Skip to main content

Indie Publishing with Author and Literary Editor Elizabeth Suggs

 

In our recent podcast episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Elizabeth Suggs, a literary force in speculative fiction and a co-owner of Collective Tales Publishing. The episode is a treasure trove for those interested in the intricacies of storytelling, the creative process, and the delicate balance between authorship and editing.

One of the most poignant topics we discussed was the connection between mental health and the stories we weave. Elizabeth, who has an impressive background in counseling, shares her insights on how our internal narratives shape our reality and the transformative power of literature in addressing mental health issues. This conversation is particularly relevant as we consider the therapeutic aspects of storytelling, both for writers and readers.

The discussion also ventured into the realm of writing passion. I shared my personal journey of losing and then fervently reclaiming my love for writing. The tumultuous path, marred by distractions from ADHD and the quest for acceptance, led to a period of detachment from writing, which is a common plight among creatives. The story of rekindling this passion is a beacon of hope for listeners facing similar struggles.

As we moved through the conversation, the art of editing became a focal point. Elizabeth and I delved into the nuanced dance of maintaining an author's unique voice while fine-tuning their work. We talked about how an editor's role isn't to alter the essence of the story but to enhance it, ensuring the author's intent is clearly communicated and resonates with the audience. The collaborative nature of this relationship is emphasized as a critical aspect of producing quality literature.

In tackling the contentious aspects of storytelling, such as censorship and representation, we grappled with the responsibility of writers and publishers to their audience. The conversation touched on how cultural shifts influence what is considered acceptable in literature and the ongoing debate over portraying characters from marginalized communities. We also explored the delicate balance of artistic freedom against the potential of alienating readers with insensitive content.

Our episode wouldn't be complete without delving into the complexities of representation, particularly the portrayal of gay characters in writing. The dialogue centered on the importance of avoiding stereotypes and clichés and the challenge of writing authentically about experiences outside one's own. This led to a broader discussion on the role of research and sensitivity in crafting believable and respectful characters.

Lastly, we touched on the layers of storytelling, examining how narratives can reflect universal themes of the human condition. The conversation highlighted the significance of subtext, symbolism, and the philosophical questions that drive our tales. We pondered the impact of our basest instincts on our narratives and whether surrendering to them leads to order or chaos in our lives.

Listen to the episode at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2267353/14483872

Popular posts from this blog

The Comeback of 2D Animation: Why We’re Craving Realness Again

There’s something happening in animation right now that’s worth paying attention to—not because it’s simply nostalgic, but because it’s deeply human. As someone who works in the mental health and creative storytelling space, I can’t help but see these conversations about art, AI, and hand-drawn storytelling as part of a bigger theme: our collective hunger for authenticity. We live in a time where AI-generated content is everywhere—convenient, efficient, and often soulless. It’s not surprising that artists and audiences alike are looking back toward something that feels more tactile, more imperfect, more human. That brings us to 2D animation, an art form that has shaped generations and now, it seems, might just be making a comeback. Here’s what Language of the Soul podcast host, Dominick Domingo, had to say on this trend: There’s been a lot of industry talk lately speculating about 2D/traditional ANIMATION making a comeback. Recent articles confirm that although Disney has not greenlit...

Storytelling, Mindfulness, and What Makes Us Human in a Tech-Driven World

In a time when artificial intelligence is advancing at lightning speed, many of us find ourselves quietly asking: What does it mean to be human? Amidst the algorithms, the data, and the drive for efficiency, how do we stay connected to the qualities that make our lives rich with meaning? One timeless answer lies in something we’ve carried with us since the dawn of time: the stories we tell. Stories are more than entertainment. They are the glue that binds us to one another, the mirrors in which we glimpse our purpose, and the maps that help us navigate life’s complexities. In our latest Language of the Soul conversation, we sit down with Denise Piles—mindfulness coach, former nun, and seasoned corporate professional—to reflect on how storytelling and mindfulness can help us stay rooted in our shared humanity, even in the fast-paced world of technology. Denise’s journey is remarkable. From a life shaped by faith and service to a career at Microsoft, she has walked two seemingly diff...

Creativity Jumpstart: Projective Identification

It's said that a problem or premise can be viewed from two distinctive points of view -- the observer viewpoint and the merged viewpoint. Today's creativity method focuses on the second viewpoint. The merged viewpoint occurs when you become the object of the observation. You become the subject of your observation, and you observe from the point of view of your subject. This is referred to as projective identification. Projective identification can be purely fantasy: What's it like to be a potato about to become French fries? How does it feel like to be a gum stuck in a shoe? Imagine what it's like to be an ink cartridge. Or it can be empathetic: Seeing the situation through a laborer's eyes Getting inside the skin of an AIDS victim Being in the shoes of a chronically depressed person For your creative activity today, write 2 short texts (100-200 words) using projective identification for the following: Fantasy: What's it like to be a picture frame...