Communications Lead, Book Author, Fiction Writer, Avid Reader
Dear readers and writers, welcome to my new interview story, which introduces another book author and an accomplished writer whose writing impressed me a lot. I enjoy interacting with people from diverse cultures, countries, and professional backgrounds. I have been interviewing professionals for a long time. I am writing this from my secondary account to find new readers for these interviews. For those unfamiliar, my main account is Dr Mehmet Yildiz (Newsletter).
On this platform, I specifically enjoy interviewing writers. Each writer’s interview is special to me as each person is unique. My goal is to introduce them to my audience so that they can meet another interesting/relatable person on this planet and explore their work. I discussed the Importance and Remarkable Benefits of Interviews in My Professional and Personal Life.
In this interview, I’d like to introduce you to one of my favorite authors Scarlet Ibis James 🦩The fiction stories of Scarlet attracted my attention when I saw then on our publications, Slack workspace, and Fiction Club on Quora. In addition, Scarlet is an avid reader and she always engages meaningfully with other writers.
Hi Scarlet, thank you for joining! Tell us a bit about your background.
Hi Mehmet, thanks for having me! I’m originally from the beautiful island of Trinidad and Tobago, where storytelling is woven into the fabric of life. Growing up there, I fell in love with stories early on. Just today, my son asked me what I did for fun as a teen, and I had to admit — school, lessons, the library, and my room reading love stories were my go-to’s! Now, I’m a wife and mother to two young men, and I work as a communications lead for a consulting company. I’m thrilled to independently publish my first novel, a collection of short stories on love, longing, and human connection. Writing has been my anchor through life’s twists and turns, and I can’t wait to share my words with the world.
What are your hobbies, or what excites or entertains you?
I’m a sucker for a good story in any form — books, movies, you name it. I’m currently reading Love in Color: Mythical Tales from Around the World, Retold by Bolu Babalola and I recently finished, loved and recommend, Drop, Cover, and Hold On by Jasmine Guillory on Audible. I saw Rob Peace at the cinema; as a mom of boys, this one really touched me. I also love exploring New York City’s Broadway and off-Broadway shows. Hell’s Kitchen, Moulin Rouge, and Table 17 are current favorites. I’m always excited by travel too — my hubby and I recently celebrated 31 years of marriage with a fantastic trip to Aruba. Oh, and dancing — I’m always up for a dance session, even if it’s just in the living room. I have many playlists on Spotify. I frequently have ‘soundtracks’ for my stories — here’s one I did for a Medium story called Beyond the Cut. It’s all about finding joy in the little moments, right?
What are the top three books that have affected your life?
That’s a great question! As a writer, I don’t always think about the authors who’ve influenced me, but three stand out.
Talia Hibbert really resonates with me. Her books, like Get a Life, Chloe Brown, feature mixed-race couples and people with real challenges. I love how she tells stories about people you don’t often see in mainstream romance, and it inspires me to do the same.
Wong Kar-wai, the filmmaker, has a special place in my heart. His films, like In the Mood for Love, explore unrequited love with such emotional subtlety. His slow, deliberate pacing influences how I write — real life isn’t always wrapped up in happy endings, and I like that kind of rawness.
Earl Lovelace, a Trinidadian writer, opened my eyes to the deep cultural wounds of colonialism and how they affect relationships. His characters are so real and imperfect, and that’s something I strive for in my own stories. My favorite book by this author is The Wine of Astonishment.
Why do you write on Medium?
Medium feels like this magical place where writers and readers connect on such a personal level. The community is so warm and supportive, and I love the challenges and prompts from editors — it keeps my creativity flowing! I’ve particularly enjoyed writing 100-word drabbles, and I’m expanding some of those into stories for my upcoming book. It’s a platform where I can experiment, and the feedback from readers is invaluable.
Here is a table of contents of sorts of my stories: <Friend Link>.
Do you write on other platforms like Substack? If so, how do you find them?
Yes, I’ve started writing on Substack too. It feels more intimate, like inviting readers directly into my world. I love that sense of closeness with my audience — it’s a growing space for me, but I appreciate how it’s evolving into a more personal way to connect.
Scarlet Writes is my Substack Publication.
What are your values as a writer?
Authenticity, empathy, and curiosity. I write about life’s messy, imperfect parts because that’s what feels real to me. Most of my stories revolve around love and marriage. Still, I also love giving a voice to people like me — women who’ve faced abandonment, or who are navigating corporate America, or just figuring out what they want. Living in New York and people-watching on the subway also inspires me; I’m always imagining the lives around me and turning those observations into stories filled with joy, hope, and redemption. My goal is to spread positivity in a world that really needs it.
How do you connect with your readers?
I love engaging with readers directly — whether through comments, social media, or even emails. I participate in weekend writing groups where we share and read each other’s stories — Shut Up & Write! It’s always rewarding when someone says my work made them reflect on their own lives. I also keep a collection of meaningful reader responses that have blessed me — it’s my reminder of why I write.
