The idea for my most recent book came to me in 2008 when I watched the movie Becoming Jane. I think that my story needs to be heard, and it can be heard. I just needed to write.

Becoming Jane is a 2007 biographical romantic drama film directed by Julian Jarrold. It depicts the early life of the British author Jane Austen and her lasting love for Thomas Langlois Lefroy. The film is partly based on the 2003 book Becoming Jane Austen by Jon Hunter Spence. The final screenplay pieced together some known facts about Austen into a coherent story. The film was shot primarily in Ireland as it had better-preserved locations than England.

In the middle of the movie, I stopped and began to think about the plot of a book. I thought that my story needed to be heard. I picked up a pen and a notebook, and before the movie was over, I wrote over 20 pages in my notebook. I started to add characters, and the plot began to come together in my head.

After that, I began to jot down notes and ideas as they came to me, eventually crafting a complete and detailed story. Due to work and school, I barely had time for myself and only added a few pages here and there through the years until COVID hit. I was left without a job, and finally, with my friend-editor’s help, I could dedicate all my time to completing the book. Now that I have finished the book, I am grateful for the inspiration I found when I watched Becoming Jane.

The mystery in my life that could be a plot for a book is the mystery of my family’s past. I know very little about my family and their origins, which has always been a source of curiosity for me. I have a brother who moved to America from Ukraine and made a life for himself and his family, but the details of this journey and his family’s life have always been a mystery to me. The book would follow me as I try to uncover the secrets of my family’s past and discover the truth behind the stories I’ve heard or haven’t heard.

Finding inspiration to write can be difficult at times, but there are plenty of ways to get the creative juices flowing. Start by reading books or articles related to my topic. Write down any ideas that come to me throughout the day, and take a walk to observe your surroundings. Music and podcasts can also help inspire new ideas. Often, when I have conversations about my life with others, they ask questions that trigger my memories. Freewriting and mind mapping can also help get the creative juices flowing. I look for natural inspiration, create a comfortable and inspiring writing space, and take a break from writing to do something creative. With all these techniques, I can find plenty of inspiration to write.

When faced with writer’s block, the best way to deal with it is to take a break. Step away from the writing project and do something creative and enjoyable. This could be a craft project, coloring, watching a movie, walking, or anything else that allows your mind to relax. After a break, come back to the writing project with a fresh perspective. You could also try writing exercises like writing a stream-of-consciousness paragraph or writing with a timer. These exercises can help unlock creativity and free your mind from writer’s block. Additionally, talking to others about the project can help you get a new idea or perspective that can help move it forward.

I was walking home late one night when I heard a faint whisper from a nearby alley. When I stepped into the alley, I saw a figure in a hooded cloak standing entirely still. I suddenly realized the whisper was coming from the figure, and it was silently repeating the words, “Come closer…”

If I could travel to any fictional book world, I would choose Narnia. I would love to explore a world of talking animals and magical creatures. My next stop would be Middle-Earth, from the Lord of the Rings series, where I could participate in thrilling adventures with the Fellowship of the Ring. Then, I would visit the mysterious world of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and learn magical spells and potions. After that, I would go to the future and experience the world of the Matrix to uncover its secrets. Then, I would dive into the world of Harry Potter, explore Hogwarts and its grounds, and befriend magical creatures. Finally, I would go to the fantastical world of Oz and explore the land of Munchkins and the Emerald City. All in all, this would be the most incredible journey imaginable!

y advice for aspiring non-fiction writers is to read widely in the genre of interest, find mentors in the field, set goals and plan for success, set aside time and be disciplined, join writing groups and attend workshops, reserve time for editing and revision, utilize online resources, develop a unique voice and write with authority, get feedback from other writers and editors, and don’t be afraid to explore self-publishing tools. All of these steps are necessary for achieving success as a non-fiction writer.

Currently, I am working on a variety of writing projects. I am developing short stories, composing poems, creating blog posts, and working on research papers. Additionally, I am constructing a new non-fiction book about my life in the Mormon Church and my mission in England. This project has been a labor of love, as I can share my experiences with others and create a meaningful narrative of my journey.