Written Author Interview
- Tell me about yourself. What do you like to do outside of writing. What is a day in the life like for you?
Outside of writing I am a singer/ songwriter, performing as Elle Indigo. I have a love for trying new things and creating whatever I can. My day usually starts with me either tackling a current creative project or working on my follow-ups and admin, then moving onto my day job, and back to creative projects or spending time with my partner or friends in the evening.
- What inspired your first novel? What was the thing that got you into writing in the first place?
I’ve always loved writing poetry since I was very young, so having my first published book be a book of poetry just made sense. I wanted to have a through-line throughout the book, and while I’ve never aspired to be a professional artist, I enjoy dabbling and love looking at art, and decided to use art as the thread that wove all the pieces together.
- How do you come up with characters? Are they spontaneous or meticulously planned?
My poetry book doesn’t contain characters, but I’ve certainly written some in my comics and short stories! For shorter stories they’re fairly spontaneous; for a longer comic issue or story there’s a little more planning. Generally, some basics come to me, and then the character gets fleshed out from there to ensure follow-through throughout the story.
- What are some of your favorite genres to read? Are there any books you’d recommend to first time readers or people looking for something new?
I love reading poetry books, fantasy, and science fiction. One of my favorite books is Wizard of the Crow by N’gugi wa Thiongo. Another favorite author who writes both sci-fi and fantasy is C. S. Friedman. And for poetry, anything by Margaret Atwood or Billy Collins.
- What’s the most difficult thing about being a writer?
For me it’s two things: the rejection, and the time. If I had it my way my days would be full of writing and singing, and at the moment that’s not my reality, maybe one day! And the rejection can be hard; I’m actively working on reframing my mindset to remind myself that the trying and the submitting is the success, and every rejection is simply a redirection.
- What is your process to completing a novel from outline to final product?
While I have yet to write a novel, I have written a couple of issues of my comic, Fangs & Foul Play, and outlined the first four issues in total. My process was to start with the general idea and then work in a couple key plot points I knew I wanted woven in. From there, I worked on the ending and then fleshed out the outline; my editor then helped me sort any gaps or issues!
- What’s the most unhinged thing you’ve written in your novel? Don’t worry, we don’t judge here.
The most unhinged thing I’ve written, I feel like that’s hard to pin down because that definition varies; however, one that sticks out is a poem, not in my book, where I talk about an ex taking me out to the trash can, and it just feels so visceral and heavy, and that’s where the poem ends. There’s no hope in that particular poem, and the imagery to me, really drives home that feeling of hopelessness.
- What’s one thing about being a writer that absolutely drives you up the wall?
Research. I actually love learning new things, but for some reason, when I’m researching for a story, it doesn’t feel as fun. I think because it stops the writing process, and what I want to do in that moment is to write.
- What does being a successful writer look like for you? What type of life do you want to live as a writer?
Being a successful writer looks like being able to have creativity at the forefront of my career, which for me looks like a mix of writing and singing. Also having people reach out to me to write for them, always feels nice, and I think that’s definitely a sign of success.
- Describe your writing journey. If you had to write a story centered around it, do you think you could pull it off?
I think I could pull it off! My writing journey was one of always having a love for words and storytelling; my grandfather instilled in me a love for storytelling, and wordplay is something that was always a source of fun for me, which lends itself nicely to poetry. Then our writing heroine (myself) decided not to pursue writing as a degree, due to outside influences whispering in her ear that writing isn’t a job where you can make money. Eventually our heroine decided enough was enough! She loved writing and would do it regardless, with a hope to someday make a moderate pittance to keep her craft alive in a world where monetary gain is king.
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About
Leanne Kathleen Indigo is a poet who draws inspiration from the mundane to the mystical, often speculating on love, life, and mental health. She is also a songwriter and singer, performing as Elle Indigo, and writes spec. fiction and comics as L. K. Indigo and can usually be found trying to create all the things. Her debut book Blank Canvas, which weaves art through themes of mental health, feminism, and love and heartbreak, is out now.
Social Media
@lkindigo (insta/threads)
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