We recently connected with Elizabeth Suggs and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Elizabeth, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was starting Collective Tales Publishing. It began as a dream to create a platform where diverse voices and unique stories could find their audience, but turning that dream into reality required a leap of faith. I was already managing my own writing career and my editing business, but the desire to support other writers pushed me to take this step.

The journey started with assembling a team of like-minded individuals who shared the same passion for storytelling. We had numerous brainstorming sessions, many late nights, and faced countless challenges, from financial constraints to navigating the complexities of the publishing industry. The first major test was launching our debut anthology, Collective Darkness. We poured our hearts into curating the stories, editing, designing, and marketing the book. There were moments of doubt, especially when initial sales were slow, but we persisted.

The risk paid off when Collective Darkness became an Amazon Bestseller. This success not only validated our efforts but also reinforced our belief in the importance of independent publishing. It opened doors for more projects and gave us the confidence to expand our reach. Taking this risk was a transformative experience, teaching me the value of perseverance, teamwork, and the importance of believing in your vision. It was a risk that redefined my career and allowed me to contribute to the literary community in a meaningful way.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My journey in the literary world began with a childhood passion for storytelling, which later inspired me as an adult to create works like the bestselling “Into the Dark” and the award-winning “Technicolor Tears.”

I later founded the LUW Romance Writers Chapter and co-establish Collective Tales Publishing, an indie publisher focused on amplifying diverse voices. Alongside, I run Editing Mee, where I bring authors to market through marketing, editing, formatting, and the overall publishing process.

Collective Tales Publishing serves to unearth and showcase compelling narratives that may not always fit into traditional publishing paradigms. We aim to provide a platform for authors to share their unique perspectives and stories that resonate deeply with readers. Through Editing Mee, I assist authors in refining their manuscripts, ensuring clarity and impact in their storytelling.

What sets us apart is our commitment to inclusivity and quality. We prioritize authenticity and creativity in every project, fostering a community where writers feel supported and celebrated. I take pride in our collective achievements, particularly in seeing our anthologies like Collective Darkness succeed and gaining recognition. Potential clients and followers should know that our work is driven by a passion for storytelling excellence and a dedication to empowering voices that deserve to be heard.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

There’s a profound aspect of the creative journey that can be hard for non-creatives to grasp fully. It’s not just about putting words on a page or crafting a story; it’s about navigating the intricate dance between inspiration and discipline, battling self-doubt, and finding the courage to share your inner world with strangers. The emotional rollercoaster of creation, from the euphoria of a breakthrough to the frustration of writer’s block, shapes not just the work itself but also the creator. It’s a journey where every rejection, every late-night brainstorming session, and every small triumph builds resilience and fuels the drive to keep pushing boundaries. It’s a path filled with unseen challenges and moments of pure magic that only fellow creatives truly understand.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative lies in the ability to connect deeply with others through storytelling. Whether it’s crafting a narrative that resonates emotionally, sharing insights that provoke thought, or creating characters who feel like old friends, storytelling has a unique power to touch hearts and minds. Seeing readers embrace and engage with my work, finding pieces of themselves in the stories I tell, is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a reminder of the universal human experience and the impact that stories can have in bringing people together, fostering empathy, and sparking meaningful conversations.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.editingmee.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethsuggsauthor
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethsuggsauthor
• Other: Here are my other two websites:
  Collective Tales Publishing: https://www.ctpfiction.com/
  LUW Romance Writers: https://luwromance.wordpress.com/

Image Credits

Jonathan Reddoch