Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kayliani Shi. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kayliani, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on so far is my debut novel – I’d written many short stories and novels before, but nothing to the extent of this one, and that’s because this is the one I’ve put most of my soul into. I’d written since I was twelve (not well), but over the last thirteen years, I’ve really honed in on the good, the bad, and the ugly with writing. I’ve often written stuff that leaves a sour taste in my mouth, and I tend to be my own worst judge. But with practice comes proficiency, and I have jammed a lot of amazing stories in my head (whether these be dramas, movies, books, comics, music, etc) that have greatly inspired me.

This book is one that I’ve been not only inspired to write, but one that nearly wrote itself. Every author will spend hours telling you just how unique their book is, but I do feel it, down to my core, that my book is one that will break through readers’ expectations in the world of fantasy. There are elements I’ve chosen from books and other media that I’ve enjoyed and I have found my confidence with it. I am a better person and a better writer after finishing it.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I have always been a writer and a reader, but I hated writing and reading in school. I much preferred the solitude of choosing my own books to read and spending time writing without expecting a grade for the work. So throughout elementary, middle, and high school, I wrote a lot of junky books in spiral notebooks and got used to how to structure stories. After college, where I got my marketing and Japanese language degrees, I got a full time job working for a local indie publishing company. I worked there for two years and wrote my entire novel (for the first time, I had the bandwidth to do so!). But at the end of my second year, I gave birth to my baby girl and quit my job. Now I have all the time in the world to hone my craft, and I also freelance market for aspiring authors.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I’m sure many people have this same perspective, but to support artists is to not support AI-generated fictional or non-fictional works, illustrations, and other non-human creations. I think I can speak for all of us when I say we put our whole hearts into our craft, and for those who skip all the necessary steps to better their craft (i.e., select AI over hiring an artist or use AI to create an entire book for them) limits and takes away the credit from real artists. I believe there should be a clear line defining what kind of AI is okay, and what kind shouldn’t be allowed (and is often used to cut creative corners).

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The reward for being a creative is intrinsic for me – feeling accomplished and seen, specifically by avid fans of fantasy, would make all of the effort feel worth it. I also just love the feeling of pride that comes with creating something that could’ve only been made by me. It makes the world feel less enormous and more cozy and comforting.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kaylianishipr.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatingher_words/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/writerkaylianishi
• Other: https://www.threads.net/@eatingher_words?xmt=AQGzi3eqorasudUaXABGthM9WNdzb47YgA-w6kjwmBiDxxE