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Ali Ashhar, author of Across the Shore
What inspires you to write? I consider myself an inquisitive soul who’s seeking the definition of life, and everything coming in its way. Being an introvert, my aura and art is often honed by inquisitiveness I follow in solitude. What have you written so far? I am the author of two poetry collections: Mirror of…
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Enid Langbert, author of All Shook Up
What inspires you to write? I write to understand and to remember. Thoughts pass quickly. At least, for me. Even if I try to “ponder.” It is not until I begin to explore an idea on the page, wrestling with it, re-writing it, re-thinking it, that I begin to reach any real clarity. When I…
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Elizabeth Harlan, author of Becoming Carly Klein
What inspires you to write? In a word, LIFE inspires me to write. Early on, I discovered that expressing in writing my impressions and feelings deepens and enriches my experience. I’ve always wanted to make living and writing companion pieces of my existence, and becoming a professional writer enabled me to forge this alliance. When…
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It’s a Black Queer Thing: Four Black Queer SFF Novels
Happy Pride Month and Juneteeth! If you regularly follow Waking Writer, you know that I’m an indie author of fantasy, paranormal, and sci-fi novels that center queer Black women. I’m hyper aware of how invisible Black queer authors are, whether indie or traditionally-published. But we’re out here, y’all, if you look hard enough. The fact…
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Calen Walker, author of Frost Rising
What inspires you to write? I started out writing after I came back from deployment overseas. I would write short stories and change certain characteristics or certain decisions so the outcome would be something different than what really happened. It was a coping mechanism. Only a few very close friends were ever allowed to read…
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Verlyn Flieger, author of Spiderweb Alley
What inspires you to write? Enjoyment. I get pleasure from words and combinations of words. And if they find a shape and turn into story, so much the better for both of us (me and the words). Why did you choose to write in your particular genre? I chose fantasy because it frees me from…
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LaToya Lawrence, author of Inherent, The Birthright
What inspires you to write? I have a natural tendency to write. There is an energy from within that stimulates me into action. It is also a passion and joy that comes from it. When did you first consider yourself a writer? As a youngster. At ten years of age, I had a counselor who…
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Rumaisa Fatima, author of Reach for the Sky
What did you enjoy the most about writing this book? The thing that I enjoyed the most about writing this book is that poetry allows me to express my fears and emotions. It allows me to express my feelings and opinions that cannot be expressed out loud. What is your next project? My next project…
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Crafting with the Current: My Journey to Becoming a Bestselling Author
Guest article by Camille Cabrera Experience I recently became a bestselling mystery author. The achievement ushered in a tidal wave of questions. Predominantly, could I repeat such impressive success? The sudden attention on my first cozy mystery book overflowed to my other novels. While the engagement grew, I wanted to continue experimenting with different mystery…
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Level Up Your Writing: What Authors Can Learn from Video Games
Like most writers, I’m always on the hunt for inspiration. Seeking a spark for their next story, some writers devour books, watch movies or tv shows, and travel to new or exciting places. But there’s another treasure trove I’ve found for inspiration: video games. Full disclosure: I’m an avid gamer. I played video games when…
Waking Writer
By Berneta L. Haynes
From the Editor
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