Becky Avella Interview

Q: Let me start with asking you to tell us a little bit about yourself.

A:  I’m married with three kids and live in the Northwest. My bio says I grew up with my nose in a book and my imagination in the clouds. Those are still the places you’re most likely to find me. Thankfully, my family puts up with all of my daydreaming.

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

A:  I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be a writer. My childhood bedroom was cluttered with lists of character names and starts to stories that I never finished. I always dreamed of the day I’d get to create my own characters and make-believe worlds.

Q: Could you give us the highlights of your professional writing career including how you got your first writing break?

A:  As I grew older, I didn’t think I was talented enough to be a “real” writer. I figured I wasn’t born with an author gene. Then I read Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell. It was the first time I heard someone say that writing was a skill that could be learned. I began devouring every writing blog, book, and podcast I could find. When my friend, Lisa Phillips, encouraged me to enter the Happily Editor After contest, it was the push I needed to actually complete a manuscript. It was through that contest that I eventually sold Targeted.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release TARGETED?

A: Here’s the back cover copy-
When photos of Stephanie O’Brien are found in a serial killer’s home, she must face the horrible truth that she’s the next intended victim. She has nowhere to hide, nowhere to run—except to K-9 cop Rick Powell. As her self-appointed bodyguard, Rick will do anything to protect the innocent teacher—even keep his attraction at bay. He’s known loss; he won’t lose Stephanie. But the killer seems to anticipate their every move. And Rick fears he’s never faced an opponent so cunning. One who won’t stop till he has his victim right where he wants her…six feet under.

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for TARGETED?

A: My husband claims all credit for this story. He works in law enforcement and let’s just say he was interviewed many times during the writing of this book. I was student teaching in a fifth grade classroom when we met and fell in love, so writing a romance between a cop and a teacher was a lot of fun.

Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

A: Rick and Stephanie felt real to me. I could easily identify with their struggles, especially Stephanie’s attempts to earn God’s love. I hope readers will identify with them and will leave the story with a new appreciation of God’s grace.

Q: What is your favorite scene/chapter from the book?

A: My favorite scenes are the ones where Rick’s dog, Axle, is the star. Axle is a Belgian Malinois and quite the character.

Q: What inspires you to write?

A: I see ideas everywhere and want to bring them to life. I have always loved fiction and am driven to use that medium to bring glory to God.

Q: How has being a published novelist differed from your expectations of the profession?

A: I didn’t realize how many steps there are from accepting the contract to seeing the book on the shelf. It’s a long and fascinating process. I also wasn’t prepared for how shy I would feel about my story being out there. It’s a strange blend of excitement and sheer terror. I think most of that is just fear of the unknown. Each step of the process helped me feel less afraid and more excited about sharing my book with the world.

Q: What advice or tips do you have for writers who are just getting started?

A:

1. Learn: The writing community is so generous. There are many free resources online to help you learn the craft. My favorites are writing podcasts. As a busy mom, I appreciate being able to keep my mind active while I’m driving or doing mundane chores like washing dishes or folding laundry.
2. Make finding support a priority: I wouldn’t have made it this far without my critique group. Seek out friends who understand your writing dreams and will push and encourage you.
3. Be humble: Accept criticism and learn from it, keep pushing yourself to improve, and don’t let fear of failure shut you down. I’ve learned so much from the mistakes I’ve made, and I’m sure there will be more.
4. Know your genre: One of those mistakes was not knowing the genre I was trying to write well enough. Keep reading.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?

A: I’m working on another romantic suspense novel featuring cowboys, drug runners, and wildfire. It’s been a fun one to write and should be done soon.

Q: When you’re not writing what do you like to do?

A:  Reading will always be my favorite hobby, but I also enjoy art journaling, walking, or hiking. Being outside in the sunshine makes me happy.

Q: Where can readers find you on the internet?

A:  You can find me on Twitter (@BeckyAvella), or on my author Facebook page. I’m excited to connect with readers.

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us?

A:  I also contribute to Team Love on the Run (teamloveontherun.com), a fun blog and online community for fans of Inspirational Romantic Suspense. I hope readers will join me there, too.