Turning Personal Pain Into Fiction: How Author & CFO Anna Gomez Writes Stories That Heal

Anna GomezAnna Gomez guest of the minute mastery episode 37

Turning Personal Pain Into Fiction? What happens when your lived experiences, emotional struggles, and family history become the heartbeat of your creative work?

In this deeply moving episode of the Minute Mastery Podcast, I sat down with Anna Gomez—author of Somewhere Along the Way and Chief Financial Officer at Mischief—to discuss what it really looks like to balance an executive career with creative expression. What emerged was an honest and heartfelt conversation about writing through pain, navigating mental health, and prioritizing what matters most.

Turning Personal Pain Into Fiction When Fiction Mirrors Real Life

Anna’s novel Somewhere Along the Way explores the complexity of mental health and mother-daughter dynamics through the eyes of her character, Charlie. But what makes the story powerful is that it is rooted in Anna’s own experiences growing up in a family touched by mental illness.

“I wanted to show the perspective of someone looking in from the outside, trying to love and understand someone who is struggling.”

She does not shy away from difficult truths. Instead, she writes to make space for healing—for herself and her readers.

Balancing Creativity with Corporate Life

How does a CFO make time to write novels?

Anna’s answer is refreshingly simple: prioritization and managing expectations.

“I cannot do everything. And I am okay with that,” she says.

Her story is a masterclass in intentional living. She structures her time, communicates her needs with family, and even takes vacation days specifically for writing. For Anna, writing is not just another project—it is a form of therapy and a tool that has helped her grow as a leader.

Creative Rituals & Writing Inspiration

Anna does not follow the “write in silence” rule. In fact, she thrives in chaos—inspired by crowded coffee shops in Paris, busy trains in Chicago, and the buzz of everyday life.

“I need to be around people and life. I get inspired by stories unfolding all around me.”

While she is writing, she avoids reading books in her genre to stay true to her voice. Instead, she turns to Netflix and movies for entertainment and mental rest.

Message Behind the Book: "You Are Not Alone"

Anna hopes readers of Somewhere Along the Way walk away with a deep sense of connection.

“The core message of my books? You are not alone. Whatever you’re facing, someone else has been there too.”

Especially when it comes to mental health and family, Anna believes that it is time to bring these conversations into the open. Her book, set in the 1970s, reminds us how far we have come—and how far we still have to go.

Advice for Aspiring Writers: Just Start

If you are sitting on a story drawn from your own life, Anna has one message for you:

“Just do it. Do not worry about whether it sells or makes money. Write for the right reasons—and everything else will fall into place.”

Listen to the Episode

This is a must-listen for:

  • Aspiring authors with busy lives
  • Professionals juggling passion projects
  • Anyone navigating the complexities of mental health in families
  • Creative thinkers looking for permission to slow down and start

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