We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Eliana West. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Eliana below.
Eliana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?
An unexpected challenge I’ve faced as a writer is having other writers try to tell me what I can and cannot write because of my race. As someone who is bi-racial, it’s disheartening when someone says I can’t write Black characters or the opposite, that I should only write Black characters. I want to write characters that reflect the diverse world I live in. When I started writing I never imagined that would be a controversial thing to say or do. For most of my life, people have asked, “What are you?” Becoming an author has taught me, I am a story.
As disappointing as it’s been to have other writers speculate on my race, that disappointment led me to found Writers for Diversity, a platform that provides a safe space for dialogue and resources for writers who want to create diverse characters and worlds. I’ve learned to ignore the whispers and rumors, none of it matters. What’s important is to tell the stories I want to tell, to do the work, and to put time and effort into my craft.
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?
Did you always know you wanted to be a writer is a question writers are often asked. No, I didn’t know I wanted to be a writer. I came to writing during a time of upheaval. I was closing a small retail boutique I owned for five years and was scared. What was I going to do now? I read an article about NaNoWriMo (National November Writing Month) and thought it would be a fun way to challenge myself creatively. That first year I achieved the goal of NaNoWriMo and wrote 50k words in November. One story led to another, I got involved in my local writing community and made new friends.
I discovered I was drawn to writing romance a genre I’d always loved and focused my writing on writing about a small town in Mississippi based on the town I spent my summers in growing up. Through those stories, I was able to explore complex issues of race and history that were filled with hope and love.
When other members of my local writing community started asking for advice on crafting diverse characters that aren’t stereotypes I discovered I could teach as well as write and Writers for Diversity was born. Now, along with writing, I lead a Facebook group with 2k members from around the world.
I love working with and supporting authors in all genres. I believe we need diverse stories and want to encourage writers to craft stories with diverse characters and worlds.
Eleven years ago when I hand-wrote those first 50k words I never imagined I’d be fortunate enough to be able to say I’m an award-winning author, educator, and DEI advocate. I can’t wait to see what the next decade brings!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is that moment when I’m teaching a workshop and I see someone in the audience have an “ah-ha” moment. That instant when their eyes light up and you know they’ve had a creative spark. Mentoring other authors fuels my creativity. I get inspired and excited about my creativity when I’m paying it forward.
As an author it’s so rewarding when I get a message from a reader sharing how they’ve connected with one of my characters or that character’s experience. Those messages inspire me to keep writing.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
I wish non-creatives understood how much emotional energy goes into the creative process. Creative people often need quiet time to recharge. If it’s writing, knitting, or even cooking I put a piece of my soul into everything I create. Creatives put a tremendous amount of thought, time, and patience into what we make. Often, what we craft is part of our love language. If someone gives you a gift that is handmade don’t take it for granted. The gesture of a handcrafted gift shows that you are loved and appreciated.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.elianawest.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elianawestbooks/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elianawestauthor
Image Credits
Erin Dameron Hill L.C. Chase