E779 - Mandie Dufour - Sci-fi, fantasy, and horror writer's new book Devour

EPISODE 779 - Mandie Dufour - Sci-fi, fantasy, and horror writer's new book Devour In this episode, Mandie Dufour shares her lifelong journey as a writer, shaped by early exposure to books and a deep love of storytelling. Growing up in Atlantic Canada, she found inspiration in both literature and pop culture, from Margaret Atwood to superhero stories and anime, which influenced her early creative voice. What began as unstructured, imaginative writing evolved into a more intentional craft rooted in character development and emotional depth. Mandie emphasizes that storytelling is deeply personal. She encourages writers to trust their instincts and tell the stories that matter to them, rather than chasing trends or perfection. For her, the biggest hurdle many writers face is finishing a first draft. She highlights that imperfect beginnings are essential, because editing cannot happen without something on the page. Letting go of perfectionism is part of embracing the full creative process. A strong advocate for individuality in storytelling, Mandie speaks about balancing genre expectations with creative freedom. While understanding audience expectations is important, she believes writers should not be afraid to challenge conventions and explore new directions. Her own process is character-driven, often starting with a concept and evolving as the characters begin to take on lives of their own, sometimes resisting the original plan. Her novel Devour reflects this philosophy. Set in a distant galaxy thousands of years in the future, the story blends sci-fi, horror, Norse-inspired mythology, and romance. At its core is a young mechanic faced with a choice between safety and purpose, as her world struggles with a water crisis. Themes of fate, courage, and the ripple effects of choice run throughout the narrative, alongside deeper questions about mortality and meaning. Mandie also highlights the importance of community in what is often a solitary craft. From local writing groups in Saint John to online platforms like Wattpad, she credits connection and shared experience as key drivers of growth. She openly discusses stepping outside of her comfort zone, embracing her authentic self, and doing the hard things that move both her writing and personal development forward. Ultimately, this conversation is a reminder that creativity is both a personal and communal journey. Writing is not just about producing stories, but about discovering voice, perspective, and purpose along the way. Key takeaway: Your story matters because it is uniquely yours, and the most important step is to write it, finish it, and allow it to evolve through both courage and community. https://www.instagram.com/mandiewritesfiction/ Support 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