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.
”Unhiding” with Dr. Kelly Flanagan
Creative Pep Talk #44: Comebacks
Writing from the Trenches with John Roedel
Creative Pep Talk #43: Do It Anyway
Inside Book Publishing with Tom Colgan
Creative Pep Talk #42: Motivation
Sales for Creatives with Annie P. Ruggles
Creative Pep Talk #41: Listen To Your Wisdom
Authenticity and Enthusiasm with Hillary Webb
Creative Pep Talk #40: The Truth
Replay: It’s Gonna Be Great with Paul ”PB” Bessenbacher
Replay: Creative Pep Talk #21: Rest
The Smart Travelista with Linda King
Creative Pep Talk #39: Parallel Universe Time
Creative Pep Talk #38: You’re Normal
Trust, Flow, and Gratitude with Gael Wood
Creative Pep Talk #37: Leave Room to Be Wrong
Writing YA Fiction with Shanti Hershenson
Creative Pep Talk #36: Start Where You Are
Colin Who? with Colin Spaull
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