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.
Please leave a review for this episode and in it, tell us about a time when you took a risk.
If you enjoyed our conversation, I hope you’ll share it with a friend.
Want more? Here's a handy playlist with all my previous interviews with guests in writing.
Creative Pep Talk #26: Be on Your Own Side
Storytelling and SEO with Alison ver Halen
Creative Pep Talk #25: Keep It to Yourself
The Importance of Fun with John Peel
Creative Pep Talk #24: Don’t Rush It
Letting Your Light Shine with Fr. Michael Rossmann
Creative Pep Talk #23: Creating Happiness
Experimental Creativity with Leonie Dawson
Creative Pep Talk #22: Appreciation
Replay: Talking to God with John Roedel
Creative Pep Talk #21: Rest
Creative Pep Talk #20: I Don‘t Know
The Power of Mentorship with Tara Thieleke
Creative Pep Talk #19: Courage
Replay: Coming Out of the Cave with Eddie Louise
Creative Pep Talk #18: Ask
Creative Pep Talk #17: Flow vs. Pressure
Noticing Our Patterns with Kate Chapman
Creative Pep Talk #16: Finding Your Audience
Setting Up Success with Madeleine Holly-Rosing
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Navigating Life After 40
Teaching Learning Leading K-12
Regenerative Skills
The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast
The Mel Robbins Podcast