1. What inspired you to start writing/creating art, and how has that inspiration evolved over time?

I’ve been writing books ever since I was six years old. I loved reading and decided I wanted to try writing my own and I haven’t looked back. I can remember looking in the mirror when I was in sixth grade, promising myself I would publish a book someday. I started seriously writing in 2015. Does Love Always Win?, my debut book, is actually the second novel I wrote. My first novel is a contemporary women’s fiction book that I finally ended up shelving. But while I was trying to publish that book, I started writing Does Love Always Win?, which is a sapphic young adult romance, and that’s when I realized young adult worked really well for my writing, and that’s now what I focus on.

2. Can you share the story behind your latest work? What was your creative process like?

As I was querying Does Love Always Win?, during a pitch contest I saw so many cool pitches centered around an event, which got me thinking about events I enjoyed. One stuck out in my head, a comic-con convention in Philadelphia, so I decided to base my new story around that event, and Superficial was born. I’m a pantser so once I have an idea, I just start writing the first scene. Then, once I get stuck, I start to think more about how it could go and do some character work. But I need that free writing in the beginning to get the story started.

3. What themes or messages do you aim to convey through your work, and why are they important to you?

I always have a queer cast of characters in all of my books and want to convey that it’s okay to be true to yourself. It’s also okay if you’re still figuring things out. This is really important to me because it took me a long time to come to terms with my sexuality and only recently came out. I didn’t have any queer books growing up and believe if I did, I would have understood more about myself, so I have decided to write the books I wished I could have read in high school, hoping I can help individuals see themselves on the page.

4. What advice would you give to aspiring authors/artists who are just starting their journey?

Make friends with other writers/authors. Some of my best friends are writers that I met through this author journey. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t talk to one of them. We support each other through the highs and lows of this writer life.

5. How do you connect with your audience, and what has been your favorite moment of reader or viewer feedback?

I connect with my audience on social media and at in person events. Recently a reader made a fabulous reel about my new release, Superficial, and it was astounding to me that someone spent that much time creating something related to my book! She told me she enjoyed it so much she wanted to create a reel for my release day. It made my pub day even more special.

7. How do you handle challenges like writer's block or creative burnout, and what motivates you to keep going?

I’m also a musician, so when I get writer’s block, I play the piano, to free my mind to see what I can think of. For creative burnout, I take a break. A break from writing and social media. I became super burned out after my first book was released and I needed to just take time away from it all. After a nice restful vacation, I felt more motivated to keep going and push on. I am motivated by my love of writing and wish to help reach those that might need to see themselves in my story.

8. What’s next for you? Can you share any upcoming projects or future creative goals you’re excited about?

I’m currently working on a young adult sapphic murder mystery. I’ve never written anything like it and had to plot for the first time ever. The project is a challenge but I’m very excited about it. I’m also hoping to query this book and find an agent.

9. Who are some of your biggest creative influences, and how have they shaped your work or style?

I really am inspired by Becky Albertalli. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda was the first YA LGBTQ+ book that I’ve seen receive mainstream attention in the publishing world, and it was even adapted into a theatrical release. I feel Becky’s work paved the way for expanding the LGBTQ+ market and showed its relevance even to individuals that do not personally identify as LGBTQ+. I also admire that even though Becky has received a lot of push back about her own identity, she continually sticks up for herself, publishing the content she wants to write, even in light of potential criticism. Because of Becky, I felt empowered to write my own LGBTQ+ books.

10. How has your personal life or experiences influenced your writing/art, and are there any particular moments that stand out?

I personally identify as pansexual and demisexual and one of the main characters in Superficial, Lea, also identifies that way. It was scary to make a queer character similar to me, but I also feel it is important because that particular representation still isn’t prevalent in media.

Diane Billas | Author

Aricka Alexander | Author