Shelonda Montgomery
ORP: What inspired you to begin writing or creating? Has that source of inspiration changed throughout your life?
Shelonda Montgomery: What inspired me to write or create was simply hearing a character talk in my mind. This would occur and I would grab a pen and pad and write down what the character said. The more the character or characters spoke, the more I was pulled into their world. From that, I created stories. For the most part, that source of inspiration is still based on that same premise; however, from time to time, I do and have created stories from something that I endured, witnessed, heard of, or was moved by.
ORP: What does vulnerability mean to you as an artist and/or writer?
SM: Vulnerability as a writer means that I bare my soul for all to see. By this I mean, I write and then present what I created to the world. What is seen can be accepted or rejected. Rejection humbles me. Whether I am accepted or rejected, I know that it is all just part of the creative process.
ORP: What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing or creating? What advice would you give to another writer or artist?
SM: Mina Qarabaghi once wrote, “write to express, not to impress.” I live by this quote as a writer because it reminds me to just expressively write and refrain from trying to impress my reader. When I try to impress my reader, I will fail because my creation will be inauthentic and hollow. I tell other writers or artists about Mina Qarabaghi's quote because it is timeless and applicable to all forms of creativity.
ORP: What do you hope readers (or your audience) will take away from your creative work?
SM: I want readers to be entertained and have some insight and understanding of the lives and socioeconomic, personal, and cultural struggles that many of my characters face.
ORP: How does writing/art influence your worldview, and how does your worldview shape your writing/art?
SM: My writing influences my worldview because I try to create characters that are realistic, relatable, and deal with or endure common societal issues. I want to pull my readers into my character’s world. My worldview shapes my writing because it reminds me that I have a duty to fulfill by the way in which I present and depict characters. I try to stay away from stereotypes.
