Aricka Alexander | Author
Aricka Alexander (Arii A.) is an author from Louisiana who has been writing fiction stories and poems for over 15 years now. Ever since middle school, she has always had a love for reading and writing. In 7th grade, she started writing poetry, and that quickly transitioned into writing short stories over the next year. By the time she was 15, she'd written her first full-length novel.
Read more about her here!
1. What inspired you to start writing/creating art, and how has that inspiration evolved over time?
Reading is what ultimately inspired me to start writing. I have loved to read ever since I was younger, but it wasn't until high school that I found romance books with people who looked like me on the cover. That was the representation I needed, and I've always wanted to be that representation for others. That's why I started writing YA.
2. Can you share the story behind your latest work? What was your creative process like?
Sweet Like Honey is a story of healing and finding your person, even if it takes time. In this story, Drew Honey is doing all she can to overcome past traumas and anxieties caused by her parents. Luckily, this time, she has Adrian by her side. They met back in college and fell in love, but life had other plans, and they were separated for five years after graduation. However, they were brought back together, and it's almost like no time has passed. Both of them have these childhood traumas that they learn to face with the help of one another.
3. What themes or messages do you aim to convey through your work, and why are they important to you?
I want to convey the message that no matter what, you're never alone. I know that it may feel like that, but there is always gonna be someone out there who is willing to listen to you. I want my readers to know that they matter, that their feelings matter, that they are perfect just the way they are.
4. What advice would you give to aspiring authors/artists who are just starting their journey?
Write what you want first and foremost. I know it can be tempting to write what's popular, but it may not be authentic to you and your voice. Never let anyone tell you that you're not good enough because, at the end of the day, you're doing this because you love it. Not to appease the masses.
5. What role has self-publishing or independent production played in your career, and what have you learned from the process?
I've tried to get agents for a while but have had no luck. I realized that if I wanted to follow my dreams, I had to take matters into my own hands instead of waiting around. I learned all I could about self-publishing and my options, and now I'm almost two years into being 100% self-published.
6. How do you connect with your audience, and what has been your favorite moment of reader or viewer feedback?
I just try to be as authentic as I can with my writing. I write in my own voice, pulling from my own experiences. Of course, there are going to be people who hate my writing style, but there are more people who can relate and have told me as such.
7. How do you handle challenges like writer's block or creative burnout, and what motivates you to keep going?
I experienced burnout recently, and everything felt so overwhelming. I took about a week off and had to remind myself that I didn't need to do everything at once. What motivates me is knowing that this is something I love doing. I'm getting paid to share stories with others, and every day, I feel more and more accomplished.
8. What’s next for you? Can you share any upcoming projects or future creative goals you’re excited about?
I have a story coming out in December called Amaranthine, which is a semi-sequel to a book in my YA series. It has the same characters, but it's set 17 years into the future.