Why did you join ILLUMINATION, and how have you found it so far?
ILLUMINATION has been such a wonderful space! I joined for the sense of community and the diversity of voices. It’s such a generous, supportive group — editors and writers uplift one another constantly. It’s like New York in that way — there’s always someone around to lend a hand or offer guidance. I love giving back, too, especially in helping expand the focus on fiction writers within the group.
Who are some writers you follow on ILLUMINATION?
There are so many talented writers on and off Illumination.I want mention a few like Harry Hogg, Ryan Rucker, A A McRae, and Kallol Mazumdar. A A McRae weaves emotion and intellect so beautifully into super short drabbles and flash fiction. Susi Moore’s raw and unfiltered voice is incredible. I also follow Jessica Levine and C. Elyse who write thought-provoking, powerful pieces.
What are the top five stories you want to share with your audience and why?
I’d love to share the following:
1. “Yesterday Was The Worst Day of My Life” — A story that stretched me beyond my typical genre, proving to myself that I can go beyond the familiar.
2. “Behind the Grand Doors of Paradise: Inside the Doorman’s Mind” — A mixed reality and imagination set in Harlem, a fun experiment for me.
3. “The One With Red Hair Caught My Attention” — A drabble that became one of my most popular pieces.
4. “Devotion and Love: Enough for Life’s Devastating Paths” — A fictionalized story of personal struggle that resonates deeply with readers.
5. “An Outline: My Life in 2035” — A vision of my future told through drabbles and dribbles. Dream with me!
What do you recommend to new writers?
Just start! Don’t worry about being perfect — write for yourself first. Read widely and find a community to support your growth. The journey is so much richer when you have others to share it with.
What are your plans as a writer?
My biggest focus right now is the release of my debut collection, Scarlet Yearnings: Stories of Love and Desire! After that, I’m excited to keep exploring themes of love and connection, and I’ve promised my readers a novel called Love Interrupted; Love Ignited (working title). The journey ahead feels full of possibilities!
/media/7e93bfb57bcf03886b77351619cc6c34
Many thanks to Scarlet Ibis James 🦩 for her valuable time to give a glimpse of her interesting life. Thank you all for connecting with Scarlet and exploring her stories and new book.
I am currently reading her amazing book which I mentioned on my recent book chapter of Substack Mastery.
How Substack Writers Can Use Reedsy to Be Published Authors Methodically
Scale Your Publishing Business with Global Collaborationmedium.com
You can connect with Scarlet on LinkedIn, Quora, and ILLUMINATION Slack Workspace. Until recently, she moderated our Fiction Club on Quora. And you may subscribe to her Substack.
Scarlet Writes | Scarlet Ibis James | Substack
A place to allow fictional seeds to grow and bloom. Click to read Scarlet Writes, by Scarlet Ibis James, a Substack…scarletwrites.substack.com
Quick Updates
Good news for writers: We made the rules much easier for writers of ILLUMINATION, former ILLUMINATION-Curated now Curated Newsletters, Synergy (Newsletter Boosting), and Technology Hits. We will update the rest soon. Here are the links:
ILLUMINATION, Curated Newsletters, SYNERGY (Newsletter Booster), and Technology Hits.
A Brief Intro to our Extending Community Bridging Medium with Substack in Innovative and Collaborative Ways
Now we have a great plan for our Substack Mastery of ILLUMINATION Community I drafted the plan on my website and look forward to your feedback and engagement.
ILLUMINATION Substack Community Support — Dr Mehmet Yildiz
This is a summary of 3-tier service offerings for creators, freelance writers, and content entrepreneurs on Substack…digitalmehmet.com
How I Architected a Charity Organization & Why I Will Run It Like a Business
Outline of my draft plan for creators, freelancers, and entrepreneurs empowered by the Substack networkmedium.com
I recently wrote a book titled Substack Mastery. It has already become a best seller on Amazon. If you are interested, I decided to share the early version as one chapter a day for my beta readers. Here are the available chapters on this this platform which also provides free access to non-members.
Preface of “Substack Mastery” for Beta Readers, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13, Chapter 14, Chapter 15, Chapter 16, Chapter 17, Chapter 18, Chapter 19.
I wrote about my monthly progress on eight different platforms to give an idea to fellow writers. It is an independent review and could be valuable for aspiring writers.
An In-Depth Performance Review of 8 Major Platforms I Contributed to This Month: Key Insights and…
Discover an independent and comprehensive analysis of my contributions and performance across multiple platforms…medium.com
Please explore some leading newsletters featured by ILLUMINATION-Curators in episode 12. It is an excellent collaboration tool for growing your Substack profile and newsletters.
Substack Mastery Featured Newsletters: Episode 12
Curated newsletters of writers contributing to the Substack Mastery publication on Medium for joyful collaboration and…medium.com
Links to Previous Interview Interviews
I interviewed other writers on this platform. The following links will allow you to easily access them. Follow the writers who resonate with you.
