Writer & Editor
Welcome, fellow creatives! I’m glad you're here.
Hey, there! I'm Alyssa Durst, a fiction writer, editor, and creative guide who spends most days trying to juggle a work/life balance while squeezing in a few paragraphs of my latest novel. ​I believe writing, like life, is all about following your inspiration while lacing up your boots and trudging through on the days you'd rather not.
Alongside my own writing, I help other authors bring their work to life through developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading. Whether you’re shaping a story from the ground up or polishing a final draft, I’m passionate about partnering with writers to clarify their voice, strengthen their structure, and move confidently toward their creative goals.
I also love helping people reconnect with inspiration, especially when the creative well feels dry. On my Substack, I share practical tools and thoughtful reflections to help you get unstuck, including writing exercises, guided meditations, and film recommendations designed to spark imagination and deepen creative insight.
If you’re curious about the writing life itself, you can follow along with my novel-writing journey and explore craft insights, reflections, and encouragement on my "On Writing" blog, where I share what I’m learning in real time, so you can apply it to your own work.
Whether you’re here to read, write, edit, or simply rediscover your creativity, I’m glad you’re here!
Novel in Progress
In The Apostasy, a small-town pastor begins having strange visions and experiences after being laid off by the elders of his church. When his mentor goes missing and a new pastor takes his place, he must confront the fact that he isn't wrestling against flesh and blood.
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To stay up-to-date on my latest writing progress, be the first to know about new releases, and find ways to stay inspired, be sure to connect with me on Substack.
Flash Fiction
Looking to bring more creativity into your life and find inspiration in the ordinary moments? Then my Substack, Inspiration in the Ordinary, is for you!
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This space is for anyone who wants to live a little more creatively—whether you’re a writer, an artist, or simply someone who feels drawn to imagination, reflection, and storytelling in everyday life. You don’t need a big project or a formal creative practice to belong here.
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When you subscribe, you’ll receive thoughtful, practical tools to help you stay inspired, including gentle exercises, short meditations, and movie recommendations designed to spark new ways of seeing and thinking. I also share occasional updates on my novel and other creative endeavors, offering an honest look at the creative process as it unfolds.
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My hope is that this space feels like a quiet pause in your week—a place to notice, reflect, and reconnect with creativity where you already are. If that sounds like something you’re looking for, I’d love to have you join me.