Tag: Writers on Writing

Author Interview

In conversation with Marcia Argueta Mickelson: Creativity, immigration, and writing through overwhelm

Mandy Webster

Marcia Argueta Mickelson writes stories that sit right at the fault lines—between generations, between cultures, between who we’re told to be and who we’re becoming. After recently reviewing her latest young adult novel, I was eager to invite her into my writing room to talk less about plot and more about process: how she stays creative when life is loud, the habits that ground (and derail) her writing days, and why immigration continues to shape the stories she feels compelled to tell. In this interview, Argueta Mickelson reflects on creativity, persistence, and the quiet, deeply human moments that make writing—and reading—worth it.

Marcia Argueta Mickelson’s latest novel, The Writing Room, released November 4, 2025.

Q: How do you nurture your creativity when life get busy or overwhelming?
A: When life gets busy or overwhelming, I oftentimes don’t have the energy to write. However, I still want to nurture my creativity. Some things that I do are: go for a walk around my neighborhood or do housework that frees up my mind for introspection. I am also trying to teach myself to play piano. I took a few lessons years ago, but I am definitely a beginner. I have some beginning piano books that I use to teach myself a few songs. Practicing those same few songs over and over again helps nurture my creativity and helps me feel creative.

Continue reading “In conversation with Marcia Argueta Mickelson: Creativity, immigration, and writing through overwhelm” →
Author Interview

Nichelle Giraldes on feminist horror, writing what you want to read, and The Forest of Missing Girls

Mandy Webster

Stories don’t always begin with a lifelong dream of being a writer—sometimes they start with a reader who wants a book badly enough to create it themselves. In this interview, Nichelle Giraldes talks about finding her way to writing through that quiet, persistent pull of story; the power of small, precise details to carry enormous emotion; and why her work keeps circling back to the complicated ways women love, protect, and measure one another. We also discuss gothic horror, visual art as inspiration, cutting beloved scenes, and what it really means to keep showing up to the page long after the traditional markers of “success” have been reached.

Nichelle Giraldes’ latest novel, The Forest of Missing Girls, released November 11, 2025.

Q: What’s a memory of a story or book that made you realize you wanted to be a writer?
A: I was a reader long before I ever thought about being a writer. I was a total library kid growing up! The kind of child who had to have their books taken away at bedtime so I’d actually go to sleep instead of reading under the covers. Even then, I never had any aspirations or even interest in writing those stories myself.

Continue reading “Nichelle Giraldes on feminist horror, writing what you want to read, and The Forest of Missing Girls” →
Finish Writing Your Novel Now!

Do you think you have a novel in you?

Mandy Webster

So, you think you have a novel in you, huh? The idea of having a novel inside oneself is a common sentiment among aspiring writers and creative individuals. Storytelling is an essential element of the human experience, and many people have a desire to tell their stories and share their ideas through writing. Writing a novel can be seen as a creative and fulfilling endeavor that allows individuals to express themselves and leave a lasting impact. Plus, it can be fun!

If you’re like many emerging authors though, you may have a novel manuscript that you have been writing for years with no end in sight. Or perhaps you’ve always thought you “had a novel in you” but haven’t gotten around to starting it. Once upon a time, this was me. I knew I had a novel in me, but for years I could never seem to get it out of my head and onto the page.

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Writers on Writing

How to write a hook that offers the promise your #novel will fulfill

Mandy Webster

English: The main screen of Albite READER 2
Do the first lines of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland work for you? | English: The main screen of Albite READER 2 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Author Dave King shared an interesting article yesterday on Writer Unboxed titled, Beyond the First Five Pages. In his post, he discusses the importance of writing a good hook that both draws the reader in and leads the reader properly into the rest of the story.

I’m only working on my second novel now (not counting the 872 false starts that I wrote before finally finishing something!), so I’m no expert. However, in my most-humble opinion, I think it is best to worry about your hook after the rest of the story has been written. Continue reading “How to write a hook that offers the promise your #novel will fulfill” →