Alex Poppe decided when she was in her 20s to leave her corporate job and become an actor, with no acting experience at all. After acting for 12 years, she followed her travel instincts, becoming certified to teach English overseas and moving to multiple countries, including Iraq, to pursue teaching and humanitarian work, and writing. Alex is the author of four works of fiction: Duende, Jinwar and Other Stories, Moxie, and Girl, World. Her writing has won numerous awards, including the International Book Award, Reader’s Choice Book Award, and a 35 over 35 Debut Book Award. Alex tells me about her decision to become an actor, how she made the move into teaching abroad—and what she’s learned from both experiences—how her time abroad has influenced her writing, and more.
Episode breakdown:
05:28 16 years teaching, actor training influences writing.
09:55 Networking in theater leads to humanitarian aid.
15:13 Teaching experiences in Middle East were heartfelt.
17:59 Studied and worked in Erbil and Germany.
21:55 Children witnessing war, finding innocence amid turmoil.
25:40 Homesickness, friendships, and social pressures at boarding school.
32:42 Shocked friend describes disturbing bar experience.
33:30 A shocking experience inspired her book writing.
37:14 Returned to the States, started writing in 2010.
41:49 Lyrical book with dense language.
47:30 Exploring character, tone, and emotion in writing.
51:56 Navigating uncertainty in creative process with flexibility.
55:33 Book inspired by old photo, friendship celebration.
Check out the full show notes at fycuriosity.com, and connect with me and fellow creatives on Substack.
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Want more? Here's a handy playlist with all my previous interviews with guests in writing.
You Never Know Until You Try with Alex Rudy
Learning by Doing with Desiree Argentina
Good Grammar with Curtis Honeycutt
Living an Intuitive Life with Kelly Abanda
Happily Homeless with Alison Miller
Replay: Modeling Disease Outbreaks with Robert Smith?
Giving Ourselves Permission with Sam Kimberle
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Harnessing Your Brain Power with Katy-Rose Bye
From Tech to Theatre with Rupert Goodwins
"Yes, and..." with Jennifer Nasta Zefutie
Off to a Good Start with Kate Hutcheson
Replay: The Gifts of Creativity with Dr. Kelly Flanagan
Happy Accidents with Anthony Wilson
Replay: Art's What's Gonna Save Us with Domenic Sciortino
Crushing Classical with Tracy Friedlander
Bringing Death into Life with Tara Sroka
"There Is No Magic Path" with Kristen Good
Finding a True Path with Michelle Ward
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