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

I started writing when I was about 8-10 years old. It began as a way to cope with family issues at the time. I grew up in a pretty chaotic/traumatic household to put lightly. Writing became my escape and way to process or even feel the emotions I was feeling at the time. Slowly, I went from writing short stories and poetry to full-on books, finishing my first full-length novel when I was 14 years old.
Writing is still very much how I cope with my emotions or life in general. It’s what aids in me processing my mental disabilities and PTSD, giving me a space to either write what I know or what I want to read more of in books. Mostly better representation of mental health matters and what it can look like from person to person. I’ve been writing for over twenty years now, and not much has changed about why I create art in that way of writing.

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

My latest work is a book series that was born out of spite. I know that sounds odd. I had become fed up with reading so many contemporary romance novels that mirrored “Fifty Shades of Grey” and some of the problematic subjects it enforces that I started writing my current series, “My Dear Watson”. I’d gotten tired of always seeming to find books that encapsulated things that I personally don’t agree with, and yes books that I do want to read are out there, but I wanted to be part of a solution to better talk about certain subjects (like men’s mental health, BDSM, PTSD shown in books, etc) than being part of the problem.
The first draft of the first two books was written out much like one of those “thought essays” you’d do in college, where you’d just keep writing and not think about grammar or spelling, allowing yourself to just write in almost a long form of poetry. (That’s what it always looked like to me) So it began with dialogue and conversations I wanted the characters to have and basically formatted the first two books off of what the character desires were. Most of the focus was on character motivation, with the plot basically coming second and developing after.

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

Anyone is worthy of a romance or “happily ever after” without needing to be cured of whatever disability they have. My books, mostly romance, focus on mental health and being as realistic as I can be. Growing up and even into my twenty’s it was hard to find books with characters who had depression, anxiety, PTSD, or even physical disabilities where they still had that at the end of the story. Most becoming “cured” or suddenly just being fine. My younger self always thought something was wrong with me because I was never just “fine” or could suddenly walk without pain. (I was in the Marine Corps and have a couple of physical disabilities that can make it hard to move some days) Books and stories can be tools to help people feel less alone and realize that good can come without needing to be “perfect” or what society deems as that. And that for those of us who do have these various disabilities are not weak. That we can be very capable with what we have and still “seize the day” as it were.

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

Keep writing and keep trying. Same with any kind of art. You won’t get better until you continue to practice and find what works for you. Be patient with yourself, because it doesn’t come fast all too often.

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

I am completely self-published with, going on, 7 books published by December. Being self-published has given me the control that I crave as a creator, artist, and writer. Although there are many obstacles such as marketing, learning new trades like formatting, editing, or even learning new software, it has helped me grow in many different ways. It’s given me the path to do what I love, which is writing and sharing those stories with the world.
You definitely have to learn patience and that it’s a marathon. Things will feel like a roller coaster ride of emotions. And that you have to hold yourself accountable for the goals, deadlines, and projects that you give yourself. When you’re self-published YOU are the one that makes it happen whether it’s you doing all the things or hiring people to help you make the project come to life.

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

Mostly I think I connect with my audience on social media or on my Patreon, usually answering questions or just having everyday conversations. I love talking about my books, but also about the subjects I want to focus on and I enjoy hearing other people’s experiences.
One of my favorite moments from a reader was a message that I got after I published my second book (which was from my paranormal Mafia romance series). They said while reading it felt like for a moment they had their dad back. My main character’s father is a very loving and supportive figure in the series. Most of the comments I’ve gotten about him were of people saying they wished their father had been like that, and that message was the first time someone said he was like their own who had passed some years ago. It was a humbling moment, and I was extremely touched that I could give something like that to a reader. Although it could be small to someone else, it was a very big thing for them.

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

Usually changing my writing setting. Meaning…walking away from my computer. Going for a walk. Play a movie or music. Sometimes you just need to step away and NOT think. When I finally give myself that space, the answers that I need come more naturally.

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

Currently what’s next is finishing my contemporary suspense series. The third book comes out in December 2024, and the fourth and final book will release some time in 2025. After that…figuring it out. There’s a couple of projects I want to finish and others I’d like to start. How the new year starts will determine what comes next.

Elm Jed | Author

Diane Billas | Author