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October 22, 2024 9 min read

For some, writing is a hobby; for others, it’s a lifelong pursuit. The latter is exactly the case for Alex! With a deep passion for storytelling and unwavering dedication to the creative process, he opens up about his journey, the challenges he's faced, and how he balances his writing with the demands of daily life.

Whether you're a budding writer or someone contemplating when to pursue your own passion, Alex’s story serves as a reminder that there’s no perfect time to begin—just the right mindset.

We hope his insights inspire you to take that first step on your own creative path! 

  

What inspired you to get into writing? Which authors have inspired you the most, if any?

I’ve been writing stories from a very young age, mostly of the fantasy genre, so finding the starting point would be difficult. But I will say the general desire for escapism might be it, especially as I grew older. Authors like J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, J. K. Rowling, and Neil Gaiman have been the four marks of my compass. Their brilliant, whimsical writing styles of long narrative have had a profound impact on me, and whenever I need a little encouragement, I crack open one of their books.

Initially, writing was only to imitate or try my hand at stories that moved me, but quickly it became something else entirely. Three books written and a fourth in development, writing is part of me. I look at the world through a new lens of creation. New book ideas have not yet let my inkwell run dry.

 

Was there a turning point that made you realize this was something you wanted to pursue in life?

I think like most people, I daydreamed about being a writer far longer than I should have. It wasn’t until the quiet isolated solitude of the pandemic where the time to actually sit down in front of a blank page arrived, partly because I had nothing else better to do. Writing that first book was incredibly challenging, but when I finally finished it, I had gained a deep love for what I had created. I was bitten and I don’t believe I would have arrived at that point without those isolated few years. So I blame the pandemic for turning an idea into a reality.

  

Life often presents unexpected opportunities for our passions to thrive. While the pandemic brought challenges for many, it also opened doors for discovery—new hobbies, fresh experiences, and the chance to finally pursue long-held dreams. In a world that slowed down, creativity found the space to grow. 

  

 

Do you have a day job aside from being a writer?

I do, in fact, have a day job! Finding the balance to keep up my writing while having a full time job can be difficult. But it has always been important to me, both mentally and spiritually. I typically write in any bit of spare time I have, whether before work or between breaks. My daily goal is to write at least 500 words a day and journal one page. That way there’s momentum and I don’t lose steam on a project or abandon my habits.

 

How do you balance your passion with other aspects of your life?

It’s not easy. It can come with a bit of sacrifice, but it’s important to find balance in all things. That’s why I try to write in situations where I am naturally alone or scrolling on my phone like early in the morning or late at night. During what I consider functioning hours, I make a serious effort to get out and be social. Writing can be a rather reclusive passion, you have to be aware. Plus, you need to find inspiration for characters and conflict somewhere!

 

Consistency is the bridge between ambition and achievement. Even a small daily effort can create lasting momentum for your creative projects! 

At the same time though, balance is key and it's great that Alex makes sure he spends his days more than writing. Carving out time for both work and creativity ensures that your passion remains alive without overwhelming other parts of life. 

     

   

How has your journey with writing evolved over time and how has your writing system changed over the years?

Naturally, when you do something for a long time, you start to make it yours and it evolves into being something different than when you first started. In the beginning, writing was just throwing as many words on a page as possible and hoping they landed well. I didn’t understand the concept of drafting, editing, or the importance of proof-readers.

My first book, The Shadow of Our Stars, was left in a messy and juvenile state when I self-published it. I had no system, no method for the madness. I just wanted to get something out there to show people I was serious about this writing thing! When I began working on my sophomore novel, The Victorian Vigilante, I began developing a system which involved a research stage, loose plot outlines, and several drafts that went through major rounds of edits. And what resulted from this system was a greatly improved story.

Now having written a third novel, I took that system and honed it even further. The earliest stages of any project are done completely by hand with fountain pen and paper, then I’ll switch to a word processor or drafting device. The Highland Tour, my yet to be released murder mystery set in the Scottish Highlands, takes everything I’ve learned from past projects and builds upon it. I’ve amassed a collection of helpful guides, resources, and most importantly, confidence in myself. I’m excited to see how readers will receive The Highland Tour in early 2025.

 

 

Can you share a memorable story or experience related to your passion?

I remember holding my book for the first time. My dog and I waited in the window all day for the delivery truck to drop off the package containing my proof copies. When they arrived, I spared no time in opening them. I must have fanned through the book a million times checking to see if the book was indeed my own and not some terrible mistake or practical joke. I had to pinch myself! It was such a surreal experience holding something that lived in my head for years. And each time another one is written, it feels tremendously good.

Those are my words. Those are my thoughts. Those are my stories. Makes me giddy every time. And taking it a step further, when people take an interest in reading them. It’s an incredibly nervous and memorable feeling all wrapped up in one. 

 

Every project teaches you something new: systems evolve but, as long as the dedication to growth and learning stays constant, not long after, just like Alex, you'll be holding the result of your hard work in your hands. 

This makes every step towards your goal worth it. 

  

What has been the most rewarding part of sharing your journey on social media?

