We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amber Lopez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Amber, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
The seeds of my creativity were planted when I was 14, standing at a flea market where my mom bought me a journal. At the time, I was searching for ways to channel my emotions, not knowing this simple notebook would become my sanctuary. As I began filling those pages, writing transformed into my artistic therapy – its a practice that continues to sustain my emotions today. My love for reading naturally fed into this journey, inspiring me to create my own narratives through words.
After more than a decade of cultivating this craft through journaling, I’ve learned that creativity flows best when I honor my emotional truth. In my journals, I never censor myself – each entry captures the raw essence of my feelings. I’ve discovered that authentic creativity can’t be forced. Instead, I write when inspiration calls, when curiosity stirs; when I notice those subtle patterns and connections in daily life that demand to be explored. These observations weave themselves into my work naturally.
I’ve learned that trying to write out of obligation often dims a creative idea. Instead, I try to embrace the limitless freedom of self-expression, knowing there’s no single “correct” way to creativity. The key is to remain true to your own voice, allowing your unique perspective to guide the way. Creativity stays alive not through discipline, but through the nurturing of our natural inclination to express and create.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Aa a new voice in the world of contemporary poetry, I have been crafting verses since I was first was exposed to the writing craft. My journey started from private journals to published works which mirrors the very themes I enjoy exploring: courage, vulnerability, and the beauty of shared human experience. Influenced by poets Rupi Kaur and the lyrical mastery of Ocean Vuong, my poetry pulses with a rhythm uniquely my own. My debut collection, “Around the Sun” published in 2023, captures the dichotomy of modern life – the connections forged in different seasons of the year and being vulnerable opening doors to the difficult conversations of one’s well-being.
When I’m not immersed in stanzas, I can be found wandering used bookstores, traveling abroad, working as an educator, and spending time outdoors reading. With each poem I shares, I hope to invite readers into my world, hoping they’ll find echoes of their own stories within my carefully crafted words. Poetry isn’t just what I do, it’s the lens through which I see the world. And now, with my work reaching a new audience, I am thrilled to discover how my unique vision resonates with hearts of others.
Those who wish to meet me in-person to discuss navigating emotions through words, I invite you to my first author signing event at Barnes and Nobles at the Chino Shoppes in Chino Hills CA, on January 25,2025 at 1:00pm PST ! If you can’t make this event, I also invite you to check out my books at the Underdog Bookstore in Monrovia CA.
Feel welcome to follow my writing journey, read my poems, and get updates on my poem books by joining the community!
Instagram: @amberlopezpoetry
TikTok: @amberlopezpoetry
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I believe mastering any craft requires understanding three fundamental principles. First, focus on channeling your creativity into tangible expression – taking that initial step is crucial, as your momentum naturally builds once you begin, so if you have an idea, just begin! Second, approach your craft with authentic intentions rather than purely financial motivations. While recognition in the arts can be very difficult and giving up is very easy, create for yourself. Create for the unique perspective you can share with the world that hasn’t been shared just yet. What unique message can you share with everyone? What is something you haven’t seen yet? Finally, embrace the journey itself, as your craft offers more than just creative a output for you; it provides a meaningful escape from daily pressures while fostering personal growth, it builds community through connections with like-minded individuals, and serves as a healthy emotional outlet that boosts confidence through achievement!
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents gave my sisters and I an invaluable gift: the freedom to express ourselves authentically. While media influences helped shape who I am today, their greatest contribution was living in a creative environment free from restrictive expectations about who we should become or how we should act. My parents actively encouraged us to explore diverse activities, providing outlets for emotional expression and self-discovery in a nurturing atmosphere that celebrated our individuality. This foundational experience has profoundly shaped who my sisters and I am today, fueling my passion to inspire others through my writing, to express themselves fearlessly and authentically through their own creative pursuits.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberlopezpoetry/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@amberlopezpoetry
- Other: TikTok: @amberlopezpoetry
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
