Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alexandria Hulslander. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alexandria, 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?
The best way for me to keep my creativity alive is by enjoying and participating in others creativity. As a writer, I find the most inspiration by reading what others have written, regardless of it being a novel, a short story, a blog post, or a fanfic! When I read, I find myself wanting to write as well and spending some time the next few days feeling the burst of inspiration from what I read. Sometimes, if reading doesn’t do the trick, I will try watching a new show or content creator on YouTube to find different sources of information. I also enjoy working creatively with friends because we all can support and encourage one another.
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?
I would quantify what I do into three categories: Full-Time Job, Passions, and Freelance Work! For my full-time job I currently work as a copywriter and editor for a tech company where I write gaming projector articles, review all the content that gets published on the website, and support content/product campaigns. My favorite part of my job is writing the gaming articles, because I get to test out top of the line projectors and play the games I love! For my passions, I write short stories (and of course try to get them all published) and run a personal blog to share my writing skills. I mainly write game reviews on my blog, but I utilize is as a portfolio where I highlight everything I’ve done and test out new forms of writing, include short form and journalistic styles. I have chosen to focus on reviews because it combines my passion for gaming with my passion for writing! Finally, I work as a freelance beta-reader and editor for any/all kinds of written word. I have mainly worked on short stories, but I have experience with product copy, novels, and personal statements. I plan to continue this work for as long as possible because it allows me to discover new creativity from others. Upcoming I have a short story that will be published in the next addition of RIZE Anthology, I am working on a continues gaming projector series, and I am writing the first draft of a high-fantasy novel!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
This is a tricky question because I wasn’t sure how to select three things, but to narrow it down to three I would say: My support system, my editing skills, and my creative writing skills. 1) My support system I attribute as a good quality of my life because they are the people who are able to encourage me no matter if I’m down, unmotivated, or unsure where to go. When I work on something new, they are happy to listen to my ideas and ask questions to get my thinking. They read what I work on, providing helpful feedback so I can grow. And, most importantly, they fully believe in my abilities as a creative individual.
2) My editing skills have been a huge positive impact on my journey because, utilizing them, I have been able to gain freelance work and get my current job. Editing comes naturally to me and I find it enjoyable, which is something not many people feel, so when I share that I have strong editing skills people trust me word for my work and the feedback I provide.
3) My creative writing skills are the most impactful to my journey because that’s what I do for a living, I am a creative writer! But developing these skills took time, and I began writing in middle school with fanfiction, finding a passion for creating and eventually getting a degree in it. I love what I do, and I love how many opportunities are open to me because of my creative mind.
My advice to others who are starting their journey would be develop a strong support system, because that is the most beneficial skill you can have. No matter what, you will face struggles and hard times, or times where you feel unmotivated and depressed. But if you have people behind you, offering you the support you need, you’ll be able to find your way back to your creative journey and be confident in what you do!
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 number one challenge right now is my severe ADHD. I have always struggled with ADHD, but for a long time was unaware of it or knew anything about it. In the past couple years I have learned a lot about it and how it was affecting me, but I felt it was manageable. Once I started a full-time in-office job, it became unmanageable. The workload, commute, and exhaustion I’ve been facing have made my ADHD come to a peak, but going into 2024 I decided it was time to do something about it. I found a doctor, schedule an appointment, and have begun the process to get the help I need. I have so many things I want to be able to do creatively, but have been facing off with this challenge for too long, and I am looking forward to the improvements I’ll see as I receive proper help. It was scary to begin this journey, but with the right care I know I will come out stronger.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://writinguntilragnarok.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selenelaufey/ AND https://www.instagram.com/untilwriting/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandriahulslander/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SeleneLaufey
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYKgs6hdqu5DJOAJKvGXaqA
