An Author’s Reflections on the Writer’s Journey
Writing is a journey — one full of discovery, resilience… and maybe just a touch of magic. As a storyteller, I’ve learned that creating characters and weaving plots goes beyond technical skill; it’s about tapping into the deeper connections that bind us all. Each writer’s path is unique, yet the heartbeat of storytelling is universal. As you set out to create or even refine your own stories, may these reflections serve as a lantern to light your way.
Finding the Heart of a Story
The essence of storytelling lies in truth. I don’t mean literal truth, but an emotional authenticity that connects us to readers. Stories that deeply resonate offer more than entertainment — they contain a sense of truth that feels genuine, even if the world is entirely magical.
My former longtime editor, Patricia Lee Gauch, has been a trusted guide in finding this heart. She once told me to “go far enough,” urging me to reach deeper into the emotional terrain of my characters and themes. These words stayed with me, reminding me that creating a character is like getting to know a friend. You must listen closely to understand their fears, dreams, and motivations.
Just as a compass guides us through unexplored lands, this emotional truth can guide us through storytelling, helping us find — and convey — a story’s heart.
Drawing Inspiration from Nature
For me, the natural world is an endless source of wonder. Nature’s rhythms and mysteries offer profound lessons, revealing patterns that have long shaped my writing. One of my most memorable experiences as an author was my research journey to Baja California for The Merlin Effect. There, I paddled into the Pacific at dawn. Just as the sun rose, a gray whale surfaced nearby, close enough to touch. That quiet encounter deepened my commitment to convey nature’s majesty in my stories.
In my writing, I often look to nature to ground my stories. A tree isn’t merely a tree; it’s a character, with roots that delve deep, branches that reach for light, and a presence that stands through the seasons. Nature teaches us patience, resilience, and interconnectedness — qualities that enrich storytelling. I encourage every writer to find moments of stillness and wonder outdoors, as these moments often lead to unexpected insights.
Embracing Character and Place as Equals
In my writing, the setting is more than a backdrop — it’s a character in its own right. When I first imagined the world of the Merlin Saga, I envisioned the wild landscapes of Fincayra and Avalon as living entities. These places have personalities and moods, just like the characters who inhabit them.
Creating vivid settings is essential to immersing readers in the story, but so is the commitment to bringing each character to life. I often spend hours fleshing out a character’s background, quirks, and motivations before they make it onto the page. When I finally hear their voice clearly and see them come alive, I know I’m on the right track. Writers, I encourage you to spend time not only developing your characters but also bringing depth to the places they inhabit. These worlds, filled with intricate details and histories, make a story richer and more immersive.
Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing the Process
Writing, like nature’s cycles, involves resilience. Rejection is common on this path. My first novel was rejected by 32 publishers, but instead of giving up, I refined my voice and tried again. Perseverance is key, as success rarely arrives overnight. Those who push through are often the ones who achieve their goals.
Over the years, I’ve learned to trust the writing process. Stories rarely follow a straight line and often take unexpected turns. Some of the most fulfilling moments arise when a story unfolds in surprising ways. If you’re in the middle of a draft and find yourself struggling, remember that twists and turns are part of the journey. Trust that you’ll find your way.
Trusting Your Unique Voice
The best stories come from a place of authenticity. As writers, we often grapple with self-doubt, wondering if our words will resonate. My advice? Trust in your unique voice. The world doesn’t need another story that sounds just like the last bestseller — it needs your story, told in your voice.
Every writer brings something distinctive to the table. I’ve always believed that a story truly comes to life when it reflects the writer’s own spirit and experiences. Writing The Ancient One, for instance, allowed me to combine my love for nature and my fascination with time. Melding these passions into a narrative helped me tell a story that felt deeply personal and, I hope, universal. So, let your interests and values shape your work; it’s the best way to connect with readers.
The Power of Connection
One of the most fulfilling parts of being an author is the connection that forms between me and readers, as well as with other writers. Storytelling is, at its core, a shared experience — a conversation that flows across time and space, reaching people we may never meet, yet who somehow feel familiar.
Oftentimes, I feel that my stories are like little boats, lovingly crafted over time, built strong enough to carry a bit of my heart and spirit inside. When they’re finally seaworthy, I release them upon the vast ocean that connects all people. And as those “story boats” set sail, they embark on journeys far beyond my reach, journeys that might take them to distant shores and readers I’ll never know.
Yet, just like any vessel venturing across the sea, each story carries something of value in its hold — a new idea, a source of hope, or a spark of inspiration. I like to think that, when those boats arrive on far-off shores, they offer their treasures to the people who receive them, no matter their language or culture. They bring a small reminder that we’re not so different after all, that we’re all connected by the same desires for understanding, love, and meaning.
Somewhere, a young reader may discover the magic of Fincayra for the first time, or feel the courage of Merlin or the strength of a towering tree. Another reader may see themselves in the struggles and triumphs of a character, or simply find comfort in knowing that someone else has felt the same questions, fears, and dreams.
And so, even though I may never meet most of those readers, there’s a deep and abiding connection between us. It is this invisible thread of understanding that, to me, is the true magic of storytelling — a reminder that while each story is unique, it also belongs to everyone, bridging distances, inspiring kindness, and, in some way, weaving us all together.
The Gift of Storytelling
Storytelling is, in many ways, a gift. It allows us to share our truths, explore deep, meaningful questions, and connect with others. Whether a child is reading about Merlin’s adventures or an adult is finding solace in nature’s rhythms, stories offer us moments of escape, wisdom, and connection. I am endlessly grateful for the opportunity to share my stories and for the readers who breathe life into them.
I encourage you to embrace both the challenges and the joys of storytelling. Write boldly, dig deeply, and remember that every story has the potential to change a life — including your own.
