If you’ve ever had a story idea that felt bigger than you — bigger than one book, one post, one genre — this episode is for you.

On this Monday guest episode of The Author’s Mic™, I sat down with Denver-based writer and creative multi-hyphenate Tiff Wright to talk about what it looks like to build a fantasy world from scratch, why she chose Black mermaid fantasy, and how she approaches storytelling across mediums — from screenwriting to short stories.

What I loved most about this conversation is that Tiff doesn’t romanticize the work. She’s honest about what it takes: planning, showing up, learning as you go, and putting yourself in the rooms where your industry lives.

Meet Tiff Wright

Tiff is a writer with a background in theater (BFA) and a creative path that includes playwriting, poetry, directing, screenwriting, and now narrative fiction. And like a lot of creatives, she didn’t “switch” paths — she followed the thread that kept pulling her back to writing.

She shared that many of the stories she loves most are books that later became films and series — because the foundation always starts with the written story. That realization helped her lean harder into becoming an author.

Why Black Mermaid Fantasy?

Tiff’s current focus is mermaid fantasy, and she’s specific about it: Black mermaid fantasy.

Her reasoning is simple and powerful:

• Fantasy is a form of escapism — and for many of us, escapism is a coping skill.
• Mermaids are a perfect “in-between” vessel: part human, part sea creature.
• A fantasy setting lets you explore ordinary life issues (family, boundaries, identity) in a fresh, imaginative way.
• Representation matters — and she intentionally roots her worldbuilding in cultural heritage and place.

The Release: “Apache Scaled Sea Giving”

Tiff announced that her first short story release in this mermaid fantasy world is called:

Apache Scaled Sea Giving

It’s described as a fantasy take on Thanksgiving family drama — “Sea Giving” — where a mermaid character navigates family dynamics and boundaries while returning home.

And importantly: it’s free — available to readers who subscribe to her email list.

Screenwriting vs. Writing Fiction

One of the most interesting parts of the episode was Tiff’s take on screenwriting.

She said screenwriting feels easier for her because:

• You’re writing mostly dialogue and cues
• You don’t have to paint every detail with description
• The camera becomes the “descriptive language”

That’s not how every novelist feels — but it was helpful to hear how different creatives experience the craft depending on what they’re used to.

Tiff’s 3-Part Advice for Writers Who Don’t Know Where to Start

If you take nothing else from this episode, take this. Tiff laid out a simple framework that works whether you’re writing a book, building a brand, or trying to get your work into film:

1) Make a plan (and vision-cast to yourself).
Don’t be afraid to write your goals down step-by-step. A plan doesn’t trap you — it gives you something to revise.

2) Research before you plan.
A plan based on guessing will frustrate you. Research makes your plan realistic.

3) Show up where your industry is.
Opportunities still happen through relationships, presence, and word-of-mouth — not just algorithms.

And as a bonus: she strongly believes in mentorship. Her own mentors and coaches helped her move faster and make smarter decisions.

Connect with Tiff Wright

• Website: https://www.tiffwrightwrites.com 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiffwrightwrites 
• Substack: https://tiffwrightwrites.substack.com 

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