EPISODE 710 - Corey Croft - Wrestling With Your Writing, A Novella - France V. BrazilIn this episode, author Corey Croft joins the show from Vancouver to explore the realities of writing, the creative life and the difficult choices facing modern authors. Corey speaks candidly about the tension between traditional and independent publishing, explaining that neither path is easy. One demands the perseverance to face repeated rejection while the other requires the stamina to handle every piece of the work alone. For Corey, the deciding factor always comes back to feedback. Writers need readers, and honest critique can illuminate which publishing route makes sense and what a story truly needs.Corey describes his creative evolution from a younger, more dramatic writer to one now grounded in clarity, craft and emotional honesty. He explains how his latest novella France v Brazil ninety eight reflects this transition. The book is a compact, introspective character study about a man unraveling emotionally and spiritually after years of isolation. It blends existential themes with dark humour in a way that nods to Camus and Sartre, posing questions about control, freedom and the limits of understanding oneself. Corey emphasizes that while the subject matter is heavy, the story is not meant to glamorize mental illness. Instead, it seeks to express genuine human struggle in a way that lets readers see themselves in the character’s vulnerabilities.The conversation turns toward artistry and presentation, including Corey’s unconventional book covers and his longstanding creative collaboration with his brother. He explains that he values originality over trends, both in visuals and in writing, and that experimentation is essential for growth. Corey also speaks openly about how his characters often begin as reflections of his own emotions. Revisiting old drafts feels like revisiting earlier versions of himself, allowing him to refine characters from anger into something more complex and relatable.Though the novella is small in scope, Corey intends its impact to be personal and profound. He hopes readers approach his work without preconceived notions and feel something authentic, whether admiration or discomfort. For him, art exists to make people think, feel and question, not to provide easy answers.Corey shares his website and social links where readers can explore his stories, poetry and upcoming soft launch. He notes that while self-promotion remains a challenge, creating art for its own sake continues to drive him.Key Takeaway:Corey Croft’s work reminds us that writing is both introspection and connection. The most powerful stories emerge when we let go of perfection, invite feedback and embrace the honest, messy work of understanding ourselves through the characters we create.https://coreycroftauthor.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca