Steph Nelson began writing fiction while deployed to Iraq as an Army behavioral health officer. Faced with the stressors of war, Steph used her writing as a way to process her experiences. Following her military service, Steph moved to the Washington, DC area where she currently works as a social worker. At a local book club, she met her good friend and writing partner, Jeff Durkin. After learning that Jeff also wrote fiction, they decided to collaborate on ideas for novels and other creative projects. Steph enjoys exploring places near and far, sunshine, deep conversations, hot sauce (the spicier the better), spa days, a warm cup of tea or coffee, and spending time with her family. She lives in Arlington, Virginia.

Why do you write? Writing is a form of therapy for me. When I’m undergoing stress, particularly when the world feels dark and foggy around me, writing gives me a sense of clarity. On a blank page, I can quiet chaos, organize my racing thoughts and process complex experiences. I can’t control other people, but I can control my characters and story arcs. When I write, it gives me hope that while I may not always like the circumstances I’m facing, there is always a new chapter and a different, more empowered narrative we can tell ourselves. 

Do you listen to music while you write? Sometimes, and it’s all over the map, depending on my mood and what I’m writing. A kinetic action scene – EDM or K-pop. A darker, moody scene – 90s grunge/alt rock. A heady, intellectual scene – classical. 

What’s your tip for pushing past writer’s block? Don’t think, act. I get myself in front of the computer and start typing. It may look like a hot mess at first, but eventually a story forms the longer I sit there. I almost always have a journal on me, so I’ll use that if I’m not in the mood to sit at my computer. I’ve found that writing using old-fashioned pencil/paper is enough to break a big mental block most of the time.

What’s your favorite drink while writing? I like warm beverages, even on hot days, so either a decaf black coffee or tea (caffeine turns me into an anxious insomniac). Lately I’ve been enjoying Rooibos tea. I’ll make an entire pot, put it on a tea candle warmer and go to town.