Episode Details

n this engaging episode of The Neil Haley Show, bestselling author Grace Lynx Jenkins shares one of the most unique influences behind her debut novel, Sight—video games. While many aspiring writers credit books, films, or personal experiences for inspiring their creativity, Grace explains how immersive storytelling, open-world exploration, and problem-solving mechanics found in modern video games helped shape her imagination, writing style, and approach to world-building.Neil Haley begins the conversation by admitting that he was an avid gamer growing up, recalling classics like Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, Asteroids, and even Alibaba and the Forty Thieves on the Apple IIe computer. That nostalgic introduction opens the door for Grace to explain how today's expansive role-playing games have become incredible storytelling tools that inspire authors in ways many readers may never consider.Grace points to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim as one of her biggest creative influences. She explains that while she would never copy another creator's work, games like Skyrim demonstrate how to build believable worlds filled with history, mythology, memorable characters, and interconnected stories. Rather than simply playing through the main storyline, players are encouraged to explore hidden books, discover side characters, uncover forgotten civilizations, and piece together centuries of fictional history. For Grace, experiences like these provide valuable lessons in constructing rich fictional universes that feel alive.She emphasizes that inspiration comes from studying how successful creators develop immersive environments. Every kingdom, village, dungeon, and conversation contributes to a larger narrative, teaching writers how every small detail can strengthen a story without overwhelming readers.The discussion expands beyond Skyrim as Grace mentions games like Minecraft and Vintage Story, explaining how sandbox-style games encourage players to create their own adventures. Whether playing alone or with friends, unexpected situations naturally develop into original stories. Those spontaneous experiences often spark ideas that later evolve into scenes, character interactions, or plot developments in her own writing.Neil observes that games such as Minecraft, Roblox, and other creative building platforms require players to think analytically while designing structures, solving problems, and adapting to changing circumstances. Grace agrees, explaining that many games naturally teach creativity, preparation, and perseverance. Before facing a powerful enemy or completing a difficult objective, players must gather resources, improve their equipment, develop strategies, and think several steps ahead. She believes those same skills translate directly into writing a novel.Grace compares preparing to battle a dragon in a fantasy game with preparing to write a book. Just as players need weapons, spells, supplies, and companions before taking on difficult challenges, authors need outlines, research, planning, editing, and patience before completing a manuscript. Success rarely happens overnight, whether in gaming or publishing.One of the strongest themes throughout the conversation is perseverance. Grace openly discusses how writing Sightrequired three years of dedicated effort. Like many authors, she experienced moments of excitement alongside periods of frustration and self-doubt. She compares the writing process to repeatedly facing difficult boss battles in challenging video games. Players may fail dozens of times before finally discovering the strategy that works. Likewise, authors often rewrite scenes, restructure chapters, and revise entire sections before the story finally comes together.Rather than viewing failure as defeat, Grace explains that both gaming and writing teach resilience. Every unsuccessful attempt becomes an opportunity to learn something new, adjust your strategy, and continue moving forward. That mindset ultimately helped her finish he