My family has always been very supportive and accepting of everything. Unfortunately, this case is not the majority. I can pinpoint the exact moment when something in my mind switched. It was the death of 17-year-old Leelah Alcorn, who took her own life and left a suicide note saying, “… My death needs to mean something. My death needs to be counted in the number of transgender people who commit suicide this year. … Fix society. Please.”
Writing came a few years later after this tragic event, and I hope to make a difference with my books, even if it’s for one person at a time.
How do you balance the analytical world of numbers and reports in your daytime job with the imaginative realm of storytelling at night?
Oh, this is the most enjoyable part of the entire process! I am eager to finish my workday so that I can dive into creating my story! Without exaggeration, writing helps me maintain my sanity. So, I have a good balance between my professional and creative sides.
Your stories emphasize the universal nature of love and the importance of inclusivity. How do you hope your readers will be impacted by these themes?
I truly hope that my books can demonstrate that inclusivity and acceptance are the norm. That it does not take any effort to be nice. That it’s not something forced; it’s a part of who we are. That being different is precious. I hope that my readers will see this message and hopefully feel more confident in embracing their uniqueness. I really hope so.
Could you tell us about your writing process? How do you go about creating characters and storylines that reflect the diversity you aim to showcase?
Honestly, the characters just seem to create themselves! I’m here solely to tell their story. This might sound like a bit of a cliché by now, but I write about topics that I want to read about. Also, I’m simply incapable to see diversity in my books as something that requires working on my part. Diversity and acceptance have been such an integral part of my life that I am surprised it’s not the same for some other people. I refuse to see the world as anything other than diverse and equal for everyone.
What challenges, if any, have you faced in merging your professional life as a financial director with your creative pursuit as an author?
Merging the professional and creative aspects has never been a problem for me. I am my own boss because I work for my own company. However, being a business owner has its challenges, as work can often be a 24/7 commitment when emergencies arise. So I try to write during any free moment I have. I have written many chapters while on business trips, either on planes or at the airports by the gate.
As someone who delves into the lives of diverse characters, how do you approach the portrayal of their backgrounds and experiences authentically and respectfully?
I have lived in many countries, and as I mentioned earlier, I have wide circle of friends and family from diverse backgrounds. I always ensure that the topics I write about are culturally appropriate, and the experiences I describe are either based on personal knowledge or being extensively researched.
Your goal is to reach readers and offer them a sense of hope through your stories. How do you measure the success of achieving this goal?
I believe there is one simple answer to this. Like all authors, I would love for my book to be read by as many people as possible. But even if my books only changed one person’s life, I would consider it a success.
Can you share an anecdote or a particular moment when you realized the impact your stories had on a reader, particularly in terms of promoting understanding and empathy?
I have received numerous positive comments about my novel The Valley of Stars. However, my greatest reward was hearing a 13-year-old reader tell me that she identified with the characters in the novel. My book being a YA novel, her feedback was very valuable.
In your exploration of characters with flaws, what message do you hope to convey to your readers about the complexity of being human?
Ah, I absolutely love this question. Many people are often led to believe that they need to be perfect in order to fit in. Daily, children and teenagers face significant pressure from parents, teachers, and peers to meet certain imposed standards. But a human being is not designed to endure such pressure for an extended period. We either break or allow ourselves to be broken by others. What I aim to convey in my books is that one does not need to be perfect to find happiness and satisfaction. One does not need to eliminate flaws in order to succeed. Yes, we all need to strive to improve and learn from our mistakes. But we should do so without harming ourselves or the others.
How do you navigate the responsibility of being a storyteller who aims to inspire and uplift while also acknowledging the challenges and hardships that characters may face?
I believe that anyone who overcomes challenges and hardships is a hero. No matter how small the challenge may seem, conquering it makes my character a winner in my eyes. The same in real life. I will always cherish and celebrate the accomplishments of my family and friends.
Your stories often incorporate the cosmic and celestial elements. How do these elements enhance or symbolize the themes you wish to convey in your narratives?
I have always been fascinated by the cosmos! Despite our extensive knowledge about space, the universe remains a profound mystery to us. I am not a religious person, but I believe there is a power in the universe, whether it’s called energy, force, or something else, that somehow governs this entire complex thing called life. I enjoy delving into this topic in my writing and imagine various celestial forces at play. This is one more way for me to showcase diversity, I suppose. In one of my books, for example, a deity is portrayed as a non-binary character. Or, there are two gods who are not these perfect beings without a flaw. So, even when it comes to celestial elements, I try to incorporate my values as well.
Looking ahead, what future projects or themes do you hope to explore in your writing, and how do you envision your role in promoting positive change through your stories?
The Valley of Stars is the first book in the trilogy The Rise of Penumbra. I am currently working on book two, The Dark Mountain, where I delve deeply into exploring the journey of my “broken” characters and the factors that aid them along the way. After completing the trilogy, I have a few projects in mind, and it will be a difficult task to choose which one to do first. My primary objective in writing is to demonstrate that anything is possible with love and kindness, so all of my future writing will revolve around this concept.
What do you think of AllAuthor? Has this website been helpful to you?
I admire the hard work that was put into creating this amazing resource for writers. Independent authors struggle to get noticed and have limited funds for marketing and promotion. AllAuthor provides invaluable support with incredible tools. I want to thank you for making the authors’ lives easier!
