Briefly tell us about your book.
The Things We See in the Light is a story about personal growth, connection and the significance of living an authentic life as opposed to an ‘ideal’ one. It’s about womanhood and discovery. It’s a story that considers the way our upbringing, beliefs and societal or community expectations shape us and the choices we make. I think it also queries if we can truly hide from our true natures if we are to live well, and with purpose and in peace. Very importantly, it is about love in its many forms – especially friendship.
What was the research process like for the book?
I undertook a lot of research on chocolate-making and baking, which included a couple of classes. It was a very sweet process! I also did a mini introduction to aerial arts, which was a lot of fun. (I think I should stick to writing, though.)
For other elements, I drew on previous research I had done for other projects, such as life in a refugee camp, and asked questions about things I didn’t know enough about. And then there were things I have always been interested in that I worked into the story, like music and tarot.
Does the creative process get easier for you with each book?
In some ways it does. I have more experience, I can lean into what I know works for me in terms of writing practices. But each book has a unique set of requirements – and challenges – so the best approach is to go in with curiosity. Being flexible is also essential.
I think another important thing to consider is, how do I make this as joyful and interesting a process as possible? No book is easy to write but it doesn’t have to be a horrible process. There is still that idea of having to suffer for your art that I think we need to minimise.
Do you write about people you know? Or yourself?
I never write directly about people I know in fiction, but I am certainly inspired by people in my real world and real life in general. I don’t know how you can avoid that as a creative writer because you’re pulling at the threads of real life when you write, and that includes people, and yourself. I have to work with my characters, so something of me merges with them to varying degrees.
But I don’t ever base characters on specific people, not simply out of respect, but also because it really doesn’t work to do that. Certain things – observations, let’s say – absolutely influence my writing. Creative writing is exploration; you seek to understand life and people and everyday life gives us so much to work with. Story is psychology.
If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring writers, what would it be?
Place your energy into stories that you feel excited to write; creating a story you would want to read yourself. You’re spending a lot of time with your characters and their world, so block out the noise about what you think you “should” do, and tune in to your own interests and pleasures. You will have a more fluid and enjoyable experience, and your natural talents will come through.
And try not to be too hard on yourself during the creative process – the point isn’t perfection, you are there to create and explore.
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