Author Spotlight: Ava O’Shay

November 21, 2015 • News

1) How did you get started as an author and what made you want to pursue that field?
I have always been a writer. I love to read and would write myself into stories and my favorite movies when I was in elementary school. My teachers didn’t appreciate my writing but I didn’t let it stop me.  I wrote my first book, Entrusted, when my kids got older and busy with their own lives and I needed something to keep myself busy.

2) What hurdles have your overcome while striving towards your goals?
Every time I put a book out I get faced with new hurdles. Trying to get your book out to people and to be seen is a huge hurdle. Plus I am very shy so putting myself out there at signings and meeting new people is difficult, although I have been blessed to meet very nice people in this industry so far and my readers are the best.

3) Which novel has been your favorite to write and why?
I loved writing Serenity. I am completely in love with the characters which is why they are continued in Tranquility and now Mortality. I just can’t let them go. Serenity comes from a lot of observation at my son’s school, with some exaggeration. I think many people who read it will feel some familiarity in the halls of their own high school.

4) For those looking to become an author, what advice would you give them?
Write and don’t let people tell you you can’t.  But on that note write for yourself and not for reviews or other people to tell you how great you are. It is awesome when you get good feedback but write because you love it.

5) Favorite motto?
“Do or do not, there is no try.”
Yoda, Empire Strikes Back

6) In one word, how would you describe your writing style?
Random.

7) Which author inspires you the most and why?
I love L.N. Cronk because she wrote a six book series that is one of the only books/series where when I got to a certain point in the story I was actually sobbing in my bedroom. It takes a special author to evoke that emotion.

8) What is your writing process like?
Stories develop in my head in scenes. I keep composition books for all my books and write down the scenes as they come to me, usually during my long commute, and then piece them together.  Very rarely do I know the ending when I start.

9) Goals for the remainder of the year?
I am hoping to get Mortality out by the end of November but more than likely it will be January. I am working on releasing a series as well, which also will start in January and then a few chapters will be released each month.

10) What new projects are you currently working on?
I am in edits on two books currently so nothing new is being worked on, although I have about five projects that are partially written.

11) Any final thoughts you would like to share with the CJC Photography readers?
I can only say I hope you fall in love with my characters as much as I have. I am planning at least two more books in the series.

I couldn’t be more excited about the upcoming release of Mortality and I’m honored to have not only worked on but be featured on the cover.

Connect with Ava here!

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