Who are you?
Nick Berg, based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Currently, I work as SVP of Digital Platforms for SoftServe, a digital engineering company. I am a part-time writer.
What do you write?
I started writing as a way to process my own experiences and to explore the rich tapestry of history and personal struggle. Writing began as a therapeutic outlet and evolved into a passion for storytelling, particularly stories that bridge cultural divides and offer insights into human resilience. In terms of themes, I steer clear of overly simplistic depictions of good versus evil. My focus is on the grey areas of human experience—the complexities and internal conflicts that define us. As for words, I try to avoid those that feel unnatural or forced in the context of my characters' worlds. I absolutely love what I do. Writing is not just a profession but a way of connecting with others, of telling stories that might otherwise go unheard. It's deeply fulfilling to craft narratives that resonate with readers, offering them perspectives that challenge and enlighten. This connection, this ability to touch the lives of others through words, is why I continue to write and explore new stories.
Where do you write?
I usually write in a small, quiet home office that overlooks the yard. The space is designed to minimize distractions and maximize comfort, with a large desk, a comfortable chair, and plenty of natural light filtering through large windows. On the walls, I have framed invitation cards to President Obama's first inauguration and a signed Christmas card from the Obama Family. I also have pictures of places that inspire my writing, including scenes from Tehran and New York City, reflecting the settings of my stories. I have 3 cats in my office that usually keep me company and they are a welcome distraction in the writing process.
For writing, I primarily use a laptop with word processing software that allows me to easily organize my drafts and research notes. I use an E-writer for taking notes. Additionally, I use a few apps to keep my research organized and to block out distractions when necessary. A digital note-taking app helps me keep track of character details and plot points, while a website blocker keeps social media and other distractions at bay during my writing hours. This environment, combined with these tools, helps me stay focused and creative.
When do you write?
I tend to write in the mornings on the weekends when my mind is clearest. A typical writing session for me starts around 8 AM and can last until noon. I find this time of day to be particularly conducive to creativity, as it's usually quieter and I can write undisturbed. I do set goals for myself, but they're more flexible than rigid. I aim for a word count of about 1,000 to 1,500 words per session, though I don't strictly enforce this if I'm not feeling particularly inspired or if I'm deeply involved in research for my next scene. Instead of strict deadlines, I focus more on the flow of the narrative and maintaining a consistent pace in developing the story.
While I do have deadlines, these are typically broad enough to allow for a comfortable writing pace without sacrificing the quality of my work. No one else sets daily writing goals for me; it's important that I manage my own schedule to keep the process enjoyable and creatively fulfilling. This self-directed approach helps keep my writing fresh and exciting, allowing me to remain deeply engaged with the material. Discipline is the important part of this process, and it's a trait that I learned and kept for life from my military days.
Why do you write?
I write because it allows me to explore and express complex ideas and emotions that resonate with both personal and universal themes. The act of writing is not just a means of communication for me; it's a way to connect with others on a deeper level, to share experiences that might otherwise remain isolated or misunderstood.
What fuels me is the opportunity to tell stories that bridge cultural divides, bringing to light the shared human experiences across different backgrounds and histories. The thought that my writing might help someone feel seen, understood, or less alone is incredibly motivating.
Inspiration for me comes from a variety of sources. Historical events, personal memories, and the stories of people I meet all spark ideas for characters, plots, and settings. The rich tapestry of life, with its struggles and triumphs, constantly drives me to keep writing, exploring new perspectives, and delving into the intricacies of human nature and resilience.
How do you overcome writer's block?
Since most of my writing is deeply rooted in personal experience and based on true stories, writer’s block hasn’t posed a significant challenge for me. My process involves a constant reflection on my own life events, which naturally supplies a steady stream of material to work with.
To keep the ideas flowing, I often revisit my past experiences, delving deeper into the emotions and details that might not have been fully explored initially. This reflective practice ensures that I always have a rich source of content to draw from, which keeps my writing authentic and engaging.
Additionally, discussing these experiences with others can often provide new insights or perspectives that enhance the narratives I'm working on. This ongoing engagement with both my history and how it resonates with others enriches my writing and keeps it closely tied to real-life inspirations, effectively bypassing traditional blocks that might stymie other writers.
Bonus: What do you enjoy doing when not writing?
When I'm not writing, one of my favorite ways to unwind and recharge is by diving into the world of electronic music, both as a listener and a creator. I have a deep appreciation for the genre and enjoy experimenting with creating my own electronic tracks. This hobby not only allows me to express myself in a different artistic form but also helps clear my mind, often providing a rhythmic backdrop to new ideas and inspirations for my writing.
I love exploring new sounds and synthesizing beats, which is a creative process quite similar to writing in its need for balance and innovation. It’s exhilarating to blend different electronic elements to create something entirely new and personally meaningful. This intersection of music and narrative creativity fuels both my passions, making each more enriching and enjoyable.
My thanks to Nick Berg for today's interview.