Digital Engagement Editor SaMya Overall

This week’s Writer Wednesday features SaMya Overall!

Based in Livonia, SaMya is the Digital Engagement Editor at Outlier Media and an aspiring novelist. A lifelong reader, she began writing short stories in grade school and hasn’t stopped since. Read more about her below!

What writing projects are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on “Survival,” a dystopian novel about resistance during a government-induced contagion. I’m also working on “I Never Claimed to Be an Optimist,” a poetry collection exploring overthinking, resilience, love and doubt.

What is your favorite part of the writing process?

My favorite part of the writing process is learning my characters. I love drafting scenes for my novel characters that may never make the final book, but still help me get into their minds and craft their narrative. It’s fun!
What does your writing workspace look like?
My at-home writing space is a messy desk with my laptop and monitor and a comfy chair. But I typically prefer writing at coffee shops in and around Detroit, with a mocha latte, my laptop and my best people-watching skills.

When did you first discover your love for writing? Were there any key moments or influences that sparked your passion?

I’ve always been a reader first. In grade school, I was really shy, so I’d keep a book with me, and eventually started writing short stories in a little journal I carried. My 5th grade teacher, Ms. Hale, loved my writing and definitely encouraged me to keep doing it. She also would buy books like “Divergent” and “Hunger Games,” and let me borrow them.

What is your favorite non-writing hobby?

Probably playing video games or watching video games on YouTube! I’m a huge @berleezy fan — and we both have English degrees.

What is your favorite piece of writing advice?

Tell the story your way. It’s easy to feel like a story has already been told enough times, but no one can tell a story like you do. So write the Cinderella retelling, the modern spin on Great Gatsby, an evil Little Mermaid, whatever. Just write it!

Follow SaMya’s writing accounts @suburbanBLKwriter on Threads and Instagram. Follow Outlier’s social media accounts on Instagram, Threads, Facebook and TikTok.

— Interview by Jenna Hausmann