Could you tell us a little about your background and how you became a writer?
Ever since elementary school I really enjoyed writing short stories. That interest gradually evolved—even if a bit embarrassingly—into writing fan fiction on Wattpad. Then about a year or two ago, I started writing poetry. I began posting my work on Instagram, sharing it with an audience, and then around December of 2023 (or maybe early 2024) I started submitting my work to literary magazines. That’s really how I began to get published. Around the same time, I joined a Discord community called Young Poets Workshops—a lovely little group of poets and young writers that’s helped me grow and develop my own voice. I’ve also been inspired by reading; for instance, “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak left a big impression on me with its beautiful language, and it motivated me to write with that kind of beauty in mind. Eventually, I started taking poetry more seriously, experimenting with different poetic forms, and submitting my work to competitions.
Could you walk us through your creative process? It doesn’t have to be overly detailed—maybe just your frame of mind or some little rituals?
Yeah. I don’t really have a strict, defined process—it really depends on what I’m working on. For poetry, I usually put on a playlist and let the music inspire me. I’m often inspired by artists like Adrienne Lenker from Big Thief (and her solo work) or Julien Baker. When I’m planning to submit to literary magazines, I sometimes use Twitter, Instagram, or virtual submission newsletters to learn about submission periods and themes, which then inspire my work. For longer projects like short stories, I use tools like Milanote and Notion to outline ideas and plan details. I also go through many drafts—something I think all writers do—and I read a lot of poetry, short stories, and flash fiction to keep my creativity flowing.
How do you choose the subject matter for your work? Do you draw inspiration from your daily life and emotions, or do you look to books, music, or other media? Or is it a mix of both?
It’s definitely a mix. For my poems, I usually draw from my own memories and daily experiences. Sometimes I just start writing and let the words flow naturally. For example, I’m currently working on a short story with a surrealistic approach. Last year, I attended a writing workshop called “Juniper Institute for Young Writers Online” where we explored surrealism from various international perspectives. I even read Kafka’s The Trial around that time, which influenced me to infuse a surreal touch into my writing. I also use writing prompts—something I did a lot when I was starting out—but now I tend to write about almost anything, depending on the day and my mood.
How do you navigate self-doubt or creative block in your creative journey?
I don’t write constantly, and that’s one way I manage creative block—I remind myself that writing will always be there when I’m ready. In the past, I used to think writing was something scary where every word had to be perfect from the start. Now, I’ve learned to embrace imperfections and get comfortable with bad first drafts. Experimenting with different forms also helps. For instance, not too long ago there was a submission call for Aster Lit with the theme of “returns.” While scrolling through TikTok, I discovered a poetic form (I think it’s called “abecedarian,” where each line starts with a successive letter of the alphabet) and decided to try it. Writing in that form allowed me to explore themes of returning home and the emotions tied to that experience. As for self-doubt, I still struggle with it—there are days I feel great about my work and days I don’t. I’ve come to realize that I’m not “a writer” in the sense that my identity is tied solely to my art. I’m a person who writes. Separating my identity from my art, and balancing writing with other hobbies and a social life (like attending university), helps me manage self-doubt.
If your work were an emotion, which one would it be and why?
Hmm, that’s an interesting one. When I first started writing, I’d say my work was filled with melancholy or solitude. But as I’ve grown and evolved as a writer, my work has become a lot happier. I feel that every poem I write carries a different vibe or emotion because life isn’t just black and white. While I still explore themes of sadness, I also write about the nuances of relationships and friendships—showing that not everything is either super happy or super depressing. It’s more balanced.
Do you believe art can change the world? If so, how?
I believe art can change the world. There have been countless instances where art has shed light on social issues and inspired change. Art is a limitless medium: it can cover endless topics and themes, and in many ways it’s inherently political because it examines society—the good and the bad. On a smaller scale, art allows individual artists to share personal experiences and perspectives, teaching others about things they might not have known. Through art, we can present truths (even if they’re intertwined with imaginative elements) and speak out about issues and events. In that way, art has the power to raise awareness and spark change.