Grace Lynx Jenkins Explores How Video Games Shaped Her Writing Journey and the Creation of Sight

n this engaging episode of The Neil Haley Show, bestselling author Grace Lynx Jenkins shares one of the most unique influences behind her debut novel, Sight—video games. While many aspiring writers credit books, films, or personal experiences for inspiring their creativity, Grace explains how immersive storytelling, open-world exploration, and problem-solving mechanics found in modern video games helped shape her imagination, writing style, and approach to world-building.Neil Haley begins the conversation by admitting that he was an avid gamer growing up, recalling classics like Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, Asteroids, and even Alibaba and the Forty Thieves on the Apple IIe computer. That nostalgic introduction opens the door for Grace to explain how today's expansive role-playing games have become incredible storytelling tools that inspire authors in ways many readers may never consider.Grace points to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim as one of her biggest creative influences. She explains that while she would never copy another creator's work, games like Skyrim demonstrate how to build believable worlds filled with history, mythology, memorable characters, and interconnected stories. Rather than simply playing through the main storyline, players are encouraged to explore hidden books, discover side characters, uncover forgotten civilizations, and piece together centuries of fictional history. For Grace, experiences like these provide valuable lessons in constructing rich fictional universes that feel alive.She emphasizes that inspiration comes from studying how successful creators develop immersive environments. Every kingdom, village, dungeon, and conversation contributes to a larger narrative, teaching writers how every small detail can strengthen a story without overwhelming readers.The discussion expands beyond Skyrim as Grace mentions games like Minecraft and Vintage Story, explaining how sandbox-style games encourage players to create their own adventures. Whether playing alone or with friends, unexpected situations naturally develop into original stories. Those spontaneous experiences often spark ideas that later evolve into scenes, character interactions, or plot developments in her own writing.Neil observes that games such as Minecraft, Roblox, and other creative building platforms require players to think analytically while designing structures, solving problems, and adapting to changing circumstances. Grace agrees, explaining that many games naturally teach creativity, preparation, and perseverance. Before facing a powerful enemy or completing a difficult objective, players must gather resources, improve their equipment, develop strategies, and think several steps ahead. She believes those same skills translate directly into writing a novel.Grace compares preparing to battle a dragon in a fantasy game with preparing to write a book. Just as players need weapons, spells, supplies, and companions before taking on difficult challenges, authors need outlines, research, planning, editing, and patience before completing a manuscript. Success rarely happens overnight, whether in gaming or publishing.One of the strongest themes throughout the conversation is perseverance. Grace openly discusses how writing Sightrequired three years of dedicated effort. Like many authors, she experienced moments of excitement alongside periods of frustration and self-doubt. She compares the writing process to repeatedly facing difficult boss battles in challenging video games. Players may fail dozens of times before finally discovering the strategy that works. Likewise, authors often rewrite scenes, restructure chapters, and revise entire sections before the story finally comes together.Rather than viewing failure as defeat, Grace explains that both gaming and writing teach resilience. Every unsuccessful attempt becomes an opportunity to learn something new, adjust your strategy, and continue moving forward. That mindset ultimately helped her finish her novel.Neil asks whether video games help develop patience, particularly because players often spend hours attempting to complete difficult levels or defeat powerful enemies. Grace agrees wholeheartedly, noting that many games require players to rethink their approach rather than simply trying harder. Sometimes success comes not from brute force but from creative problem-solving, careful planning, or finding an entirely different path to accomplish the same objective.She compares this to writing, where there is rarely only one correct way to tell a story. Different authors may arrive at equally compelling narratives using completely different techniques. Similarly, players can solve the same challenge through multiple strategies while still achieving the same result.The conversation also touches on tabletop gaming, including Dungeons & Dragons, which Grace enjoys playing with friends. While many modern role-playing experiences now exist digitally, she appreciates both tabletop and video game formats because they encourage imagination, collaborative storytelling, and creative thinking. Neil notes that many of today's open-world games feel like digital versions of classic tabletop adventures, allowing players to immerse themselves in living worlds filled with endless possibilities.Grace also highlights the growing influence of independent game developers. Many indie games focus heavily on storytelling and character development, offering fresh perspectives and innovative narrative techniques that writers can study and learn from. By experiencing stories across multiple forms of media, authors expose themselves to new ideas that strengthen their own creative voice.As the interview concludes, Neil summarizes the central lesson perfectly: video games aren't simply entertainment—they can develop patience, strategic thinking, creativity, perseverance, and storytelling skills that extend far beyond the screen. Grace agrees, emphasizing that both writing a novel and mastering a difficult game require commitment, resilience, and a willingness to continue learning throughout the journey.For aspiring writers, fantasy fans, gamers, and anyone interested in the creative process, this conversation offers fascinating insight into how modern interactive storytelling continues to influence today's generation of authors. Grace Lynx Jenkins demonstrates that inspiration can come from unexpected places, and when combined with dedication and imagination, those influences can evolve into compelling novels like Sight.To learn more about Grace Lynx Jenkins, purchase Sight, request a signed copy, read reviews, or follow her latest writing projects, visit GraceLynxJenkins.com. Readers can also connect with her on Goodreads and are encouraged to leave a five-star review after experiencing her debut novel.