Member Spotlight: J. V. Molenaar

Why is writing important to you and why do you think it’s an important medium for the world? Writing is important to me because it allows me to express thoughts and ideas I might otherwise be too afraid to share or think aloud. It also gives me a way to share parts of myself with the world and, in doing so, heal from past wounds in a manner that can help others feel seen and find healing too.

What are your tried and tested remedies to cure writer’s block? When I find myself struggling with writer’s block, my go-to remedy is to dive back into the works of my favorite authors. There’s something about their words that always reignites my creativity and inspires fresh ideas.

What is your favorite time to write? My favorite times to write are during the evening into the night or early morning until sunrise. The beauty of dusk and dawn has always provided a calming and focusing energy in my life.

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received and would like to impart to other writers? “Don’t over-edit!” When you feel like your story has been told and you’re eager to get it publication-ready, let your editor do their job and give yourself the time to relax and recharge. Reading and rewording the same sentence a thousand times won’t make or break your story.

What excites you most about being a writer in today’s age? Being able to reach people and tell my stories is one of the most exciting parts of being a writer today. The ability to self-publish has made it easier than ever for authors to share their work with the world, and I think that’s something worth celebrating.

J.V. Molenaar’s Until the Light Resolves is out now.