This week’s Writer Wednesday features Writing Room member Caryn Machon!
Based in Dearborn Heights, Caryn is a special education teacher and dedicated writer whose creative journey began in her teens but truly came to life during her sobriety journey. A powerful inner voice told her, “You need to write,” and she’s been writing nearly every night since. Read more about her below!
When did you first discover your love for writing? Were there any key moments or influences that sparked your passion?
I always loved coming up with stories and enjoyed writing. When I told my parents I wanted to be a writer, they said you mean journalist. In high school, it became obvious I had a knack for it. I became interested in writing a book after a story I thought up when I was 16 stayed with me. When I began pursuing sobriety, I had the intuition, “You need to write,” and I started writing the story after so many years. It has grown to encompass multiple time periods and characters, that was six years ago. My writing fell off during the pandemic, but when I was diagnosed with breast cancer and searching for alternative explanations. I came across the suggestion that if a creative person doesn’t let their craft out, it can cause disease in their body. So, I have written almost every night for four years without fail.
What writing projects are you currently working on?
A prequel to my novel “The Summoned Outsider” called “The Sundering.”
What is your favorite part of the writing process?
Most parts I love. I love the story creation. I view word craft as a puzzle I enjoy.
What does your writing workspace look like?
It's my bed; I write at night when my son is sleeping. It frequently includes my cat.
What is your favorite non-writing hobby?
Hiking or camping.
What is your favorite piece of writing advice?
Keep writing and listen for the insights in feedback.
Connect with Caryn on Bluesky at @carynjmachon.bsky.social.
— Interview by Jenna Hausmann