Write Angles: Unfiltered Voices, Episode 16 - Tenille Seow

Writing Quietly, Publishing Bravely

You don’t have to be loud to be a legitimate author.

In this episode of Write Angles: Unfiltered Voices, I’m joined by author Tenille Seow to talk about writing quietly, choosing self-publishing intentionally, and building a sustainable author career. Tenille shares how her picture book Showing Kindness began as a school assignment, why she moved into YA fantasy with The Light Within, and how dyslexia and introversion have shaped her writing process.

We explore the realities of indie publishing — from costs and timelines to rejection, grants, and resilience — and why self-published is not second rate. This episode is for authors and readers curious about self-publishing, indie authorship, and creative paths that don’t rely on hype.

Listen on Spotify or watch on YouTube.

This conversation is a gentle reminder that you don’t have to be loud to take up space as an author.

Tenille Seow joined me for her very first podcast, a big step for someone who openly identifies as an introvert. What followed was an honest, thoughtful conversation about writing at your own pace, choosing self-publishing intentionally, and continuing even when confidence wobbles.
Tenille’s picture book 'Showing Kindness' began life as a high-school assignment that sat in a memory box for years before being rediscovered during COVID. That small spark turned into a published book inspired by her family, classic children’s literature, and a simple but powerful belief: kindness spreads.

From there, Tenille made a significant leap into YA fantasy with 'The Light Within: The Aura Academy of Magic'. We talked about the challenge of moving from picture books to long-form fiction, why she wanted to write an accessible “bridge” fantasy for younger readers, and how living with dyslexia has shaped both her writing process and her need for the right support team.

We also unpacked the realities of self-publishing: costs, timelines, rejection, grants, and the emotional resilience required to keep going. Tenille was refreshingly honest about allowing herself moments of disappointment, then finding new ways forward rather than giving up.

What stood out most is Tenille’s quiet determination. She isn’t chasing noise or validation but she is building a sustainable, values-led writing life on her own terms.

If you’re an author who’s ever wondered whether self-publishing is ‘enough’ or felt hesitant about putting yourself out there, this episode will feel reassuring, grounding, and real.

✨ Key Moments to Listen For
• How Showing Kindness grew from a school assignment into a published book
• Writing YA fantasy that’s accessible without overwhelming readers
• Publishing with dyslexia and why editors matter
• Why self-publishing was a conscious, values-based choice
• The importance of keeping unpublished work (and not throwing anything away)

📚 Resources & Links
• Showing Kindness — Tenille Seow
• The Light Within: The Aura Academy of Magic (YA fantasy, releasing 31 March 2026)
• Connect with Tenille on Instagram: @teaspoonstorytime   / teaspoonsstorytime  

▶️ Your Next Steps
• Follow, share, or DM if this conversation resonated
• Keep questioning the myth that self-published is second rate.