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Thanks for being here today, Alicia! Would you mind sharing a little of your publishing journey with us?
I first started writing when I was quite young - around eleven years old. It was when I turned twelve that I felt certain God was calling me to be an author. One thing led to another, and I completed three novels by age fourteen. Of course, they required a great deal of work, and the Lord did not lead me to publish until I was twenty. But, when He led, He also provided. He brought me to my wonderful consultant, Mark van Deman, and I was published within three months. I am still praising the Lord for leading me to CrossBooks and my wonderful publishing team.
I would say the definite lack of historically-accurate medieval books was my inspiration. At a young girl searching for fresh titles, I was frustrated by my inability to find age-appropriate, historical reading matter. They were either too violent, too romantic, or filled with fantasy and sorcery. Finally, I decided on simply writing my own. The Comrades of Honor Series was born!
You know, writers are often told to write the kind of book that you would like to read. What do you hope readers will take away from your novels?
I hope they will come away with a new love for history. I also hope, in some small way, they will be blessed and inspired. Of course, nothing makes me happier than when readers tell me they were on the edge of their seat with excitement!
What are your current projects? And do you hope to continue writing?
My current WIP is a historical-fiction slash YA fiction about the Alamo. Entitled (guess what?) Remembering the Alamo, it weaves two stories together, telling the tale of a 21st century youth group and an Alamo defender named Silas Edwards. It releases, Lord willing, on February 23, 2014 - the day the Battle of the Alamo began!
Yes, I definitely hope to continue writing. I have many more historical-fiction plots rattling around in my mind! But I am also open to the Lord leading me to accomplishing less writing, if it be His will. I feel called to the ministry and understand that I may not always have the time for writing that I do now.
Writing definitely involves a lot of time--which is yet another reason why I don't think teens and young adults should wait to pursue it. =)
Speaking of, do you have any advice for young, aspiring authors?
Speaking of, do you have any advice for young, aspiring authors?
Eat more chocolate. And exercise. Because sitting around for hours on end in front of a screen and nibbling chocolate does horrors for the author waistline.
Seriously, though, always write for His glory. Pray and allow the Lord to lead you. Don't be in so much of a hurry to publish that you haven't given your manuscript your best and don't put it off so long that you are denying the world of the special story God has given you.
Great advice, Alicia. I can especially relate to the whole chocolate-and-no-excercise part. =) Thanks for stopping by!
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✎ Do you have any questions for Alicia? If you have read any of her books, what did you think of them?
I am at Alicia's blog today also. Head over there and enter for your chance to win a free ebook of PURPLE MOON! =)
Great advice, Alicia. I can especially relate to the whole chocolate-and-no-excercise part. =) Thanks for stopping by!
Fun! I would love to read Birmingham castle especially.
ReplyDeleteThank you for having me, Tessa!
ReplyDeleteQuestion for Alicia: How many books to date have you published? And how many have you written?
ReplyDeleteHello Esther! To date, three titles are published. Lord willing, a fourth (Remembering the Alamo) will be published in February and (fifth) my full-length Roman novel is complete and should release this summer. I am also working on the final installment in The Comrades of Honor Series. Thanks for asking!
DeleteAlright. Thanks, Alicia!
DeleteI enjoyed reading this interview! I've read Alicia's ebook, "God of Her Fathers", and it was a wonderful read. It definitely kept me wondering what was going to happen next!
ReplyDeleteAlicia, do you know what time period your next series will be in?
God bless!
His Princess,
Bekah
Hello Bekah! Thank you for commenting. At this time, I don't have any series in mind. Upon completing The Comrades of Honor Series, I hope to do stand-alone historical-fiction novels. My Roman one will, Lord willing, release this summer. And, of course, Remembering the Alamo is set in 1836. :)
DeleteWow so cool! My brother especially would love your medieval series. What time line of history are you interested in particularly or are you interested in any time line in history? Congrats on your newest book(s)!
ReplyDeleteHP
Hello and thank you! Yes, I am pretty much interested in all historical eras! But I'd have to say that the Middle Ages and Rome are my favorite eras. I am also very interested in the African Slave Trade/William Wilberforce, the Texas Revolution, and the Protestant Wars. Thanks for commenting!
DeleteNow I'm going to have to go find your medieval series and read them! I have a hard time finding accurate medieval books. Melanie Dickerson writes medieval fairytale retellings that are good.
ReplyDeleteWhat is your best source for researching your medieval stories? Or any other time period for that matter!
Hello! I recently heard of her. She seems like a really great author!
DeleteFor every era that I research, I like to go back to the original documents of that era. Reading the accounts of those who were actually there is very helpful. Additionally, I like to read the historical accounts of modern historians and also those who were closer to the era. Contacting professional historians, reading books, watching documentaries, and studying from various (legit) internet sources are my additional modes of research.
Thanks for commenting!
Cool! Thanks! I have a historical novel set in the time of ancient Israelites that I want to write at some point (gotta wrap up some other projects first) but the research is a bit daunting.
DeleteYou can do it! :) If you ever have additional questions, feel free to contact me at writerforhisglory(dot)yahoo(dot)com. I'd be happy to help!
DeleteThank you! I appreciate it!
DeleteFun interview!! :D I'm definitely in that "no-exercising" category. ;) Hope you have a great day, Alicia!
ReplyDeleteYou can get away with it now. But wait until you hit 21! Heehee!
DeleteHello Alicia! Thanks for coming! :D
ReplyDeleteDo you research before the book, while you're writing, or after the first draft? I know several people who do it at different times. :) I enjoyed reading! :D
TW Wright
Ravens and Writing Desks
Hello! I research before hand to get a good feel for the era, then continue researching while I write. I did research for two of my books for five years; my Roman one took two years. :) Thanks for commenting!
DeleteQuestion Alicia: Are you self published? It is so great to know that other youngish authors are writing books that also glorify God and seceding in publishing their work!
ReplyDeleteHi Clare! No, I am not. But I am not 100% traditional either. My publisher is a Baptist Publisher that combines the best of both worlds - author rights with the professional team and advantages of a traditional publisher. Thanks for asking!
DeleteI have these books on my to buy list. I was kind of bummed when I found them because I'd just bought some books a few hours before finding them, and therefore had no money left. They give me something to look forward to though
ReplyDeleteHow nice! I hope you enjoy them when you get the chance to read them! :)
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