Category: Author’s Spotlight

Categories
Author's Spotlight Blogs

Author’s Spotlight: Michaela Carter

We’re back with another edition of Author’s Spotlight! Today we’re talking with the amazing Michaela A. Carter, Owner & Content Specialist at the ADM Agency!

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I discovered this early on when I won an essay contest while in elementary school. I didn’t know I was a good writer until then, so I kept at it and eventually started to write a book in 6th grade. Fun story, I never finished that book because my teacher found it and read a few lines that were a little too “grown” for me, haha. So, he gave it to my nana who was also a 6th-grade teacher – I did get into a little trouble, but she and my mom agreed that it was actually a great story. That moment reassured me that I had great storytelling skills. In high school, I joined the yearbook staff and that really fueled my passion, leading me to take writing more seriously in college. I eventually started a blog, worked for local magazines, and even changed my major to Journalism. That’s when I knew writing would be a significant part of my life’s story.

What do you hope to accomplish by being a writer?

I’ve ghostwritten two books in the past, but I would love to pen my own set of novels and children’s books. It’s my dream for my words to reach a worldwide audience and really touch those who read them. My goal is to make writing my primary career and spend my time traveling, experiencing every aspect of life, and documenting it all in books. I would love to also teach writing courses and help other young writers develop their skills. I plan to expand my small business into a prominent copywriting agency in the industry, helping brands tell their story through compelling copy. Ultimately, I want writing to be my outlet to help those around me in any way that I can.

Describe your creative writing process.

It usually starts with God laying something on my heart to flesh out. About 90% of the blog posts I’ve written in the past have come from late-night revelations and car conversations with God. So, I start with Him. From there, I just let the pen flow (aka I start typing away, haha). I don’t have a fancy outline that I use. I barely have any structure when I write. I just write. My brain sometimes forms sentences faster than I can type, so I may pull out my phone to voice record my thoughts. Other than that, I allow myself to be free when writing. No step-by-step process – just me, God, and my laptop/journal.

Keep killing it, Michaela!

To check out some of her professional work, go to her portfolio, and don’t forget to follow her on Instagram @theadmagency!

Advertisement
Categories
Author's Spotlight Blogs

Author’s Spotlight: Ken Gordon

Hey folks! We’re back at it! For this issue of Author’s Spotlight, I’d like to introduce veteran author Ken Gordon!

1.   What is your favorite genre to write and why?

Philosophers Dante and Oscar Wilde had opposing points when it came to art. Dante felt art imitates life, while Oscar Wilde felt life imitates art far more than art imitates life. I tend to subscribe to the Dante view of art, as, for me, art certainly imitates life. As a result, my favorite genre is non-fiction. I have written books in the fiction, non-fiction, and children’s categories and have found writing in non-fiction gives me the greatest release and satisfaction. In this genre, I am able to step out of who I am, view life and its challenges, and provide perspectives and answers, which are otherwise much more difficult to provide, while living life on the fly.

2.   What influenced you to become a writer?

I have always loved to write, however, I understood that loving to write does not make one a writer. What influenced me to take my passion for writing beyond a passive love and into an active endeavor was a search for topics relevant to my circumstance. At one point, I suffered through a very difficult situation and sought books to help manage the state in which I found myself. Unfortunately, I found no books relevant, or specific, to my circumstance. Hence, I found Plato’s saying, “Necessity is the mother of invention”, a truism. I found myself in need and there existed a gap. Out of necessity, I filled the gap with my own musings and experiences. I found catharsis by stepping into that gap. That experience made me believe there are others who could benefit from my journey and this realization was the genesis of my transition from one who loved to write into one who is a writer.

3.   Do you have any tips or suggestions for up-and-coming writers?

Absolutely. Just start! There is a proverb that, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions. This is so true as it relates to up-and-coming writers. So many people want to write a book, intend to write a book, and promise themselves one day they will write a book. Unfortunately, that is as far as it ever gets – intentions. The time is never right. You will never have enough time. You will never have enough to say, in the beginning. You will never have the entire thing thought out. However, as the African proverb states, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step”. In writing, the first step is to just do it. Just start. Do not worry about how it will end. Just start. Do not worry about having it all sorted out in your mind. Just start. Do not try to finish before you start. Just start. I convinced myself I did not have enough time. I convinced myself I did not have enough to say. I convinced myself I was not enough of a subject matter expert. I convinced myself no one would find value in my experiences or expressions. So, I sat idle. But a close friend encouraged me to just start, so I did. Once I did, it was like turning on the spigot to my soul. The information flowed out of me. I am that close friend encouraging you to just start. Once you do, you will find it will flow and when it does, you will bless countless people. And you will likely never know you did. So, for the sake of all those strangers who will benefit from your expressions and experiences – Just start!

Check out Ken’s latest works on his website:

www.dadsoffaith.com

Categories
Author's Spotlight Blogs

Author’s Spotlight: Justine Torres

For this week’s Author’s Spotlight , meet the incredible Justine Torres, an up-and-coming novelist:

1. What’s your favorite genre to write and why?

Currently, my favorite genre to write is epic fantasy. I have so much fun with it. I absolutely love this genre because we are world builders. And growing up those were my favorite kind of stories to get lost in for hours on end. It was a place where I could escape from day-to-day life; still do to this day! And for anyone who knows me, I have a slightly overactive imagination and can be a little bit dramatic, so the sky is the limit for me!

2. What influenced you to become a writer?

My reading teacher in the third grade Miss Terrino. She made me fall in love with reading, and she always told me my imagination was going to take me far. Even though I started out struggling with reading and writing, she made me feel like I could do anything I set my mind to. She passed away the year she started teaching me; I never forgot her or her words of encouragement. I owe her everything when it comes to my writing. Every time I feel like giving up, I think of her and keep pushing forward.

3. Do you have any tips or suggestions for up – and – coming writers?

This one took me a while to think of, not going to lie because I am still going through the ups and downs of what it takes to be a writer. So I will share with you what I have learned so far. Don’t give up. Even when it feels like everything is going against you, hold on. I am sure this is something many people have heard before, but every mistake you make, every failure you experience is a lesson learned, so learn it. And don’t let the rejection you receive hold you back, because unfortunately, in this industry, you will receive rejection. Not everyone is going to see your story the way you see it. Find the people who see your vision, and want you to succeed. Keep fighting, and always remember why you fell in love with writing. Hold on to that why and never lose sight of it.

Check out Justine’s first book, Imperium!