We recently connected with Jennifer Shaw and have shared our conversation below.
Jennifer, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
I keep my creativity alive by giving myself time to dream, imagine, and let my mind wander. When I’m stuck for ideas, I’ll put on my headphones, go for a long walk, and let the music guide me. My imagination often plays out like a video in my mind, which usually sparks fresh ideas. Sometimes I’ll read a book or watch a movie to refill my creative well. For me, writer’s block is typically a symptom of something deeper—stress, illness, a messy house. If I can identify and address the root cause, my creativity usually returns.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m an Alberta-based author with a passion for writing emotionally driven fantasy adventure, often exploring themes of trust, family, identity, and redemption. My autism and ADHD give me a unique perspective on life and storytelling. I’m very much an out-of-the-box thinker, and I’ve spent years observing the world around me, trying to understand how it works and where I fit into it. That lens influences how I create. I focus heavily on character development, and when I write, it’s like watching a mental movie. I don’t force the story—I follow it and write down what I see. It makes the process feel immersive, intuitive, and alive.
My stories are rich with magic, layered characters, and themes of trauma, identity, and redemption. At the heart of my work is a desire to explore what it means to heal, to belong, and to fight for something greater than yourself—even when the world is against you.
What excites me most about storytelling is the emotional connection it creates. I enjoy hearing from readers who identify with my characters and their journey. My books aren’t just about magic and adventure—they’re about the emotional realities we all face.
Right now, I’m working on the fifth novel in my Callum Walker series, with the sixth already underway. I’ve also started brainstorming a standalone project—leaning more toward science fiction than fantasy—to stretch my creative muscles and explore new worlds.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three qualities I believe are essential for any writer are perseverance, integrity, and a willingness to grow.
Firstly, perseverance is vital because writing is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time to build a story, refine your skills, and find your audience. Integrity is also essential because you need to write the story that lives inside you, rather than catering your creativity to please others. Authenticity always resonates more deeply than trend-chasing. And finally, a willingness to grow, because no one starts out perfect. Writing is a craft, and you can only improve if you remain open to learning and applying constructive feedback. Wordsmithing takes time, but growth happens when you allow yourself to evolve.
If I could offer one piece of advice to aspiring writers, it would be this: don’t compare yourself to other authors. Every writer has their own voice and creative rhythm. If you must measure your progress, then compare your current work to your earlier writing. That’s the truest way to see how far you’ve come.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
My biggest challenge is maintaining creative momentum while balancing the demands of everyday life. Between my writing, my family, and my other responsibilities, it’s easy to feel pulled in too many directions. When my schedule is too full, it affects my focus, leading to periods of burnout or writer’s block.
To manage this, I’ve started setting realistic goals and allowing myself permission to take a break when things become overwhelming. I also make space for self-care and creative recovery—long walks, music, and moments of quiet reflection to recharge my soul. Most importantly, I remind myself that progress doesn’t have to be fast to be meaningful. Even if I write nothing more than a single sentence, I am still moving forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jmshawauthor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmshaw_author/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jmshawauthor
- Other: Email: jmshawauthor1@gmail.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/27659310.J_M_Shaw
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