We were lucky to catch up with A.S.R. Gelpi recently and have shared our conversation below.
A.S.R., thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
As a fantasy author, my mission is to create captivating and high-quality stories that empower and inspire women. Through the enchanting worlds I craft and the fearless heroines I bring to life, I aim to celebrate the strength, resilience, and boundless potential of women.
My commitment is threefold:
Crafting Empowering Narratives: I am dedicated to weaving tales that showcase women as protagonists of their own destinies, showcasing their unique journeys, challenges, and triumphs. My stories are a testament to the incredible power and determination that women embody.
Breaking Stereotypes: I strive to challenge and break free from traditional gender stereotypes in fantasy literature. My characters are diverse, complex, and unapologetically authentic, offering readers a mirror to reflect their own strengths and aspirations.
Inspiring a Community of Dreamers: I believe in fostering a community of women who share a love for fantasy storytelling. Through my works and engagement with readers, I aim to inspire discussions, collaborations, and a sense of unity among those who seek empowerment and inspiration in the realms of fantasy.
My fantasy stories are not just tales of magic and adventure; they are beacons of hope, sources of strength, and invitations to dream without limits. Through my writing, I hope to embolden women to embrace their uniqueness, face their challenges head-on, and embrace the limitless possibilities of their own narratives.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I started writing short stories about 30 years ago, a quiet high school student hoping to become a writer, except there were forces moving in the opposite direction. I went to college and graduated, but through it all, I never stopped writing, developing characters, envisioning them in various scenes, and facing a variety of conflicts. Then, enter the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the midst of a global pandemic, when the world was cloaked in isolation and uncertainty, we were forced to work remotely. It was while fixing a room to convert it to my at-home office that I ran into a box with all my writing. A box I thought I had lost in the many moves I faced. I found solace in the realms I conjured. These were not mere stories but lifelines that kept my spirit afloat when the tides of life seemed intent on pulling me under. With each keystroke, every word woven into existence, I discovered that the act of creating was as much an act of survival as it was an act of enchantment.
The pages became my canvas, and the strokes of my pen painted universes that defied the boundaries of the tangible. In the shadows of sleepless nights and the quiet moments that punctuated the cacophony of the day, the realms I crafted became my refuge, my sanctuary, and my testament to the power of imagination.
From the heartache of 2020 to the rekindled hopes of 2022, I delved not only into the art of storytelling but also the craft of self-publishing. I waded through the labyrinth of knowledge, learning the intricate dance of words and formatting, cover designs, and marketing strategies. It was a journey that required patience, resilience and an unwavering belief in the stories I yearned to share.
What sets my tales apart is the spark of inspiration drawn from the hidden corners of our world – the echoes of ancient cultures, the whispers of non-traditional folklore. India’s rich tapestry, Japan’s delicate grace, Native American mythology’s connection to the land, and the lesser-known sagas of antiquity have all lent their magic to my stories. These are not just tales plucked from distant times and spaces but tributes to the beauty of diversity and the universality of human experience.
Today, as the first pages flutter into the hands of readers, I stand on the threshold of a dream realized. Yet, it’s not just the stories I hold dear; it’s the journey itself that fills me with pride. The path from the spark of an idea to the radiant glow of published works has taught me that dreams are worthy of pursuit, even when the path seems veiled in mist.
As the words take flight, I wish for my stories to be more than mere entertainment; I yearn for them to be lanterns in the dark, guiding others on their own quests. If I can transform the trials of the past into the tapestry of the present, if I can conjure universes from the whispers of inspiration, then surely others can too. In each chapter, each line, and each word that flows from my heart, I hope to inspire others to dare, to dream, and to embark on their own odysseys of creation.
For thirty years, the seeds of imagination were nurtured, and now, as they bloom in the light of day, they remind me that the journey was as enchanting as the destination. The stories, the lessons, the resilience, and the unwavering belief in the power of dreams – these are the treasures that adorn my narrative.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I don’t know if I can select one. Being a fantasy writer comes with a multitude of rewarding aspects that go beyond simply putting words on paper. Writing is a cathartic process, regardless of the gender. It is an avenue for exploration that I relish. But writing fantasy is so much more:
Unleashing Creativity: Fantasy writing allows me to give free rein to my imagination. I can create entire worlds, cultures, creatures, and magic systems. The process of world-building and inventing unique elements is immensely satisfying for creative minds.
Exploring Complex Themes: Fantasy provides a platform to explore deep and complex themes that can be allegorical or metaphorical. It allows me to address real-world issues like power, prejudice, identity, and morality in a fantastical setting, often making these topics more accessible and thought-provoking.
Transporting Readers: One of the most rewarding aspects is the ability to transport readers to entirely different realms. I offer them an escape from the every day and take them on thrilling adventures, igniting their sense of wonder and imagination.
Creating Memorable Characters: Crafting compelling and relatable characters is a rewarding challenge. These characters can become iconic figures in literature, leaving a lasting impact on readers’ hearts and minds.
Inspiring Emotions: Fantasy stories can evoke a wide range of emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and sorrow. The ability to make readers feel deeply is a powerful reward for any writer, including myself.
Building Communities: Fantasy literature often fosters communities of like-minded enthusiasts who share a passion for the genre. Engaging with these communities and connecting with readers can be incredibly fulfilling.
Championing Diversity: Fantasy allows writers to challenge traditional norms and champion diversity in all its forms. I can create worlds where people of different backgrounds, abilities, and identities are celebrated.
Continual Learning: Writing in the fantasy genre often involves extensive research into mythology, history, folklore, and more. I find the constant learning and discovery to be intellectually stimulating and satisfying.
Seeing Your Work in Print: Holding a physical copy of your published book or seeing your ebook available for readers is a tangible reward for your hard work and creativity.
Impact on Readers: Fantasy literature has the power to influence and inspire readers in profound ways. My stories may leave a lasting impression on someone’s life, sparking their own creativity or providing comfort during difficult times.
Personal Fulfillment: I can’t stress this enough. The act of creating something from my imagination and sharing it with the world can be deeply personally fulfilling. It’s an accomplishment that brings me a sense of pride and purpose.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
I confess that I learned about the writing and publishing process on the fly. Once I decided I was going to publish my work, the next step was to immerse myself in the science of writing and to learn about the business of writing. I faced challenges head-on, navigating the complexities of formatting, cover design, publishing standards, and marketing strategies. Each hurdle became a stepping stone toward achieving my dream of becoming a published author.
As to what I wish I knew before starting? EVERYTHING.
However, what is different about the now versus the resources available 30 years ago is that now there is a plethora of resources online—on social media, the internet, and printed materials. The business of book publishing is more accessible these days, and the vast amount of resources can be daunting. In fact, the biggest challenge was navigating through it all to select the most valuable and effective resources.
Thus, when I made my choice to publish, the ability to search the internet for the what, how, and why was the lifeline toward making my dreams come true. In that respect, I am lucky I choose to do this in 2020.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.asrgelpi.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asrgelpi_author/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ASRGelpi_Author
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@asrgelpi_author
- Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/asrgelpi
Image Credits
Photos are book covers or personal