Lisa Gregg lives in Southeastern Utah.
What inspired you to become a creator of media?
I have loved stories and wanted to contribute creatively to the world since childhood. The desire to edit and help refine other people’s stories came later as a natural extension of that.
When I was five or six, I tried to get my dad to write down a story for me. I knew my childish handwriting was hard to read and that my spelling was bad, so I wanted a shortcut. My dad wisely used it as a learning opportunity, as dads do, and convinced me to write it myself (though he did correct my spelling).
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I recently finished and have begun revising my first full novel. Writing “the end” on the last page brought on a rush of relief and a feeling of achievement unparalleled by any I’ve previously experienced.
I also highly enjoy attending writing conferences and classes and consider them highlights as well. They’re great, both for the chance to learn and for the opportunity to interact with other lovers of the written word.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given in your creative journey?
The best advice I’ve received, I think, is to solicit and gracefully accept feedback. You don’t need to take every piece of criticism or correction, but it is important to realize that you are not perfect and other people can help you improve. I think that advice is helpful in writing and in life. Humility and a willingness to be corrected can be difficult to develop—I’m definitely not a master at it—but it is very helpful in the long run.
What advice do you have for someone just starting out in your field?
The advice is the same for both writing and editing: just keep practicing. Write, write, write, and read, read, read. Read stories, read history books, read books on writing. Find podcasts and classes and videos online about writing, and see what they have to teach you. If you are a big fan of a movie or book, try writing fanfiction for it. Then, put it online and get feedback on your writing. Practice may not make perfect, but it will certainly make you better.
What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?
The world is full of inspiration. However, I personally think the most interesting story inspirations come from combining two or more interesting things together in a “what if” scenario.
What would you like others to know about you or your creative process?
I am a writer of sci-fi, fantasy, and whatever else tickles my fancy. In the past, I have been a poetry editor for a literary magazine and a corporate editor in an office, but now I edit fiction (and very occasionally nonfiction) on a freelance basis. I’ve also recently taken a position as an assistant librarian, which is great fun.
As far as my process goes, I’m a night-writer generally, and I spend the day letting words and ideas digest. I believe in going on walks and seeking stillness. I think pondering, putting in the work spiritually, is necessary to put out good creative work.
How do we find you online?
You can find me on Instagram @lisatgreggwrites and my website www.lisatgregg.com.