1. What inspired you to start writing/creating art, and how has that inspiration evolved over time?

I have always loved to write. I’ve always loved to tell stories and live in my own little world in my head. I decided to start writing about ten years ago as it was always a dream of mine to publish a book. My inspiration has changed slightly over time, however most of it has stayed the same. The thing that has changed the most would be perhaps branching out to writing different genres and I read other authors and are inspired by their works.

2. Can you share the story behind your latest work? What was your creative process like?

My latest work is a rom-com novella and it was inspired by my Alberta upbringing and my love for horses. I rode horses for about their teen years a child and living in a small town like a Gilmore Girls was always a dream of mine. My creative process includes a lot of talking to myself in my head as if I am those characters. For this book, I outlined how many words I roughly wanted it to be and set goals for each chapter etc.

3. What themes or messages do you aim to convey through your work, and why are they important to you?

Each of my works is so different. You have a fantasy romance duology to a rom-com novella. For the fantasy I would say the message is to believe in who you are and it’s a bit of a coming of age story and found family. The rom-com was more meant to be just fun and a quick read. It’s just a fun love story and I think we need those sometimes.

4. What advice would you give to aspiring authors/artists who are just starting their journey?

Advice I would give to an aspiring author would be to just write. My debut was written about ten years ago and the life happened and then I finally decided to go back to it. Sometimes you need to step back to get a new perspective. Just believe that you can. There are so many indie authors out there killing it because they wrote what they want and aren’t worried about fitting into this mould that the traditional publishing companies want. Tell the story you want to tell.

5. What role has self-publishing or independent production played in your career, and what have you learned from the process?

Indie publishing has played a huge role. There was a time that I tired to query publishing companies but it is really difficult now to get your work to stand out. I think having the option of publishing yourself is a great way to get your work out there and I love the support the reading community has for indie authors. I learned that it is hard, it is really hard. We do everything for writing, to editing, to formatting our books to even cover design sometimes. It it is worth it when you get you that first review that someone likes what you wrote.

6. How do you connect with your audience, and what has been your favorite moment of reader or viewer feedback?

I connect with audience mostly through social media. I’m always excited for someone to reach out and say they’re excited about my work. I can’t tell you how many times I have been brought to tears reading some reviews. It feels so good that someone enjoys what you worked so hard on. Writing is a very vulnerable thing. It’s like your readers get a deep dive into your inner most thoughts and what you enjoy, so when they enjoy it to and are even excited to read more of your work, it’s is really rewarding.

7. How do you handle challenges like writer's block or creative burnout, and what motivates you to keep going?

When I have difficulty in my writing I try to step away from that work. I find that sometimes even working on another project (yes, I usually have multiple WIPs going at a time), can sometimes help you re focus or even give you idea for that book you stepped away from. I also find that Doug something else sometimes helps. Many times I’ll be just taking a break, doing mundane tasks when suddenly the characters in my head start talking to me again.

8. What’s next for you? Can you share any upcoming projects or future creative goals you’re excited about?

What’s next is I have another rom-com novella coming out November. It’s a holiday one that takes place in Europe. I am also working a new fantasy romance series and another couple of full length rom-coms (see, I said I have a lot of projects going at once).

9. Who are some of your biggest creative influences, and how have they shaped your work or style?

My husband actually inspires me a lot of the time. Many of the lines my male characters say come from him unintentionally. I also look at some of the other authors who work I enjoy that have a similar writing stayer to my own. It gives me the courage to write how I like and how I want.

10. How has your personal life or experiences influenced your writing/art, and are there any particular moments that stand out?

My personal life will always inspire my work. If you’re family or a friend, you can really see it in my work. I like to think of myself as the main character a lot of the time and really put myself into their shoes. For my Christmas rom-com coming in November, it was inspired by the trip my husband, daughter, and I took a couple of years ago to Germany for Christmas.

Alexandra Louise | Author

Taylor J. Bridgeforth | Author