Member Spotlight: Tiffany Yates Martin

Why is writing important to you and why do you think it’s an important medium for the world? It’s important to me personally because it’s how I make sense of the world, process things, figure out what I think–and sharing my writing provides a potent connection to other people that I value. I think it’s important to the world for so many reasons–the power of story is literally awesome. It can do astonishing things in the world: make sense of the senseless, give voice to the voiceless, connect people, create hope…change the world. And of course we’ve seen–especially in recent years–its power even when used as a negative force: with propaganda and disinformation. Like everything, I suppose, it can be turned toward good or toward evil. But its power to shed light in the world is a glorious thing, and I keep hoping that’s stronger than those who would use it for ill. What are your tried and tested remedies to cure writer’s block? I don’t believe in “writer’s block” as some external force that keeps you from writing–but I do know that “stuck” feeling. Diagnosing the cause is the first step–it’s usually one of four common causes: story-related, situational (mood, surroundings, time), psychological (the writer “demons”), or intention/motivation related (focusing on the product instead of the process). Once you ascertain which, you can start addressing the issue: if it’s story-related, pinpoint where it’s not coming together (or is falling apart) and strengthen, clarify, or develop those story elements. If it’s situational, fix what you can, accept what you can’t, and find ways to work around those hurdles: If it’s time, then write in “found moments” (standing in lines, waiting for coffee to brew, etc.). If it’s surroundings, make it more conducive to creativity. If it’s mood, it’s okay to step away for a while; go for a walk or phone a friend or do some self-care. With the demons, start with getting some mental distance. Recognize that these negative thoughts aren’t reality–they’re fear talking. Identify what you’re afraid of and accept it (fears are normal), and then counter those distorted messages to yourself with more reasonable, rational ones. And for motivation/intention, reconnect with what made you want to write this in the first place, or what you love about it, or how you’re stretching yourself–not all your thoughts and fears about the outcome.What is your favorite time to write? Mornings, for sure. If it doesn’t happen before noon, it doesn’t happen.What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received and would like to impart to other writers? Be your own champion–always. There are plenty of forces and voices that can make us (and our work) feel devalued, unimportant, ignored, frivolous, take your pick. We have to always be standing in our own corner, and honoring our creative efforts, no matter what stage of our careers or development we’re in.What excites you most about being a writer in today’s age? In recent years it seems to me that writers have more voice in their own careers: more autonomy and agency, even with all the myriad aspects of a publishing career that we can’t control. I’m a big fan of the artist being at the wheel of her own ship–whatever path you choose.

Tiffany Yates Martin’s The Intuitive Author: How to Grow & Sustain a Happier Writing Career is out now with E3 Press.