Author Spotlight: Aurora Paige
April 11, 2023 • News
CJC: How did you get started as an author and what made you want to pursue that field?
AP: I’ve always loved to write and make up stories, even when I was a kid. I took the plunge to get started on my dream of being an author when I took Alessandra Torre’s writer’s boot camp. I learned a lot about the process of getting your story written to getting it published. I wanted to pursue this field because I felt I had stories I wanted the world to read. I wanted to show diversity in my romance stories and what better way than to do it myself.
CJC: What do you find to be the most rewarding and challenging part of being an author and what hurdles have you overcome while striving towards your goals?
AP: The most rewarding part of being an author is to actually know that there are readers who have given me a chance and read my stories as well as learning that I have fans. 🙂
The challenging part of being an author is my mental state. There are so many times when I want to give up. I get imposter syndrome and feel like I’m not enough, then I get into a depression, but luckily I have good friends to help me out of it and remind me that I am enough. In the beginning of my author journey, I read bad reviews of my books and it would get me so upset, but now, I try not to read it. I know I can’t please everyone with my writing and stories, but I’m grateful that the reader picked up my book to read.
CJC: Which novel has been your favorite to write and why?
AP: Moonstruck at Mardi Gras and Playing for Us have by far been the favorites for me to write. Moonstruck at Mardi Gras is part of my Holidates Series and was super fun to write about the connection of a woman and her older brother’s best friend. Playing for Us is part of my Hot on Ice Series and was more emotional and angsty, which had me in my feels when I wrote it.
CJC: For first time readers of your work, which book would you recommend?
AP: The Christmas Rental or Playing for Us.
CJC: For those looking to become an author, what advice would you give them?
AP: Reach out and ask questions. There are authors that have been where you are in your journey and more than happy to answer your questions. Read the genre you’re writing in, the craft of writing, and keep writing. My last advice is to write what makes you excited to write.
CJC: If you could co-write a book with any author, who would it be and why?
AP: TL Swan and Carly Phillips. I love their books and their style of writing. I would love an opportunity to co-write with them.
CJC: Favorite motto?
AP: Progress over perfection.
CJC: What do you do to overcome writer’s block?
AP:I take a break and stop writing for a couple days, and do something I love, like reading, watching TV or movies, doing self-care, listening to music; eventually I’ll get an ah-ha moment that would help me with writing.
CJC: In one word, how would you describe your writing style?
AP: Chatty.
CJC: Which do you find harder to do… writing the blurb for your story or selecting the cover?
AP: The blurb! The cover is the fun part for me.
CJC: Do you have authors who inspire you? And if so, who and why?
AP: Yes, many. The authors who inspire me are the ones who show their vulnerable side. Not only do they show their accomplishments, but also their struggles.
CJC: What is your writing process like?
AP: I have a playlist of music that inspires me and I play it while I write. I am a planner and pantser. I write an outline of my story and start writing, but sometimes ideas come into my head that add to my story. I will just go with whatever my characters are wanting to do and listen to them.
CJC: What new projects are you currently working on and what are your goals for the remainder of the year?
AP: I have a couple stories that I’m working on for my Holidates and Hot on Ice Series as well as getting started with stories for next year’s projects. My goal for the remainder of the year is to get my book box live. It will showcase books written by Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) authors as well as have products that are from AAPI-owned businesses.
CJC: Any final thoughts you would like to share with the CJC Photography readers?
AP: Thank you so much for all your support in my journey. If you haven’t read any of my stories, I hope you can pick up one of my books and give me a chance. 🙂
CJC: Thank you Aurora!
“Moonstruck at Mardi Gras” is now available!
Stay up to date with all of Aurora’s latest releases here.
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