{"id":11759,"date":"2025-05-16T15:17:54","date_gmt":"2025-05-16T19:17:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/writersblog-backend.inkitt.com\/?p=11759"},"modified":"2025-05-16T15:17:54","modified_gmt":"2025-05-16T19:17:54","slug":"how-writing-became-therapy-an-interview-with-iandra-taylor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/writersblog-backend.inkitt.com\/how-writing-became-therapy-an-interview-with-iandra-taylor\/","title":{"rendered":"How Writing Became Therapy: An Interview with Iandra Taylor"},"content":{"rendered":"

We had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Iandra Taylor<\/strong><\/a>, the brilliant mind behind Do You Want to Be Trapped<\/em><\/a>, a gripping new release on Galatea. From childhood stories hidden away in drawers to signing her first publishing contract, Iandra opens up about her journey as a writer, how she found her voice through storytelling, and why bedtime stories aren\u2019t just for kids. Whether you\u2019re a fellow author or just love a good origin story, this interview is filled with inspiration and warmth.<\/p>\n

Inkitt: What inspired you to start writing?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Iandra:<\/b> I wrote a lot as a child but would always hide my stories and end up throwing them away. I started writing again in 2020 after losing my father. It was kind of like therapy for me to immerse myself in a different world for a while and find peace in a place that wasn’t my direct life at the time.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Inkitt:<\/b> How did you discover the Inkitt platform and what has your experience been like?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Iandra:<\/b> I heard about Inkitt from a friend who also reads a lot. I’ve loved the platform from the beginning. The readers are so respectful and supportive that it makes it feel more like a family than a group of strangers who read your stories. My readers have given me the courage to continue writing even when I thought I was doing a bad job.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Inkitt: <\/b>What was it like when your story started gaining traction?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Iandra:<\/b> Seeing my story gaining traction was odd at first. I felt like it was happening to someone else. I didn’t tell anyone that I was writing and never let anyone I know read anything. When I hit that first 1000 reads I started to feel like it was happening to me. It was beyond exciting but I still never told anyone I was writing.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Inkitt: <\/b>When did you publish your first book and how did that change things for you?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Iandra:<\/b> My first book came out in 2021. I was so shocked that something I wrote was popular enough to be put on this amazing app. It also was the catalyst for me to finally tell someone I was writing. Had to let the hubby know I was signing a contract!<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Inkitt: <\/b>What’s your unique writing process?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Iandra Taylor, author on Inkitt and Galatea (profile illustration)<\/p><\/div>\n

Iandra:<\/b> This is the funny part about my writing. <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

My stories start as bedtime stories I tell myself to help me fall asleep. I start thinking through the story as I’m laying there trying to fall asleep. Each night I pick up where I left off and it just builds each night. The story can come from just about anywhere or anything that’s happened in my life.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Inkitt: <\/b>How do you develop your characters?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Iandra:<\/b> I look at my characters and slowly mold them into the person I want them to be. I often put myself in the characters’ spot and think about how I would react and change. <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

I put a lot of myself into my female leads. I let them achieve the things I may not be able to do myself.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Inkitt: <\/b>What helps you stay organized while writing?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Iandra:<\/b> I love making notebooks for each of my books. I put pictures of how I think the characters or places look. I write all the little details about them in there and then outline as I go. It’s me to keep track of all those little details that we writers try to remember.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Inkitt: <\/b>What recurring theme do you explore in your writing?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Iandra:<\/b> The theme of ‘it’s never too late.’ Whether it’s finding love or becoming a stronger person, I want my characters to live life to the fullest.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Inkitt: <\/b>What advice would you give to aspiring writers?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Iandra:<\/b> Write what you love. If you don’t love the story you’re creating then chances are others won’t either. It’s never too late to reach for the stars and do what you love.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Inkitt: <\/b>What has been your biggest challenge as a writer?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Iandra:<\/b> Overcoming my self-doubt has been the hardest for me. I struggle with confidence in my stories, but the comments and support from the readers has pulled me out of that hole so many times. My readers are the best!<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Inkitt: <\/b>How do you overcome writer’s block?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Iandra:<\/b> I overcome writer’s block by talking to the people in my life. I ask vague questions that I think will help me find the answers I’m looking for. The people don’t always know why I’m asking or that they are helping me unlock the door to the story that seemed shut and locked up tight.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n

Iandra Taylor\u2019s<\/strong><\/a> path to publishing is proof that it\u2019s never too late to follow your passion\u2014and that even quiet, hidden stories can grow into something powerful. Her honesty, creativity, and connection with readers have helped shape her into the writer she is today. Be sure to check out her debut on Galatea, Do You Want to Be Trapped<\/em><\/a>, and stay tuned for what she dreams up next\u2014likely while drifting off to sleep.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

We had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Iandra Taylor, the brilliant mind behind Do You Want to Be Trapped, a gripping new release on Galatea. From childhood stories hidden away in drawers to signing her first publishing contract, Iandra opens up about her journey as a writer, how she found her voice through storytelling,<\/p>\n

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