Absolutely. Many of my novels and stories incorporate elements of my real-life experiences, whether directly or as inspiration for themes, emotions, or character development.
For example, A Journey of Letting Go is deeply personal, drawing from my own experiences with love, loss, and self-discovery. The music, relationships, and introspective moments in the story reflect my own journey in many ways. Similarly, in Threads in the Quiet, various characters’ struggles with identity, resilience, and personal growth are influenced by my observations and experiences with human nature.
Even when writing fiction, I believe that grounding a story in authentic emotions and lived experiences makes it more relatable and impactful for readers.
Yes, I have experienced writer’s block, often due to overthinking, perfectionism, or burnout. Over time, I have found several ways to overcome it:
Change the approach by switching to handwriting, voice recordings, or brainstorming in lists. Shift focus to another project or journal thoughts to regain momentum.
Revisit the why by reminding yourself why you started writing to reignite inspiration. Set small goals by focusing on a paragraph, scene, or single sentence to build progress.
Read or listen to music that matches your story’s mood. Allow imperfection and accept that the first draft does not have to be perfect. Take breaks without guilt, as stepping away often leads to the best breakthroughs.
Writer’s block is temporary—keep showing up, and the words will come.
Writing can be emotionally draining, but it is also deeply rewarding. For aspiring writers, I recommend writing with honesty, setting realistic goals, embracing imperfection, finding a routine that works, reading widely, taking breaks when needed, avoiding comparison, and remembering why you started. Writing is a journey—stay patient, stay curious, and keep going.