Monthly Encouragement in your inbox: https://creativewritingwizard.com/2025/10/28/how-i-consistently-get-into-a-writing-flow/ Join the Creative Wizard Community: https://www.patreon.com/c/CreativeWritingWizardOn this episode of the Creative Writing Wizard Podcast, I’m joined by J.M. Testa. indie fantasy author of The Destined Road, book one of her trilogy rooted in classic, Tolkien-inspired storytelling with a modern heart.We explore:- How she went from nonprofit & corporate work to publishing epic fantasy- Her visual-first approach to building worlds- Creating new fantasy races- Developing an original Elven language (and how she built it)- Writing female-led fantasy without stereotypes- The freedom, and challenges, of the indie publishing path- Writer’s block, subconscious drafting, and trusting your brain to problem-solveJess shares her journey crafting a trilogy that blends classic fantasy vibes with modern themes of compassion, identity, and community, plus what she’s learned about writing in visual layers, discovering story mid-draft, and building languages that deepen world immersion.📚 Read The Destined Roadhttps://jtesta.com📸 Follow J.M. Testa on Instagramhttps://instagram.com/jmtesta✨ Enjoy these conversations? Subscribe for more author interviews, writing process deep dives, and indie fantasy spotlights.💡 Join the Creative Writing Wizard community:https://www.patreon.com/c/CreativeWritingWizard📖 Explore new indie book releases:https://creativewritingwizard.com/2024/11/18/indie-release-radarReferences & MentionsVulgarLang – language creation tool used for Elven structuresHarness Magazine interview with J.M. Testa - https://harnessmagazine.com/jess-testa/  @writermakesvideos  - J.M. Testa on YouTubeKeywordsJ.M. Testa, The Destined Road, Indie Author Interview, Fantasy Trilogy, Worldbuilding, Elven Language, Map-Based Writing, Creative Writing, Indie Publishing, Classic Fantasy, Tolkien Inspired, Noblebright Fantasy, Women in Fantasy, Queer Fantasy, Writing Tips, Creative Writing Wizard Podcast, Glen Weatherhead, BODY Novella