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Welcome to the first post in Writing While Healing, a series where I speak with indie authors who’ve found light through writing during their darkest times.
Today, I’m honored to feature Autumn Kaufer, a fantasy author and a great friend who writes powerful characters and beautiful love stories. You can learn more about her here.
Please tell us a little about yourself and the kind of stories you write.
I grew up an avid reader and have loved writing for as long as I can remember. I write a variety of stories, from epic fantasy to paranormal romance. Regardless of the subgenre, at the heart of each story are two people who find each other, and because they do, their lives are changed and enriched because of it.
Today, I’m honored to feature Autumn Kaufer, a fantasy author and a great friend who writes powerful characters and beautiful love stories. You can learn more about her here.
Please tell us a little about yourself and the kind of stories you write.
I grew up an avid reader and have loved writing for as long as I can remember. I write a variety of stories, from epic fantasy to paranormal romance. Regardless of the subgenre, at the heart of each story are two people who find each other, and because they do, their lives are changed and enriched because of it.
Would you feel comfortable sharing a bit about your mental health journey?
I would. I suffer from severe anxiety & C-PTSD. Back in 2021, I was ready for my life to be over. For my 40th birthday, I sat down to write one final short story. Instead, the short story took 6 months, growing into an 8-book series. Writing The Courtship Saga literally saved my life.
How has your mental health influenced your writing process or creativity?
My characters have flaws. And they aren't "magically healed" at the end of the book. But they grow and begin the healing process, with the help of their partner and their found family.
Do you find writing to be healing, challenging, or a bit of both?
It can be both. It's definitely been healing for me, but there are times I get burned out and need to take a break.
Has your experience with mental health shaped the themes or characters in your stories?
In Courting Fate, Ana also suffers from severe anxiety & C-PTSD. I love a strong FMC, but I wanted to show you can have one who isn't perfect, who is healing, but is still a badass.
Are there any writing routines, boundaries, or self-care habits that help you stay grounded?
When I'm working on a draft, I have a set writing schedule. Every morning, I take care of my dogs and housework, then I sit down to write. If I am overwhelmed, going for a walk or a long, hot shower can help.
What advice would you give to other writers who have similar struggles as you?
It's okay to take a break. And when your imposter syndrome rears its ugly head, tell it to F off and ignore that little voice.
Have you ever taken breaks from writing to focus on your mental health?
I haven't taken extended breaks, but I'll take a day and play some video games or spend the day with my husband if I need it.
What’s something you wish more people understood about being a writer with mental health struggles?
Let us celebrate our little victories. I might never sell one million books, but if I've sold 100, let me celebrate. I see negative comments on posts like that, and I'll never understand them.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with the readers?
I want to thank my readers. From buying my books, leaving reviews, DMing me to tell me how much you've loved my stories, it's so surreal that this is my life now. I am eternally grateful for every reader.
Where can readers connect with you and your work? (Socials, website, books, etc.)
You can find my books on Amazon and all my links here :)
I would. I suffer from severe anxiety & C-PTSD. Back in 2021, I was ready for my life to be over. For my 40th birthday, I sat down to write one final short story. Instead, the short story took 6 months, growing into an 8-book series. Writing The Courtship Saga literally saved my life.
How has your mental health influenced your writing process or creativity?
My characters have flaws. And they aren't "magically healed" at the end of the book. But they grow and begin the healing process, with the help of their partner and their found family.
Do you find writing to be healing, challenging, or a bit of both?
It can be both. It's definitely been healing for me, but there are times I get burned out and need to take a break.
Has your experience with mental health shaped the themes or characters in your stories?
In Courting Fate, Ana also suffers from severe anxiety & C-PTSD. I love a strong FMC, but I wanted to show you can have one who isn't perfect, who is healing, but is still a badass.
Are there any writing routines, boundaries, or self-care habits that help you stay grounded?
When I'm working on a draft, I have a set writing schedule. Every morning, I take care of my dogs and housework, then I sit down to write. If I am overwhelmed, going for a walk or a long, hot shower can help.
What advice would you give to other writers who have similar struggles as you?
It's okay to take a break. And when your imposter syndrome rears its ugly head, tell it to F off and ignore that little voice.
Have you ever taken breaks from writing to focus on your mental health?
I haven't taken extended breaks, but I'll take a day and play some video games or spend the day with my husband if I need it.
What’s something you wish more people understood about being a writer with mental health struggles?
Let us celebrate our little victories. I might never sell one million books, but if I've sold 100, let me celebrate. I see negative comments on posts like that, and I'll never understand them.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with the readers?
I want to thank my readers. From buying my books, leaving reviews, DMing me to tell me how much you've loved my stories, it's so surreal that this is my life now. I am eternally grateful for every reader.
Where can readers connect with you and your work? (Socials, website, books, etc.)
You can find my books on Amazon and all my links here :)
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Thank you for reading! Read my review for Autumn's books here :
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