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

Sydney , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Being an independent author is not easy money. The writing process is unpaid and a majority of the marketing is up to the author. Self-publishing allows for more revenue and monthly pay for the author. But there is a risk of their work going unrecognized without a big-name publishing house attached to it. Publishing houses provide more resources, but the pay percentage is smaller and checks only come twice a year with any additional revenue from book signings.

As a creative, I knew the risks of studying English and Film. I could have easily gone into journalism, business, or any other degree to guarantee me a quick job and easy money. But I knew I would have been miserable if I had not followed through with my passion. At the time of this interview, I’m five months out of college and I have submitted countless job applications. But I signed my first publishing contract with Introverted Soul Collective Press for my upcoming 2024 project, ‘The Lovable Life of Brown Sugar Divine’.

I know one day, all of this struggle will come to a close. One day, I will finally find success.

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 began writing when I was about 13-years-old. In 2021 at age 22, I self-published my first Amazon book, ‘Fool’s Gold’, followed by its sequel, ‘Fool’s Fortune’ in 2022. As of 2023, I have been contracted with the Introverted Collective Soul Press for my upcoming big project, ‘The Lovable Life of Brown Sugar Divine’. This story takes place in modern-day Denton, Texas where a young man opens a drag queen-themed bakery.

Creative writing has always come naturally for me. I have gained experience in writing books and screenplays along with copywriting and SEO/WordPress. I learned that there are many things in the fields of creative writing and film that I am deeply passionate about. Thus, I use those to my advantage to give myself a leg up in a competitive industry.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

This is a very common question I get from my peers. The truth is that the goal depends on the project. I have several different drafts for several different stories that all have their own unique messages

Each individual project serves its own purpose. ‘Fool’s Gold’ and ‘Fool’s Fortune’ were to test the waters of writing and publishing. ‘The Lovable Life of Brown Sugar Divine’ will explore the world of drag and the individual lives and struggles of LGBT people.

In my 24 years of life, I have always been a creative with a very active imagination. When it comes to the question of why I write, the answer is simply because it is what I love doing.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

There are three distinct things that come to mind.

1. No one just becomes a writer on a whim. Being a creative writer is a difficult endeavor that takes time, work, and discipline.

2. The creative process is a complicated one and it is different for each individual writer.

3. Being a creative does not automatically mean that you will be poor forever. Like everything else, success takes time and work. You have ideas that are worth being seen. Don’t be afraid to take risks.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.samcclellon.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydney-mcclellon-0b955a239/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/SAMcClellon

Image Credits
Anastatia Logan, Introverted Collective Soul Press