Who are you?
Alicia D. Williams, author, and I am currently based in Charlotte, NC.
What do you write?
My stories, so far are middle grade realistic fiction, and picture books, both fiction, biographies, and folktales. And Mid-Air is a novel-in-verse. My writing began after my theatre days, and I started with monologues and one-woman historical shows. My leap into books began once I enrolled into a MFAC program, and there my debut, Genesis Begins Again, was born. My first published work was in 2019, and so far I write the stories that choose me. I don’t set out to censor myself and am open to let the story unfold authentically. The process feels like a gift. I read over what I’ve written and am surprised that the words came from me. And I absolutely love the surprise of what’s been created and love even more that readers select my stories to read.
Where do you write?
Everywhere. I find space in coffee shops, my home office, the car, bathtub, and sometimes create mini retreats for myself. My writing tools are minimal. I still use Word on my laptop. Sometimes I write with an old school pen and notebook. And if I can’t get to either, I type notes in my phone or record myself. And which tool ti use depends on how the story wants to be told and where I am when an idea or thought comes.
When do you write?
I write in the morning and through the afternoon. I set my timer and work for thirty minutes, and then break for five. After two hours, I take a longer break. So no, no word count goals unless I’m participating in NanoWriMo. And if I don’t have any other pressing matters or plans, I go for another round in the early evening.
Why do you write?
I write because I have stories to tell. We are all creators. And I absolutely love the idea that I can create a story and bring joy to others. Books were my safe place as a child. They offered clarity, understanding, entertainment, healing, empathy, and I felt seen. And to think that my work can offer the same space for others is magical. I firmly believe that we all have creative gifts. It’s up to each of us to answer the call and dedicate the time to home in on these gifts, which takes courage. And trust me, courage isn’t always easy. I didn’t start this writing journey until my mid-forties. And whoa, I have a lot to say and hopefully enough time to say it.
How do you overcome writer's block?
To me, writer’s block means either being stuck in a story without a clue as to how to move forward, or the absence of any story ideas. I don’t subscribe writer’s block because I’d easily use it as a procrastination tool. I know myself too well. If I’m in a story and can’t figure out what scene should go next or what a character should do, I daydream or mind map. And I constantly read and am always gleaning new story ideas from books, articles, and even documentaries. Stories are everywhere. And as long as I think of them as joyful discoveries, I able to release the idea of blocks.
Bonus: What do you enjoy doing when not writing?
I adore traveling and learning about different cultures and history. And if my budget doesn’t allow for that, I imaginary travel through reading and watching documentaries.
My thanks to Alicia D. Williams for today's interview.