Author Interview with April Bostic

How did you become a writer?

My family and teachers noticed I had a talent for writing at a young age. They were

impressed after reading my school essays and letters to newspapers and magazines.

As I got older, I found an interest in reading romantic fanfiction. One day, I just decided

to try to write my own romantic fanfiction and share it online. Then I started reading

romance novels and was inspired to write my first novel to challenge myself. I initially

shared it online, and my reader feedback was mostly positive, so I self-published it as A

Rose to the Fallen in 2008.

What inspires you to write?

I get inspired by stories I read, people I see and films I watch that are attractive or

creative and have a positive emotional impact on me. I believe in muses, and I think

they could be anything, not just people. A muse can inspire you at any moment,

especially when you least expect it.

Could you share some of your challenges as a writer?

Writing summaries is one of my weakness. I’m not good at summarizing a novel into a

one-sentence pitch, blurb or synopsis. I always feel like I might omit something

important that would attract an agent, editor or reader. If I’m not inspired, it’s difficult for

me to write a story which is the reason it took me over a decade to write my third novel.

Do you have a routine you follow when writing?

Before writing a story, I develop a character list and outline. The character list details

names, personalities, relationships, and physical descriptions. The outline explains how

I want the story to flow and what happens in each chapter. I also jot down major plot

points and key dialogue that I don’t want to forget later. Lastly, it’s important for me to

have a quiet space without distractions so I don’t lose focus too easily.

If you could go back in time and give yourself advice, what would it be?

I would tell my younger self not to engage with critics and to not let negativity bring you

down. Just focus on the readers who enjoy your stories. Nowadays, I have much thicker

skin and I’m mindful to focus on the positive aspects of being an author. I’ve learned to

appreciate anyone who takes time out of their lives to read my stories, whether they

enjoyed them or not.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

My advice for aspiring writers is to remember that not everyone will like your work and

that’s okay. There will be readers that enjoy your work, and they are the people who

really matter. Don’t give up on a story if you truly believe in what you’re writing. There is

someone out there who will see your potential, but you must be patient.