The most rewarding part of sharing my writing journey on social media has been finding a community. I’m a naturally shy person and the idea of sharing something I’ve written is incredibly vulnerable and terrifies me. But then I realized I wasn’t the only one trying to find a place to fit in, or in turn, stand out.

The people I’ve met through social media are some of the kindest and most encouraging on this journey, and I’ve yet to meet most of them in person! Just goes to show you the power of the internet when used properly.

I took it a step further and created a YouTube channel where I not only discuss my journey as an author but also the tools of my craft (fountain pens, inks, and of course Lochby). I have been fortunate to find small success in that channel. My subscribers are seriously the best and I love doing it!

 

What's a fun fact about you that your followers might not know?

I am a twin! Fraternal, but a twin! 

  

 

What are your future plans or goals related to your passion?

My goal is to stick to a strict one book every two years schedule. Obviously, that’s just overplanning but it keeps the writing going while maintaining a full-time job. One day I hope to be fully dedicated to writing books. That way I can wake up, brew some coffee, and walk to my office whenever I hear a story calling my name.

  

Setting goals turns passion into action, giving us a clear path to follow on our creative journey. When we dream about the future we want, it helps us stay motivated to keep pushing forward.

This shows that even the smallest steps can lead to big things.

 

How did you discover Lochby?

I discovered Lochby through an advertisement on Instagram. I guess you could say the algorithm connected me. I’m an old soul and Lochby’s products felt like the tools of a bygone era. The brand was fairly new and hadn’t garnered the interest like it has now, but I remember receiving my first order and feeling compelled to leave a review to share how much I loved the product. It was to my great surprise when the founder of the company replied to my review. That made Lochby stand out to me. Their personal touch and their desire for a relationship with the people using their products. I’ve been an enthusiast ever since.

 

What is your favorite Lochby product and why?

Picking a favorite Lochby product is equivalent to picking a favorite child. It’s impossible! I use them all in daily life whether it be traveling, writing or simply storing things. If I had to pick a product that held a special significance, it would be the Field Journal. This was my first purchase with Lochby and really hooked me on the brand. The Field Journal has been a journaling companion through some pretty tough times, and it has traveled with me overseas many times. It’s been the holder of notebooks containing rough drafts of novels and moments of great personal growth. It’s the one product I always come back to and will never let go of. 

 

We’re thankful for the role Lochby gear plays in Alex's creative process alongside their other writing tools! Hearing how they accompany him on his journey—literally and figuratively—truly warms our hearts!

 

 

 

How does Lochby help you with your creative or productive pursuits?

For me, Lochby facilitates the environment for creativity. I can’t help but feel led by something when writing in my Field Guide on the Tomoe River paper outdoors in nature. I am inspired and curious by what will fall out of my head and onto the blank page. The culture Lochby has established is one that puts creativity as a result of using their products, above anything else. Lochby helps me by simply giving me the tools to make good art. 

 

Do you have any tips for making the most out of Lochby products?

Take them everywhere and make them your own. Paint your field guides, attach pins and patches. Make them personal and let them be conversation starters! Incorporate them into your daily lives. You’ll be happy you did. 

 

What is your favorite writing accessory and why?

Hands down that would have to be my Freewrite smart typewriter. A device with quite the bit of controversy, its sole purpose is to write without allowing you to edit. This device has grown me as a writer by leaps and bounds. I had to relearn how to spell some words! (There isn’t a spell checker on it.) And I always get questions about it when I put it out of my bag, which can be so much fun. The Freewrite has convinced me that the messiness of drafting is a beautiful and fulfilling process. I look forward every time to the writing stage when I get to dust it off and click away behind its keys. 

 

Finding inspiration in unique accessories shows that the right tools can make all the difference. Whatever those tools are can be, of course, different for everyone—so it's always a good idea to try different things.

For Alex, his typewriter has allowed him to enjoy the journey of creativity while honing his craft, still growing in the process. 

  

 

What advice would you give to someone just starting to write?

Write. Just write and write. Read. Read everything you get your hands on. Even if your writing isn’t the most impressive in the beginning, remember good things take time and patience. Believe in yourself and surround yourself with people who will encourage you, but remember why you did it in the first place. 

 

Are there any common mistakes beginners should avoid?

Envy is the thief of joy. Beware when it comes to the success of others. As any new beginner, you will watch people succeed and possibly at a faster rate than you. Don’t be discouraged and don’t let it keep you from writing. When you spend your time in envy, it drains the desire to create.

   

How do you stay motivated to continue your passion?

I genuinely believe the stamina and focus to write is a gift. However, it’s not one that comes without its challenges. Keeping motivated for me can be as simple as reading a good book, or as difficult as pushing through when I want to give up. I remain motivated because I know I've done it before. What’s to say I can't do it again? 

  

Do you have a favorite quote or mantra that inspires your creative process?

"This is how you do it: You sit down at the keyboard and you put one word after another until it's done. It's that easy, and that hard." Neil Gaiman

 

    

Alex's journey shows us that writing is a continuous path of growth and discovery. Embracing the messy, rewarding nature of the creative process allows us to find joy in every moment.

Remember that every word written is a step forward! Follow Alex on his YouTube channel and Instagram account for more inspiration and insights as he navigates his own writing adventures!

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