In this interview, we delve into the creative world of Regina Ann Faith, a multifaceted writer who effortlessly navigates diverse themes and genres in her books. From tackling representation and relatability to offering empowering narratives, ReginaAnnFaith shares insights on her creative process, advice for aspiring writers, and her aspirations for the future of her writing career. Join us as we explore the passion and dedication behind her storytelling journey.
How do you navigate the themes of representation and relatability in your books, especially considering the diverse genres you write in?
How I navigate the themes of representation and relatability in my books varies. Each of the characters in all of my books have a little piece of myself in them in various ways. The things I experienced in my life (joy, love (or lack there of), trauma, heartache, grief, exploration, etc) and researching other people stories, all have aided me in how I choose the themes that are going to be in my books. Even writing in diverse genres has also helped because I don’t have to be boxed in. I am free to explore a lot of different themes that relate to young adults readers, sapphic readers and dark romance readers, etc.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers who may be facing self-doubt or obstacles on their own creative journey?
The advice I would give aspiring writers is not to give up and to stay true to yourself. I know from first hand experience, people doubting my ability to write, doubting whether I was meant to write at all, to the point where I wasn’t given chance to express myself in my writing, even though they know I wrote. I have a motto that has stuck with me and guided my writing journey. This motto not only applies to writers, but to all who are creative in some way. It is that everyone has a story to tell whether it be through storytelling, painting, music, etc. Your story matters and people need to hear it through whatever expressive medium because you don’t know the life you may save or inspire. So have the courage to share your story.
How do you balance the demands of writing multiple genres, and what do you enjoy most about exploring different themes and narratives?
It’s not really a demand as much as it is what I feel like writing at the given moment. I usually have the characters and plot mapped out first. So I know when I want to write a Young Adult Romance, Dark Romance, or Sapphic Romance. I enjoy giving a voice to each of the characters I create, getting in their heads, figuring out what makes them act the way they do and ultimately getting to see how their story plays out.
What do you hope readers take away from your books, particularly in terms of empowerment, resilience, and representation?
I hope my readers see themselves in my books and through the characters. The characters in my books go through a range of obstacles, from hurt, disappointment, to not fitting in, mental illness, sexual exploration, etc. But with the obstacles that each character faces, they also learn how to be empowered, resilient and find representation in the friends they encounter along the way, that will stand by them and be there for them. So with that being said, just as my characters overcome and find their way. I want my readers to know that they can overcome any obstacles they face as well and find their way.
Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for your writing career, and how do you plan to continue inspiring others through your work?
One of my aspirations/goals is to have my books turned into scripts for a movie or tv show. I also would love to write song lyrics with different artists. I plan to continue to inspire others through my work by writing from my heart, honest, and raw. As I continue to work on myself, and share that journey through and in the characters I write; I hope people can see it’s okay to be human, and feel the all the feels. That the feeling you felt or are currently feeling are valid. That your feelings (past or present) can weave themselves in a redemptive story that can be used to heal inwardly and heal the people who will read it one day.
@reginaannfaith
