Meet Natasha Simmons | Author and Ghost Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Natasha Simmons and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Natasha, what inspires you?
As a writer, I’m interested in exploring authentic aspects of the human experience, particularly the deeper, darker layers that are difficult to talk about openly. Therefore, I often find myself inspired at random times by doing normal life stuff. Things like being in nature, reading, traveling, long conversations, and viewing other forms of creative expression are some of my favorite ways to cultivate inspiration when my work is lacking color. Dealing with mental health struggles, grief, frustrating mistakes, and heartbreak are also inspiring in essential, though less pleasant ways.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Reaching this point in my writing career has been a chaotic journey. I was lucky to study creative writing in college and explore my passion enthusiastically. One of my initial challenges was finding the confidence to even pursue this path. Writing is a skill that takes time to develop, and I loved writing long before I was good at it. That love for writing motivated me to overcome the challenges as I dedicated myself to improving, and continue to strive for growth.

A more difficult, unexpected challenge arose in 2020 when my husband passed away. Worsening mental health issues followed, along with an increased need to do more ghost writing. My passion for my favorite projects dwindled. Writing was one of the things that mattered most to me. So, I felt lost when it became a source of frustration rather than something I loved.

It took a few years of spiraling into my breaking point before I was able to come back from that. When I was at my lowest, I turned to writing a passion project that had been growing in my mind for months. I poured my pain, triumphs, truths, reflections, and shame into this book, mixed with creativity that grew the more I worked on it. I’m currently in the process of editing this manuscript. It’s been one of the most impactful books I’ve written so far. Regardless of what the outcome of writing it turns out to be, I’m grateful that through writing, I was able to get back to being more aligned with my authentic self again.

I’ll add, getting properly diagnosed and treated for my mental health issues helped as well. I personally suggest art paired with support to intervene in the case of any spiraling descents into madness.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My absolute favorite experience in Phoenix is the Beautifica show at the Dorrance Planetarium. The Japanese Friendship Garden, Botanical Garden, and Butterfly Wonderland have great peaceful sanctuary vibes. A few of my favorite artsy places are Wonderspaces, the Phoenix Art Museum, and The Heard. Ghost Poetry Show hosts the best poetry slams at the Rebel Lounge. Plus, there’s a wide range of hiking trails. Piestewa Peak is my personal favorite trail in Phoenix.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Everyone I’ve met throughout my life has played a role in where I am today. My nephew, River, is a reminder of the best parts of life. My sisters are forever friends that I’m eternally grateful for. I’m thankful for friends who help keep me sane when life is overwhelming. As for those who’ve made life more difficult, well, I can even thank them for the darker inspiration.

Website: https://natashawriting.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natasha.writing/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/natasha_writing

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natashawriting

Other: https://www.amazon.com/Whispers-Innocence-Natasha-Simmons-ebook/dp/B09XWPZWNF