Interview: Alaina Hammond

In this episode of eMerge Unchained, special guest host Chad Gurley sits down with playwright, fiction writer, poet, and creative powerhouse Alaina Hammond to explore the intersections of storytelling, philosophy, and personal transformation.

From staging her first play at 14 years old to seeing her work performed off-off-Broadway, Alaina shares the joy, vulnerability, and unexpected humor behind writing for the stage while discussing the delicate balance between creative control and collaboration with directors and actors. She also opens up about weaving grief, identity, and imagination into her work, including her short story Captain Hook, Bereft of Her Hand  published in eMerge Magazine.

Alaina reflects on learning the rhythms of her characters, navigating the challenges of publishing, and using humor as a counterpoint to loss. Along the way, she offers inspiration for fellow writers, reminding us to embrace rejection, honor our creative instincts, and keep writing — even when life interrupts.

Whether you’re a playwright, poet, or anyone chasing your next idea, Alaina’s insights will leave you inspired, laughing, and maybe rethinking how stories find us in the first place.

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