We recently connected with Terrina Troy and have shared our conversation below.

Terrina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

By far, the most meaningful project I have ever worked on was publishing my memoir All But Six. I had always joked about writing a book about my father, but after he passed away the events of death haunted me. You could say I suffered from PTSD for about a year. I couldn’t stand the thought of this giant character being forgotten. I hope my book will help others heal, and through my stories his life lessons will live on.

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 think people are searching for more authenticity. When I wrote my memoir I promised myself that I would be 100% honest and not soften any edges–even if I worried it would be hard for readers to read. I am so glad I did because I have had so many people reach out to me and share their own personal stories. It’s been fascinating to learn how All But Six touches people in very different ways. My father would’ve called himself just a “nobody,” but I thought he was the smartest man and greatest teacher I’d ever met. He was a blue collar alcoholic who taught me to be confident and strong. And after addiction, estrangement and dysfunction nearly killed him–multiple times, I taught him what unconditional love was. If you’re looking for a story about a hellraiser father, a grit-filled daughter and their unbreakable bond–this is the book for you.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When I was 19 years old I bought a one-way ticket from Detroit to San Francisco. I had very little money and just a dream of getting an education so I could stop living paycheck to paycheck. After 8 years of working 3 jobs–six to seven days a week, I finally got my Bachelor of Arts from California State University. Even though I never had enough money to buy any college books, I got that piece of paper and launched my career that would ultimately lead to making 6 figures within 3 years. Looking back at the struggles and determination, I wouldn’t change a thing. It was through that experience that I learned I could do anything I put my mind to–just like my father told me I could.

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

When people share things they have created, it feels really vulnerable and personal. Whether you’re sharing a story, poem or a custom design, you’re opening yourself up to criticism of your feelings, style or perspective. When I wrote All But Six, I realized that even people really close to me didn’t understand how important it was to me to share my story and have my book be a success. I wanted my father’s life to matter–so getting exposure for my memoir was so personal to me, but many people didn’t get it. I would tell non-creatives to imagine spending 5 years writing, publishing and pouring your heart and soul into something and then releasing it into the world for judgement. If you know someone creative, please ask them how you can help and always follow through–because it’s personal.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.TerrinaTroy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TerrinaTroy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550988309558
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrina-t-395aa44a/
• Other: http://www.substack.com/@TerrinaTroy

Image Credits

Headshots by Britta Van Vranken