Interview With Author ACW stories
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m ACWstories, a writer deeply driven by personal experiences and the desire to connect through storytelling. My journey into writing has been both a refuge and a means of self-expression, leading me to pen a series of deeply personal works. To date, I have written four books, each a part of Luna’s Saga. This series reflects my dedication to exploring themes of trauma, resilience, and healing, offering readers both a glimpse into my own struggles and a message of hope. Writing has allowed me to transform my life experiences into narratives that resonate on a profound level, aiming to make a difference in the lives of those who encounter my stories.
In addition to writing, I am also a poet and visual artist. My poetry captures the nuances of human emotion and experience, often serving as a profound companion to the themes explored in *Luna’s Saga*. Through my artwork, I visually express the emotional landscapes of my stories, offering another layer of depth to the narratives I create.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Emerging from Shadows: Luna’s Fight for Peace. This installment continues Luna’s harrowing journey as she battles a relentless stalker while grappling with her own inner demons in a desperate quest for peace and freedom. The inspiration behind this book stems from a deep desire to portray the relentless struggle for safety and self-empowerment faced by many as they work to reclaim their lives from trauma.
In Emerging from Shadows, I sought to explore the raw, unfiltered experience of fighting for one’s sanity and security against overwhelming odds. Luna’s journey reflects my own experiences with overcoming personal adversities and the resilience needed to confront and surpass such challenges. It’s a story of perseverance and reclaiming strength amidst darkness, aiming to offer readers both a gripping narrative and a sense of solidarity and hope.
Overview of Other Books
Before Emerging from Shadows, I authored three other books in the Luna’s Saga series:
• Echoes of Silence: This foundational book introduces Luna’s journey, setting the stage for the struggles and triumphs to come.
• Surviving the Shadows: A Child’s Journey through Abuse: This raw and honest exploration details Luna’s early experiences with trauma and abuse, offering a profound look at her past.
• Breaking the Shadows: Luna’s Path to Healing: This installment chronicles Luna’s attempts to escape her past horrors while confronting new challenges, illustrating her journey through a dark period of her life.
Each book in the series combines elements of autobiographical fiction, psychological drama, and contemporary fiction, with a strong focus on trauma and recovery. The narratives blend personal experiences with creative storytelling, providing raw and relatable accounts of resilience and hope.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I often find inspiration in the quiet hours of the night, which is when I do most of my writing. My workspace isn’t confined to a traditional setting; sometimes, I write outside on my front porch, where the calmness of the night helps me focus and unleash my creativity. I find that the tranquility of these late hours and outdoor spaces helps me dive deeper into the emotional aspects of my stories.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been profoundly influenced by a diverse range of authors and books. Classic literature, with its timeless exploration of the human condition, has always been a source of inspiration. Works like Leo Tolstoy’s *War and Peace* and Virginia Woolf’s *Mrs. Dalloway* have shaped my understanding of narrative depth and character complexity.
Additionally, books that address mental health and personal struggles, such as Sylvia Plath’s *The Bell Jar* and William Styron’s *Darkness Visible*, have deeply resonated with me, providing insight into the challenges of mental health and the importance of breaking stigmas.
Fantasy literature, with its imaginative realms and emotional resonance, has also played a significant role in shaping my creative approach. Authors like J.K. Rowling and Neil Gaiman have influenced my storytelling by demonstrating how fantasy can be used to explore real-life themes in a captivating way.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the continuation of Luna’s Saga, which will further explore Luna’s evolving journey. This upcoming addition promises to delve even deeper into themes of resilience, healing, and personal growth. I’m excited to share new stories and characters that will continue to build on the foundation laid by the previous books.
Additionally, I’m contemplating a poetry project that would bring together some of my most evocative and reflective works. This potential book of poetry aims to offer another layer of depth and introspection, complementing the themes explored in Luna’s Saga. The poetry will provide a more intimate look at the emotional landscapes and personal reflections that shape my writing.
I’m eager to continue expanding Luna’s world and sharing these new creative endeavors with readers, offering both a continuation of her story and new artistic expressions of the themes that resonate deeply with me.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
One of the most effective methods I’ve found for promoting my books is utilizing social media platforms, particularly Instagram and TikTok. These platforms allow me to connect directly with readers and share engaging content related to my books, such as behind-the-scenes glimpses into my writing process, snippets of my poetry, and visual art that complements my stories.
In addition, having a well-maintained website with a dedicated blog section is invaluable. It serves as a central hub for readers to learn about my books, access purchase links, and stay updated on upcoming projects. Platforms like Linktree are also useful for consolidating all my promotional links into one easy-to-navigate location, which simplifies the process for readers to find and buy my books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Absolutely! Here’s some advice for new authors:
1. Write Regularly: Develop a consistent writing routine that works for you, even if it’s just a small amount each day. Consistency helps build momentum and discipline.
2. Read Widely: Explore different genres, styles, and authors. This exposure will broaden your understanding of storytelling techniques and inspire your own writing.
3. Embrace Revisions: Writing is rewriting. Don’t be afraid to make significant changes to your work. The revision process is where your story truly takes shape.
4. Seek Feedback: Share your work with trusted friends, writing groups, or mentors. Constructive criticism can provide valuable insights and help you improve your craft.
5. Build an Online Presence: Start building your author platform early. Engage with readers and other writers on social media, maintain a professional website, and consider starting a blog to share your journey.
6. Stay Persistent: The path to publication can be long and filled with rejections. Stay persistent, keep honing your skills, and remember that each setback is a learning opportunity.
7. Take Care of Yourself: Writing can be emotionally demanding. Make sure to balance your writing with self-care and activities that rejuvenate you.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard is to “write what you know, but also explore what you don’t.” This approach encourages authenticity and depth in your writing while pushing you to expand your creative boundaries. It reminds me that my personal experiences are valuable, but it’s equally important to challenge myself by delving into new perspectives and ideas. This balance between familiarity and exploration helps create more engaging and multifaceted stories.
What are you reading now?
Currently, I’m reading a blend of genres to keep my creative juices flowing. I’m diving into a classic novel to savor its timeless storytelling, exploring a non-fiction book on mental health to deepen my understanding of the subject, and indulging in a fantasy novel to escape into a different world. This mix helps me stay inspired and brings a diverse range of perspectives into my own writing.
What’s next for you as a writer?
As I move forward, I’m excited to continue expanding *Luna’s Saga* with a new installment that delves deeper into Luna’s journey. Additionally, I’m working on a poetry collection that will explore themes of healing and resilience, complementing the emotional landscapes of my fiction. My goal is to continue creating work that resonates deeply with readers and offers a sense of connection and hope.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
If I were stranded on a desert island and could bring only a few books, I’d choose:
1. “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee – For its profound exploration of human nature and moral courage.
2. “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare” – To have a diverse range of plays and sonnets for endless literary richness.
3. “One Hundred Years of Solitude” by Gabriel García Márquez – For its magical realism and deeply immersive storytelling.
4. “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger – To reflect on the complexities of adolescence and identity.
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