We were lucky to catch up with Tyler Boivin recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tyler, thanks for joining us today. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?
Looking back, I can vividly see myself sitting in my second-grade classroom writing a story. It was moments before my teacher spoke to my soul, telling me she knew I would be an author one day. From that moment on, I set my sights on fulfilling this dream. As an adult, I took this idea and decided it was time to execute. I honed my skills, practiced, and took on random jobs to develop my craft and grow my knowledge of it. If I wasn’t writing, I was thinking up story ideas. Quickly, I realized I wanted to focus on one area – poetry. I began writing poetry as a teenager and self-published my first short anthology. Since then, I have been working on a full work to be published. I learned that I had to dedicate time and effort to writing, not just fleeting moments when I felt a wave of creativity. I had to put my skills to work and come up with a collection that I was proud to share, and ultimately, a collection that had the potential to help someone else.
During this time, I began executing a business idea. I wanted to share my knowledge with other amateur writers and students. I came up with The Writing Coop to inspire and help others who have a passion for writing. Currently, TWC is under rebranding, but the mission is very much alive. Once I decided I wanted to share my passion for writing with other writers, I had to come up with a business plan. I chose to offer services for those looking for help. The services include general guidance, editing, ghostwriting, and commissioned work. There is no shortage of creativity, and if I can use my passion to help others, I will dedicate my time to it.
The secret to taking an idea and ultimately executing it is dedication and passion. If you have an idea that you love, and you dedicate your time and attention to it, the rest will fall into place. When I decided to go the traditional publishing route for my second anthology, I realized I had to make sure my work was the best possible version I could make it. I asked for family and friends’ opinions. I reached out to other writers for their feedback of my work. I then had to search for a publisher that matched my vision and made me feel comfortable enough to put my work in their hands. Once I landed on a publisher, I had to triple-check my work, making sure I felt proud to submit it. The process of idea to execution can be long and daunting, but if you have passion, you will get it done!
Tyler, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a single mom to the world’s cutest – and craziest – little boy. On top of that, I am a school teacher and writer. My biggest passion in life is to help others through my writing and hopefully inspire others to keep pushing through hard times. I focus on poetry, pouring my soul into each poem. My writing comes mostly from experience, but I dabble in fiction here and there. I love to create stories and let my imagination wander wildly. I also offer writing services through my company The Writing Coop. These services are offered to students and professionals, and include guidance, editing, and commissioned pieces. Overall, I am dedicated to creating the best life for my family while pursuing my passion of being a full-time writer. All the while, thanking God for getting me to where I am today.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
If you were to ask any professional or creative why they do what they do, there is likely a specific reason that ignited their passion. For me, the mission driving my creative journey is to see the youth live another day. I know how difficult it can be to grow up feeling left out, insecure, or like you just don’t belong. Sometimes, the people you are surrounded by, aren’t your people. It can take a long time for you to finally find ‘your people’ in life, and you should cherish them once you do.
I struggled severely with anxiety and depression growing up. There were times when I felt no one was there for me. A lot of youth struggle with similar issues and there are limited resources available for help. I used writing as my escape from all the negativity, but that negativity quickly dripped into my writing, as well. I began hating the work I would create because it was just as negative as real life. I realized I needed to make a change. This ‘change’ took years to develop, and it was only recently that I landed on true happiness and positivity within myself. My writing changed drastically, as well. I began using my outlet for expressing emotion, telling stories, and reliving memories. Through this positivity, I was able to create more than I ever imagined and I am beyond thankful to see myself here today. Now, I want to share my journey with others and use my writing to remind the youth that there will be a better day. There are moments worth living for. And overall, you will get through the struggles you’re facing right now.
There is no giving up or going back on my passion. I am dedicated to using my words for inspiration and encouragement. If I had given up on myself all those years ago, I would have missed being a mother, seeing my work on shelves, and being able to encourage others.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
As goes with any profession, if you are not in it, you can not understand it fully. But creatives are a different breed entirely.
There is a lot to be said for the person who’s shining hours are between 11pm and 4am. For creatives, this is the typical schedule. This is when the creative juices tend to flow. On top of this, creativity comes in waves. While I could sit in a literal art museum, gazing at beautiful pieces, I may not feel anything. However, I could sit in a train station feverishly awaiting the arrival and suddenly feel a spark. There is no secret sauce.
Creatives are often those who do not fit in. They have so much to offer in a unique way, to the point where there may not be traditional work that suits them. Thankfully, we are heading into a time where art and creativity are valued much more highly than in the past. This will hopefully lead others who do not feel the creative spirit inside themselves, to better understand and appreciate those who do. It is impossible to explain to a non-writer the feeling of writer’s block. There are some things that are unique to creatives, and the best way to understand is just to accept and appreciate it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @_ty.bo_ @tybo.writes @thewritingcoop
- Other: TikTok: @tybo.writes