Alicia Stephens Martin Interview Published on: 04, Mar 2021
What childhood memory has had the best impact on you?
My childhood was filled with many happy memories. One that impacted my love of horses and also writing was riding horses in Colorado Rocky Mountains several times when only six years old. I felt empowered at such a young age and free.
What is the earliest experience you had with writing that you remember?I have been writing in a journal from as far back as I can remember. My lifetime of journals are stored in an old refrigerator.
At what age did you begin writing your first story? What was it about?I remember writing a story in sixth grade. Each student was asked to pen a piece about their life until to that point. Everyone had a one-page non-fiction, except me. Mine was six pages filled to the brim with loads of humor. The teacher, who impacted my life, read my work to the entire class!
How has been your experience of being a teacher?Being a teacher has enlightened me. I thought I would rock their world. I quickly learned the real miracle is if a teacher impacts just one. Yet, they all impacted me more than I ever thought possible.
How long did it take you to set up the Rubee Z Salon?Rubee Z Salon was set up after my husband’s death. We were partners in a salon, and I had to reorganize, alone. I had to proceed very quickly after his death so I could support my daughter. Yes, this was an arduous journey, a book in itself, and one I would never want to revisit. In the same token, I would never want to change this portion of my life. I grew extensively as a human being.
In what ways do you think holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing has helped you in your writing career?Returning to school as an adult and a single mother affected my writing career immensely. I had the creative initiative, the constant nagging to tell a story; what I lacked was the knowledge to proceed. Writing and publishing is a step by step process and every writer must experience their own journey. Plus, I am terrible at spelling and certainly not an editor. The journey to the degree slowed me down, and made me realize I needed to proceed properly. No one has a free ride and no one likes bad spelling. Writing is a journey forever evolving.
What are the challenges of writing a Romantic Suspense novel?As with any novel the challenge for me is the rewriting, rewriting, and rewriting. Reading other author’s romantic suspensenovels helps to develop and master a personal pattern for your own.
What sparked the idea for your novel, Spurred to Justice?My love of horses and a reflection on my own life. I was a widow raising a daughter alone. Not to mention, a real life sexy Australian Horse Whisperer!
How long did it take you to write the interactive children’s workbook for the salon called Let’s Go to the Hairstylist?Early in my career, I was upset about the need for parents to have their practically newborn baby have their first haircut. Many of them were frightened and the visit turned into a screaming toddler and a sweating stylist. I designed the workbook with a printer before self-publishing even evolved. I had no inkling how a book was published. The entire project, idea to print, took at least a year. That was a long time ago.
Who inspired the character of Ava in "Private Mom"?The character Ava Kennedy is only somewhat inspired by me. My daughter, like Ava’s, received an ROTC scholarship and upon reporting to bootcamp I was willing to do anything to stop her. However, Ava’s personality is not mine. She is flighty, sexy, anything pink and sparkling, even a mild case of ditzy.
What does writing mean to you?Writing for me is my passion. I was born with a constant drive to make up a story. The urge gnaws at me. When I write, I can sit down at nine in the morning and before I know it, it’s midnight. I am happiest writing and I am searching for a way to do it 24-7.
What is the one genre you feel you can never write? Why?Science Fiction. I have no interest in this genre, therefore, I could never write about it.
What according to you are the key ingredients of a successful book?Write, write, and rewrite, then edit, read and do the process over and over. Sit the piece down, then go back. Do not rush, and believe in yourself! There are millions of authors out there, you can be one too! Find beta readers to read your work. I have several and I ask them to read for edits and clarity until I am proud of every sentence. It’s about my passion. No one ever has to read my work; it is about releasing a volcano inside of me. Even though I hope they will read it someday.
Is there anything new that you're working on? When can we expect the next book to come out?Yes, my sequel to Spurred to Justice called Spurred to Jump, and Elver’s Landing, a romcom. Plus a beauty shop novel based on my own thirty-year career.
How has your experience of being associated with AllAuthor been?I think if I took more advantage of what allauthor has to offer I would be very impressed. Once again, it’s about myself, reaching out and utilizing all services available to me.