Interview Biswanath Datta,Interview Veronica Llorca-Smith,Interview James King, Interview Lauren Grawert, MD,InterviewJerry Keszka, Interview Davor Katusic,Interview David Gerken,Interview Claudio D’Andrea, Interview William Spivey,Interview James Boylan, Interview Ruby Noir, Interview Brother Bhunru, Interview Joshua Mason, Interview Michelle Mariscal, Interview Tim Denning, Interview Wendi Gordon, Interview Elle, Interview Waleed Mahmud Tariq, Interview Bill Petro, Interview Sylvain Zyssman, Interview Matthew Bamberg, Interview Øivind H. Solheim, Interview Abhishek Biswas, Interview Payal Koul, Interview Matt Lillywhite, Interview Genius Turner, Interview Shirley Willett, Interview David Mokotoff, MD, Interview Martin D. Hirsch, Interview Gill McCulloch, Interview Adelia Ritchie, PhD, Interview Dr. Lutz Kraushaar, Interview Tim Denning, Interview Lorwen Harris Nagle, PhD, Interview Matt Williams-Spooner, Ph.D., Interview Pernoste & Dahl, Interview Luay Rahil, Interview Melissa Kalt, MD, Interview Ayodeji Awosika, Interview Dr. Preeti Singh, Interview Dr. ADAM TABRIZ, Interview Dr John Frederick Rose, Interview Yogesh Haribhau Kulkarni (PhD), Interview Hakima T A N T R I K A, Interview Mark Sanford, Ph.D, Interview Raymond M.E. Aguirre, Interview Keri Mangis, Interview John D. Leavy, Interview Sinem Günel, Interview Toni Koraza, Interview Annelise Lords, Interview, Mike Zillo, Interview Aurora Eliam, CMP, Interview Charles Roast, Interview Libby Mitchell, Interview Timothy Key, Interview, Christopher D. Connors, Interview Desiree Driesenaar, Interview Jill Ebstein, Interview Bill Abbate, Interview Anita Lesko, Interview John Cousins, Interview Ali Qutmiera, Interview Roxanna Azimy, Interview Karen Madej, Interview Celtic Chameleon, Interview Maïa Belart, Interview Kevin Buddaeus, Interview Rasheed Hooda, Interview Julia E Hubbel, Interview Suntonu Bhadra, Interview Aisha Yusuf, Interview Sharon Hurley Hall, Interview Angel Joy, Interview Tim Maudlin, Interview Mallika Vasak, Interview Yannis Dokos, Interview Lawson Wallace, Interview Chelsea Renee MAT, Interview Earnest Painter, Interview MaryJo Wagner, PhD, Interview Phil Truman, Interview Martine Weber, Interview Michael Patanella, Interview Tree Langdon, Interview Holly Jahangiri, Interview Aric D Mayer, Interview Chris Hedges , Interview Paroma Sen, Interview Jeff Hanlon, Interview Chowa Sekai, Interview Marianna Saver, Interview Annelise Lords, Interview Amy Cottreau, Interview Sabana Grande, Interview, Agnes Laurens, Interview P.G. Barnett, Interview Liam Ireland, Interview Jith
Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life.
If you are a new reader, you may check out some of my topics, including the brain, mental health, cognitive function, significant health conditions, longevity, nutrition/food, valuable nutrients, ketogenic lifestyle, self-healing, weight management, writing/reading, including 100+ Insightful Life Lessons from My Circles for the Last 50+ Years.
I publish my health and wellness stories on EUPHORIA and share distilled versions on SUBSTACK. My posts do not include professional or health advice. I only document my reviews, observations, experiences, and perspectives to provide information and create awareness.
If you are a writer, you are welcome to join my publications by sending a request via this link. I support 31K writers who contribute to my publications on this platform. You can contact me via my website. I also have another profile to write and curate tech stories. Friend Links to My Sample Boosted Stories for Non-Members of Medium. Importance and Value of Medium Friendship for Writers and Readers
This story was originally published at DigitalMehmet.com blogs for free access.
If you are a writer, blogger, YouTuber, or a Podcasters you can join my site as guess creators. I can amplify your voice using my vast network globally. Here is he application form.
Guidance to Guest Bloggers on Digitalmehmet — Dr Mehmet Yildiz
Digitalmehmet.com now offers guest blogging service to Substack writers and storytellers from Medium.com. This service…digitalmehmet.com
Our media coordinator and film maker Aiden (Owner of Illumination Gaming) also re-branded our YouTube channel to support Substack Mastery community better.
How to Use the ILLUMINATION Substack Mastery YouTube Channel to Grow Your Audience
Practical tips to upload your videos to our community channel as writers on Medium, Substack, and other platformsmedium.com
You are welcome to join the ILLUMINATION Community on Medium and Substack. And join our Substack Mastery to build your audience.
Get an email whenever Dr Mehmet Yildiz publishes. He is a top writer and editor on Medium.
dr-mehmet-yildiz.medium.com
Originally published at digitalmehmet.com
Leave a Reply