Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a former License Clinical Social Worker. I am also a women’s and Black Lives Matter activist. I love music, dance, reading, writing and most things creative. My love of writing was sparked by my paternal grandmother, Lola, who kept a library of books in her basement. I was an introverted child and would escape into the world of her books. I began writing poetry in elementary school and joined the journalism club in high school. I entered writing contests and always won first place. I aspired to be a journalist until a teacher criticized my writing in 10th grade. Being a sensitive child, I took her criticism to heart and took a different path. Decades later a co-founded a youth non-profit arts organization and the passion was reignited. I have written two books.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, Ashira’s World: The Queen of Heaven Returns, was inspired by an ancient African Goddess, Asherah. In the bible she is referred to as the Queen of Heaven. She was erased from history during the rise of patriarchy. When Asherah was worshipped the world enjoyed peace and prosperity. The protagonist, Ashira, is her descendant and who is called to save the world from self-destruction. She is a warrior with superpowers, but she doesn’t know it because she doesn’t know who she is. In order to fully activate her powers she must join with her soulmate, but the battle within keeps her from finding true love.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I enter the world I am writing about, so I lose contact with the outside world for hours and even days.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am greatly influenced by Zora Neale Hurston. I am also influenced by Ida B. Wells, Kristin Lattany and Toni Morrison.
What are you working on now?
I am working on my second novel. I don’t have a title yet but it will be about three sisters living in America who are business moguls. One sister is unfulfilled and travels to Namibia where she finds her roots, purpose and true love. Her sisters follow eventually and the trio are compelled to seek justice for their ancestors who were murdered during the first holocaust by the Germans, the Namibian genocide, during which two tribes were massacred.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method for promoting are Instagram ads, contributing blogs to digital magazines, promo sites, and author cross-promotion.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
The best advice I can give new authors is to persevere. Writing and publishing is a long and tiring process, full of twists and turns, but you have an incredible voice and story to tell, so don’t give up!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I ever heard is, keep writing. My writing mentor, Ben Clement, gave me those wise words, which inspire me to keep going in the face of rejection.
What are you reading now?
I am not reading at this time as I am focused on promoting my first novel. I am looking forward to reading Sun is Sky by Jedah Mayberry.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I next evolution will be filmmaking. I just finished writing the screenplay for Ashira’s World!
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 I would take Their Eyes Were Watching God, Beloved, Children of Blood and Bone, Children of Virtue and Vengeance.
Author Websites and Profiles
Alicia Nunn Website
Alicia Nunn Amazon Profile