Best of Family & Relationships
Best of Family & Relationships
"So Many Books, So Little Time!"
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Exclusive Interview with
Alyssa Milani
When did you start writing?
I used to write short stories as a kid, publishing them in the school's newsletter. I wrote my first novel when I was fifteen, and just went sky-high from there. Writing endless short stories and countless novels of all genres.
What makes writing your passion?
Writing frees me of life. If I’m having a bad day or going through an immense amount of stress, I open my laptop or take out my notes app on my cell phone and just go. It’s freeing. Even on a good day, writing makes it that much better.
How long have you been writing?
Since I was able to spell.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
I was ecstatic! I couldn’t believe that the words I wrote and ideas I invented, were published and in my hands. It’s an indescribable feeling but one of the best feelings of pride in the world.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
Most of the time, the characters carry small traits of people I know. When I write, I don't think of what this person will be like until I'm writing the story. Sometimes a character can have a perfect life, then, as I'm writing, their life will not be so great and I'll rework their background. There is no clear story behind my characters because each character is different, their stories are unique.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
Marketing and querying.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
Go back to something I wrote a while ago. Sometimes reading an older piece can spark inspiration. If it doesn't, I read novels by my favorite authors and hope for the spark to come back.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
I keep going because I have all these ideas in my head if I don't get them out, I'll explode! Just keep at it. It's surprising the talent that is out there, and who knows, maybe the next best-selling novel that hasn't hit shelves yet might be yours.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Work harder, get out there earlier, and DO NOT EVER DOUBT YOURSELF!
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
I do, the bad ones can be helpful at times, but other times people are just being mean. It takes a lot of hard work to write and publish a book. But I always take the negative reviews with a grain of salt. Maybe this novel wasn't for them, and the positive reviews suit that genre of writing better.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
Pride. It shows that when I'm ever in doubt, I can write something people love. The proof is in the readers.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Sometimes. Schooling, relationships, fear of loss and failure, self-doubt, the list goes on.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
I cannot truly compare with any of my characters since I only use pieces of me to create them. But I guess Lyla from "Him and I" would be the one I compare myself with the most. The high school dynamics with the insecurity of myself, the low self-esteem, and wondering if I'll ever be good enough for someone to love me. The wonder if my writing will ever make it. I outgrew all those and she does, too, in the novels.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
I do, the book cover is what attracts people to the story. Everyone judges a book by its cover.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I do! I love talking about my books and hearing their thoughts.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
Pride! Always pride!
Who is your favorite author? Why?
Colleen Hoover because our writing is very similar. Tessa Bailey because she's so descriptive. Lucy Foley for her thrillers. ANd Stephen King, because it's Stephen King!
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
I want to say as big as King, but who are we kidding, I'd be happy with a NYT Best-Selling banner.
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
I do all the time. I put them away for months or years and come back to it with fresh eyes and frehs ideas.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
Colleen Hoover or Tessa Bailey
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
Back off! They don't understand the hard work that is put into writing. Until they do, they can keep their stupidity to themselves.
What would you say to your readers?
If you ever don't like something or love something of mine and what to talk about it, I'm always open to chat!! Just send me a message on my Instagram.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
Montreal, Canada. Happily married to my goofball since we were ninteen, and we have to crazy kids (a boy and a girl).
What is your day job if you have one?
Ugh, don't get me started.
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
I paint, avid movie lover, too.
Did you have a happy childhood?
I did!
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
Reading all the book I owned and wanted something new.
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
I have 25 unpublished books that range between horror, thriller, and romance.
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
Tough question, I'm not sure how to answer this one...
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
Get on the NYT best-seller list.
Make sure my children are set for life.
A romantic getaway with my hubby.
What is your favorite music?
I have so much that i listen to. I don't have a particular genre i liek, i'm pretty open to all.
Share a secret with us 🙂