Author Avah LaReaux

Avah LaReaux

Welcome to the creative mind of Avah LaReaux! A writer inspired by the human condition, Avah LaReaux uses the power of the written word to captivate and entertain her readers. She has a talent for penning stories that focus on the lives of everyday people while conveying messages of empowerment, optimism, and inspiration. Avah LaReaux’s work and prose has been featured in various anthologies including In-Between Days and Under A Quick Silver Moon in the United States and overseas in the United Kingdom in the anthology Theatre of the Mind. Her current novel What’s Done in the Dark is the first installation of six in the Lost and Found saga series.

Tell us a little bit about you outside of being an author.

I am a wife of 15 years and a mother of three beautiful daughters. I love literary and performing arts and take part in events pertaining to both often. My love of dance has allowed me to become a liturgical dance choreography and performer with Kerar Dance Ministries, which was started by myself and my younger sister one year ago. I am also the executive choreographer of young dance ministries Expressions of Praise.

What is your earliest writing memory?

My earliest writing memory is a Haiku assignment my class had in fourth grade. It was my first introduction to poetry and creative writing. I instantly fell in love.

What feelings do you experience once you are satisfied with your completed manuscript(s)?

When I complete a manuscript, I feel elated. I get an incredible sense of accomplishment and warmth from seeing something I remember as just a thought now "alive" on paper for the masses. I suppose it's similar to seeing your baby leave the nest and develop a life of her own. Make no mistake, I do get nervous when I think about whether others will accept what I've poured my heart into, but not nervous enough to withhold it for those who will love and appreciate my books.

In your upcoming release or newly released book, how did you come up with the idea of your main character(s)?

I actually came up with the character for What's Done In the Dark from reading one of my all time favorite books by Hannah Hurnard and from personal experiences that reminded me of Hannah's book. In Hinds Feet In High Places, Hannah Hurnard presented a character she could have named Avah. Not only was this young lady, who is called Much Afraid, aptly named, but I could identify with her so deeply and completely that I instantly became a part of the story. I laughed and I cried with Much Afraid and I laughed and cried with what she made me remember about my own life. When I was done reading, I knew I wanted to do for someone else what Hannah Hurnard had done for me.

Tell us a little bit about your work in progress and/or your upcoming release.

My current release is about a successful, young man who has decided to change his mind about how he was living his adult life. In the midst of that change, he gets thrown back into his former lifestyle because of choices he made years before. What's Done In the Dark starts a six part series that details the lives of the Clayton family as they rise and fall to their destinies.

I’m a big believer that word of mouth creates more sales than advertisements. Let’s say I’ve never read any of your books before, how would you pitch the idea of your latest release to me?

Do you like drama? How about a story that explores human fragility, but emphasizes triumph over failure? If you like real life drama, sex, and a story that you can connect to, What's Done In the Dark is the novel for you.

I consider myself a tough critic when reviewing books. What do or would you do if you receive a mediocre or less than average rating from a reviewer or reader?

I receive mediocre ratings at face value. I recognize that not everyone will enjoy my work and I'm good with that. I also understand that any rating or review I receive can be used to help me improve my overall technique. As an artist, I would rather improve in my craft than linger in a false sense of excellence.

What authors influence your writing dreams, goals and aspirations?

My favorite authors are Hannah Hurnard, Deborah Smith, Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, Toni Morrison, and Agatha Christie. My favorite poets are Minnie Bell, Langston Hughes, T.S. Eliot, and Maya Angelou.

What books would you recommend on writing?

I am a member of the Writer's Digest book club and have been for years. Starting off as a poet, I have purchased several books over the years. As I delved into novel writing, I found them to have just as good a selection. Whether it's Roget's thesaurus or James Scott Bell's Write Great Fiction, Writer's Digest has the book for you.

If you could change one thing you did during your road to publication, what would it be and what would you have done different?

If I could change one thing about working toward publication it would be starting sooner. I studied. I researched. I prepared as well as I could before I put my manuscript out and while that worked well for me overall, I should have found the courage to let go sooner.

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

Start. You can't arrive if you don't leave. Start somewhere. Journal, free flow, whatever you prefer, just starts writing. Also, when it's time to let go, let go. Move toward your dream even if you are afraid.

Where can readers learn more about you and your books?

Visit me at www.avahlareaux.com

www.myspace.com/avahlareaux

www.shelfari.com/avahlareaux

I also have a Yahoo! group called AvahLaReauxBooks and a FaceBook page.