This interview with Mikaela A.E. is part of my Author Spotlight series, designed to compile authors’ experiences into a hub of inspiration and camaraderie for authors who need it.
What can you tell us about your current work in progress?
Debut is released - Ark Angel. It is a dystopian work with a twist. Has a bit of everything (action, suspense, romance, soft spice toward the end, plot twists!) The second book is currently in development. As an indie author, all and any sort of support goes such a long way. It would make my dream come true if anyone in your audience found the time to pick up my story and read it. If you do, I hope you fall in love with it.
Why write?
I have been writing since I was in elementary school. I am always writing stories, I just have never been brave enough to share my creations with the world. Ark Angel was the first book I felt brave enough to launch out into the universe. Writing is healing for me. It centers me, brings me peace, and helps me to process all that I experience. It also is an escape from my sometimes difficult reality. I work as a nurse and sometimes the things I deal with are difficult and painful. Writing eases that for me. It always has.
Can you describe, briefly, your writing routine or process?
Well, I am writing all the time. Every spare moment I can find I am either daydreaming about my stories or I am writing. I do not plan anything I write, so it sort of makes my stories a bit unpredictable. Honestly, I don't even know what's going on in my stories half the time (haha) until it all eventually brings itself together in the end. I sometimes jokingly say that when it comes to my stories, "I am just an innocent bystander in what happens." The story itself truly takes the reins and goes where it wants to go.
What are your big-picture goals as an author?
I would love it if maybe a few people out there picked up my story and just fell in love with it. To be honest, a dream of mine is to see my characters brought to life. I would love to see cosplayers dressing as my characters or artists painting the scenes I write. That would be so fulfilling to me. I also just want to be able to keep writing stories and publishing. The sequel for Ark Angel is currently underway. If one day I got to a point in my life where I didn't have to work as much and I could just focus my energies on my stories--I would feel so complete.
In the moments when those goals feel far away, what keeps you motivated?
It sometimes is hard. I try to stay focused on my love for writing in general. Sometimes, it is best to acknowledge any and every small measure of success. I think as an indie author, it is easy to lose sight of my accomplishments because I get so wrapped up in the stress of marketing and hoping to get at least one sale every day. But that isn't what's important. Do what you love, write what you love--and your people will find you. That's what I believe.
What’s the most difficult part of writing, in your opinion?
Honestly, writing is easy. Storytelling is fun and beautiful. Marketing is what is difficult and painful. You could be trying your very best and still feel passed up.
The most fun?
Oh, I just love every part of writing. I love world building and watching my characters grow and evolve emotionally. Everything about writing is so freeing and beautiful.
Who are or were your literary heroes?
That is a hard question. I had so many growing up. I loved George Orwell and his book 1984. I loved the importance of his work--how he challenged the system. Dracula by Bram Stoker is also a personal favorite. The way he crafted that story is mind-blowing. The detail, the complexity, and the immersive world was just incredible. Today, I look up to Sarah J Maas. Her writing restored my love for reading. I hope to be like her one day.
What advice do you have for authors just starting out?
Just keep going. No matter how hard it is or how you feel overlooked, keep going! Every accomplishment, no matter how small, is leading you to where you were meant to be.
Where can we buy your books/read your work?
Currently, it is available on Amazon (KU, paperback, and hardcover!) Soon, I hope to also publish through Ingram Sparks so I might see my book in a bookstore one day.