Turning Life Experience Into Art: Mental Health, Identity, and Writing with Author Orin Steele

In this episode of Healing Unfiltered, I’m joined by author Orin Steele to explore the powerful connection between mental health, identity, and storytelling.Orin’s debut novel, By Blood, Shadow, and Fire, is more than just a fantasy story — it’s layered with emotional depth, internal conflict, and themes that reflect very real human experiences.We talk about her journey as a writer, how her personal experiences (including her openness around her journey with infertility) shaped her voice, and how storytelling became a space for both expression and processing.We also dive into the realities of creativity, including how ADHD shows up in her writing process, and why she’s learned to work with her brain rather than against it.From authenticity online to the psychology behind character development, this conversation highlights how the stories we tell (and the ones we’re drawn to) are often rooted in something much deeper.In this episode:Showing up authentically in an over-curated online worldThe importance of talking openly about infertility and women’s healthHow personal experiences can shape creative expressionADHD and the creative processThe emotional and psychological depth behind character developmentThemes of identity, self-sabotage, and internal conflict in storytellingYou’ll walk away with:A deeper appreciation for the emotional layers within storytellingInsight into how mental health influences creativityValidation around sharing your story and lived experiencesA new perspective on the characters and stories you connect withBy Blood, Shadow, and Fire is available now. Be sure to check it out and connect with Orin online for more of her work and insights.