Sasee Spotlight: Giovana Gordon

My name is Giovana Gordon, and I am an aspiring writer. I reside between Charleston and Myrtle Beach South Carolina. I love music, painting, sewing and other creative works, but one of my passions is writing.

At just fifteen years old, I’ve already immersed myself deeply in the world of storytelling, an interest that feels as intrinsic to me as breathing. So far, I have a collection of several short stories, each a foray into different narrative styles and thematic explorations, from speculative fiction to poignant coming-of-age tales. These aren’t just idle doodles; they are carefully crafted pieces, some shared with trusted early readers, others residing in a personal archive, waiting for the right moment to emerge.

Beyond my own collection, last year I had the truly remarkable opportunity to contribute to the foreword of a professionally published novel titled Mars: First Woman on the Red Planet. This wasn’t merely a casual mention; I was actively involved in brainstorming ideas, conducting preliminary research, and offering a unique youth perspective that helped shape the introductory narrative. Working alongside the experienced author and editor provided invaluable insights into the publishing world and solidified my ambition to one day see my own full-length works on shelves.

My enjoyment of writing spans across a plethora of genres, a reflection to my evolving versatility and insatiable curiosity. I’ve dabbled in the intricate world-building of fantasy, the thrilling complexities of mystery, the thought-provoking concepts of science fiction (love this genre!) and some of contemporary drama. Each genre presents its own unique challenges and rewards, allowing me to stretch my creative muscles and explore different facets of human experience and imagination.

However, if I had to choose one genre that truly sets my imagination ablaze and captures my undivided devotion, it is, by all means, horror. It is unquestionably my true passion, the one I return to time and again, whether as a reader or a writer. To me, horror isn’t just about jump scares or gore; it is an entirely different world, a dark, mesmerizing landscape where the familiar gives way to the terrifyingly unknown.

In this unique realm, fantasy and reality come together in the most chilling and compelling ways. It’s where mythological creatures stalk suburban streets, where psychological torment manifests as a tangible monster, and where the insidious creep of the supernatural invades the mundane reality of everyday life. Horror excels at probing the darker aspects of the human psyche, exposing our deepest fears, anxieties, and societal ills, often holding a mirror up to truths we’d rather not confront. It’s a genre that can be deeply unsettling, profoundly thought-provoking, and by all means, an incredibly powerful medium for exploring the fragile boundary between what we know and what lies just beyond the veil of our comprehension.

With that said, I know the ideas for these stories and crafts are everywhere, and so is creativity. We live in a world saturated with potential; you don’t have to look far to find a spark, because most of the time it is right in front of you. Creativity isn’t just for ‘artists’; it’s a heartbeat that exists in everyone. I see this daily in my own circle—friends who can solve complex problems with a stroke of ingenuity or transform a simple thought into something breathtaking.

But I also know that having a dream and executing it are two very different things. If I could offer one piece of advice to anyone, at any age, it would be this: do not let the difficulty of the process discourage you. It is perfectly normal to feel lost or to lack a clear roadmap for your future. Persistence is often more important than a perfect plan. Even when the way forward may seem challenging, keep your eyes on the horizon. Your dreams are valid, and the only way to ensure they never happen is to stop trying. Do not ever give up. The clarity you seek will come with movement. Trust your vision and intuition; stay the course, and let your creativity lead the way.