Onika Howdyn, weaver of tales, wifey, mother of two, backyard chicken enthusiast, and foodie
The Creative Council
Welcome to The Creative Council, where I interview creatives about their lives and work and the ups and downs of being a creative soul.
Today’s interviewee is Onika Howdyn!
Onika has been a weaver of tales in the deepest realms of Jöro for a decade or more. Besides being an author, she is a wifey, a mother of two, a backyard chicken enthusiast, and a foodie. Growing up, she adored films with a hint of darkness such as The Dark Crystal, Watership Down, and The Last Unicorn.
Fun Fact: Her spirit guide, Bob Ross, and she share the same birthday.
The Interview
Hi Onika! Welcome to The Creative Council! I can’t wait to hear what wisdom you have in store for us.
· When did you start creating? Do you remember what pulled you in?
I’ve always been a creative person, since I was a kid. Growing up, I’d memorize entire movie scripts, draw comic books, and put on plays with my cousins. I always considered writing stories a hobby – until 2012, when I wrote my first ‘novel’ and really started getting into world building. The passion continued to grow from there.
· When did you start pursuing your current craft for real? As in, when did you begin to take yourself seriously as a creator?
I decided I was going to publish a book in 2013 but got sidetracked after we found out we were having a baby. Fast-forward to 2017, when I finally had the chance to revisit the dream and get serious about writing.
· How long did it take you to complete your first work?
I completed my first work in 2012 and wrote countless other drafts since. But I completed my first draft that I actually published in 2022. I have since published two novels and one novella. Now, I am focusing on my fantasy works, which I have been working on since those 2012 days.
· How long does it generally take you to complete a work?
It depends what genre. I can bang out a contemporary novel in 2–4 months. Fantasy, well… that’s another story entirely. Sometimes, it takes a year or more. I usually write a chunk, stop to recharge my world building batteries, and then go at it again. And I usually end up re-writing entire drafts. It’s more of a growth process with my fantasy world.
· What has been your biggest ‘mistake’ thus far?
Investing money when I had no idea what I was doing. There is a lot to learn in self-publishing, and I really had no clue how the process worked. But I welcome those mistakes because it’s how I learned.
· What would you tell people about to make that same mistake?
Ask questions. Do the research. Read and learn as much as you can about self-publishing before walking the path.
· Of all the milestones you’ve reached thus far, what has been your favourite?
Being published! That and all the amazing folks I’ve met throughout my author journey. Some of my most favorite people in the world. There really is a great, supportive community out there wanting you to succeed.
· When was the last time you celebrated a creative milestone?
I have one I am about to celebrate with the launch of my Kickstarter on Sept. 15th! But before that, my first novel in 2022.
· What do you struggle with most as a creative person?
Being inspired to work and focus on one novel at a time. I can’t do it. Never could. Which is why I write in multiple genres because I have too many ideas in too many kinds of worlds with too many crazy characters.
· Have you always had that struggle or has it changed over time?
Always a struggle. But I don’t plan on changing anytime soon.
· What advice would you give to creatives dealing with the same?
Go where inspiration tells you. Set deadlines. Both of those have helped me stay focused and sane.
· Sane is good! And what do you do to stay inspired?
I live my life and dream as much as I can.
· What is the biggest compliment you ever received about your work?
It’s so weird to hear from fellow authors that I inspire them and they admire me for my tenacity and drive. It’s nice to hear but still strange. I don’t think I’m any more special than the next author trying to succeed.
· What’s the best creative advice you’ve ever received?
Go with your gut and take the path that is right for you. Not necessarily the one everyone else is taking. And always be willing to do the hard work.
You can find Onika and her work here:
Onika’s Kickstarter campaign for The Dragon Favorite, a dark postpartum fantasy novel that’s book 1 in a slow-burn high fantasy duology filled with forbidden magic, powerful dragons, and hopeless hearts, goes live 15 September.
Are you a creative and would you like to be interviewed next? E-mail me at marielle@mswordsmith.nl and we’ll make it happen!