We were lucky to catch up with Sarina Byron recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sarina , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Great question. When I think back to how I found my purpose I can’t help but remember how my friends and I were always told by teachers and parents to live joyfully, be present in every moment, and infuse it all with a purpose. But, there was always a caveat. . .Live with a purpose but get a degree in a practical subject. . .Live with a purpose but get a highly-paid job. . . Live with a purpose but get a mortgage as soon as you can. . .Live with a purpose but prioritise work over things you love. . .You get the idea.
So the first thing I did in the journey of finding my purpose was to unlearn that. I was grateful for all the “right” choices I had been led down but I knew my sense of joy lay with the arts. I wanted to write, sketch, and paint. I began to prioritise that. I knew none of these “practical” things meant anything unless I put everything aside and focus on creating. Creation brings purpose. Surrendering to your craft is the only answer.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As an author who has contributed to over 100 published articles across various genres, my passion for literature permeates every aspect of my life. Whether I’m engaged in artistic endeavors or serving on a nonprofit board, literature remains at the core of my pursuits. The transformative experience of attending the Yale Writers’ Workshop during the extraordinary summer of ’22 has sparked the creation of a book that is currently taking shape on my laptop. In parallel, I continue to work on reviews of classic books for Book Series Recaps. Furthermore, I am currently embracing my first venture into the realm of political writing, embarking on the exciting journey of launching a blog on my personal website, sarinabyron.com.
The most exhilarating aspect of writing lies in its ability to grant the freedom to explore ordinary occurrences through the lens of the extraordinary. Delving beneath the surface, writers uncover moments of bravery, concealed anguish, and a treasure trove of human emotions that often go unnoticed in the hustle of everyday life. Introspection occupies a significant space in my daily routine, and although it can be overwhelming at times, transforming observations into words has become my primary source of inspiration and fascination.
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?
As a writer few things help more than to simply keep writing.
Feeling joyful? Write. Feeling melancholic? Write. Experiencing anxiety? Write. It is through the very act of writing that a writer hones their craft and improves. Reflecting on my journey, all I can express is gratitude for taking that initial step. I wrote incessantly, without pausing to question if it was the correct course of action or the optimal choice given the circumstances. All uncertainties and hesitations dissipated as I experienced the thrill of being simultaneously published in multiple magazines.
Drawing from my own experiences, the most valuable advice I can offer to aspiring artists is to simply begin. Don’t fret about formal classes, perfect techniques, or even your level of skill. Just start creating. Through this process, you’ll discover your own capabilities and artistic prowess. As you progress, adjust and refine your approach as necessary, whether by enrolling in a class, seeking inspiration, or connecting with fellow artists.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
The aspiration to write a book resides within every writer. It encompasses the desire to transform their innermost thoughts and fantasies into a captivating narrative that can be cherished by readers worldwide. However, even the most courageous writer may find the idea of crafting a book daunting. This is precisely where the presence of a Mentor becomes invaluable.
A mentor serves as a source of inspiration, guidance, and motivation for aspiring writers, propelling them forward on their creative journey. Personally, I was fortunate to find such a mentor in Kristin Bair, an accomplished writer and esteemed instructor. Her book, Agatha Arch is Afraid of Everything, has earned recognition as a “Best New Book” by People magazine. Beyond her literary achievements, what truly sets Kristin apart is her genuine kindness and compassion. Our paths crossed at Yale, and since then, she has become my greatest source of inspiration and unwavering support, urging me to keep writing more of what matters to me.
So, the best advice I can give is to seek out a mentor or foster a supportive network that will uplift you, particularly during moments of profound uncertainty. Surround yourself with individuals who refuse to let you surrender and consistently encourage your creative pursuits.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sarinabyron.com/aspublishedelsewhere
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarinatrodriguez/?hl=en
Image Credits
Byron Esteban
