How did you become a writer?

I started writing poems when I was about seven years old. I had a lot of big feelings, and it was a place for me to put them all. That writing grew into performance pieces; monologues, plays, sketch comedy, stand-up, and eventually novel writing. I was an actor for many years, and writing my own material was a way to stay creative and keep performing in between hired gigs.

Name your writing influences (writers, books, teachers, etc.).

My parents had a beauty salon (my dad was a hairdresser), and one of my dad's clients was the highly respected South African writer Isaac Pfaff. He had written over a dozen plays, three novels, and many short stories and radio plays. A lot of his writing centered around human rights and compassion. My dad mentioned that I was also interested in writing, and Mr. Pfaff took it upon himself to read my work and offer feedback. For years he would check-in and follow up on my writing progress. I was barely a teenager, but his interest and encouragement made all the difference. Much later, after many years as an actor, I returned to school, enrolling in UCLA Extensions' Writing Program. There I studied under the wonderful writer Caroline Leavitt, who became my mentor and dear friend. Caroline has advised, read, critiqued, supported, and encouraged me throughout my writing journey. It is no exaggeration to say that I wouldn't be a working writer without her.  

When and where do you write?

I try to write before the rest of my life wakes up, 5:30-7:00 a.m., and then again in the afternoon after doing other freelance work like copywriting and naming. I focus better when my desk is clear. I also like to take a few hours on the weekend to write. Anytime I can get an uninterrupted stretch where no one in my family needs me, you can find me in my home office at my desk overlooking the backyard, with a thermos of coffee in hand.

What are you working on now?

Right now, I'm working on a book about three friends who are all in need of a second chance, professionally and personally. It's been ten years since they were all together, and they reunite in the city where they met twenty years earlier. 

Have you ever suffered from writer's block?

I get stuck. But I don't think of that as writer's block; I just think of it as part of the process. Often I just need to step away from the work and go for a walk. Walking always helps me.

What's the best writing advice you've ever received?

“Don't give up,” and “you're not alone.” At some point, writing feels hard and lonely and scary for everyone—even the most accomplished writers! 

What's your advice to new writers?

Try it all and find your own way. I know writers who can write anywhere: in line at the grocery store, on the subway, on their lunch break from work…and others who need three solid hours to get anything done. The important thing is to write and build a writing practice. Eventually, you'll find what works for you. Just keep at it. And know that while it can feel like everything, it isn't everything. It's words on the page, and there are an infinite number of ways to arrange them—trust that, and be sure to get out and live too, so you have things to write about! 

A graduate with distinction of UCLA Extension Writers' Program, Gina Sorell is the author of Mothers and Other Strangers, a Great Group Reads selection, and a 2017 best book of Refinery 29, and Self Magazine. Her second book, The Wise Women (HarperCollins, 4/5/2022), has been named a most anticipated book of 2022 by Parade Magazine and The Today Show's Read with Jenna Book Club Community. She lives with her family in Toronto, Canada. Visit her at www.ginasorell.com.