1. What does writing do for you that nothing else can?

The joy of creating; that indescribable feeling of giving life to a collective of words and letters. Turning words into worlds and giving birth to stories. Every single moment of writing is always surreal especially as you watch your entire story unfold.

2. What role does doubt play in your creative process—and how do you work with it?

Even if I’ve been actively for the past five years, doubts remain. But nonetheless, doubt keep me grounded as a writer. To stay humble and to remind me that I am writing not for the credits and prestige. I write as a way of life. It makes things natural for me and keeps me as honest as possible with my stories.

3. What’s one piece of writing advice you completely disagree with, and why?

I read once that you don’t need to become a reader if you want to become a writer. For me and I think many of my writer friends as well, becoming a reader is where it all began. It’s the starting point where you might receive the calling to create your own story rather than as someone who just consumes other stories made by other people. It’s the gateway that will make someone realize to start picking their own pens or typing on their keyboard and start their own tale.

4. What’s the hardest truth about writing you’ve had to learn on your own?

That writing was never like vomiting words. You need to be responsible with every word you use and every story you make. And never write just to impress and for the majority of people. Write a story that resonates with you and it will come out beautiful.

5. If you could give one honest piece of advice to new indie authors, what would it be?

Writing demands discipline. It must become part of your system. Your life overall.

6. What do you want your writing to outlive you for?

I never really aspire to be an award-winning writer. All I wish is that somehow, my stories continue to touch lives. I hope some of the tales I wrote will share a fire with someone that will make them believe that their stories need to be written and they are waiting for that moment when they will pick up their pens.