Frequently Asked Questions
Do you write for a living?
— No, I have a full-time job as a senior software engineer.
Do you make money as an author?
— Yes, but not as much as most people think. Definitely not enough to leave my full-time job, for now.
How do you deal with negative feedback or criticism?
— I try to see negative feedback as an opportunity to grow. Not all criticism is constructive, but when it is, I take it to heart and use it to improve my writing. I also remind myself that not every story will resonate with every reader, and that's okay.
Are your stories based on real-life experiences?
— Mostly no, real life occurrences and experiences might inspire a few things, but I blend these with a lot of fictional aspects as well. I believe that grounding certain aspects in reality can add authenticity to my stories, but ultimately, my characters and plots are strictly fictional.
Why involve religion in your writing?
— My Judaism is a core part of who I am. I'm not incorporating religion into my writing, I'm incorporating myself and what I know. When an author writes about their characters hosting a Christmas party, you don't assume they are involving Christianity into their writing. Similarly, my inclusion of Jewish themes, customs, and perspectives is a natural extension of my identity and cultural background.
For me, storytelling is not only a way to celebrate my sexuality but also preserve my cultural heritage. Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to a more inclusive literary landscape where readers can see themselves reflected in stories that embrace the complexities of not only their identity but their faith.