What a pleasure it was to chat with Emily Collins who is a Creative Writer/Freelance Copywriter and Editor.  I appreciated the memories the interview brought back to life and the subtle reminder of why I continue with my passion.  See what I had to say below!

Welcome back to the Literary Copywriter spotlight where I feature professional writers with creative pursuits. Today I interviewed Alicia Jones, a creative writer/blogger and founder of AJ’s Diary.  I sat with Alicia to learn more about her journey. Let’s hear from Alicia!

Literary Copywriter: Tell me about your writing journey. When did you first realize that a.) you are a writer, and b.) you want to make a living off of your writing?

A.J.  I think I was around 12 or 13 years old when I got my first diary.  Back in the day there were mobile libraries where the bus would come up to the school and the students would have about an hour to buy whatever they wanted.  I recall begging my mom for money just to buy one book.  When you stepped inside this mystical bus, it was a book lovers dream.  Books upon books, beautiful bookmarks and little quirky boxes with locks and keys.  That is when I saw my first diary.  My eyes lit up, and I'm certain my heart skipped a few beats.  The smell of the new pages turn after turn is something that is hard to describe.  You either love it, or run towards the nearest exit.  I couldn't begin to tell you how much I wrote in my diary or what I actually had to say.  As much as I would love to see that old diary I would likely cringe at my thoughts back then.  At that age I am sure it made absolutely no sense or perhaps it would have gone down in history as the most profound writing from a pre-teen.  Either way, buying that diary on that day sparked something in me that would be everlasting. Self expression is an art and a gift, all in one.  Learning how to get into that special space in your mind and convey your feelings for others to enjoy is simply magnificent.  Would I love to make a living off of my writing?  Most definitely.  But even if I never make one single penny from my work I will always love it, forever cherish the process and appreciate the journey.
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For me I truly felt like that I could claim the title of author when I wrote my first short story, 'The Scent Of A Woman'.  I allowed myself to have fun creating the characters and just going with it.  My readers have requested a sequel, so we shall see what happens with part two of this story.  Stay tuned!

Self expression is an art and a gift, all in one.  Learning how to get into that special space in your mind and convey your feelings for others to enjoy is simply magnificent.  Would I love to make a living off of my writing?  Most definitely.  But even if I never make one single penny from my work I will always love it, forever cherish the process and appreciate the journey.
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Julie M. Tuttle who is an amazing author and chef reached out to me and asked if I would be a part of her Featured Foodie Interview.  It was an honor to speak with her and tell her more about my writing journey.  See what I have to say below!

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND HOW WE CAN CONNECT WITH YOU. What you see with my work is always authentic. I have many things swirling around in my head, so you never know what you are going to get.  My website is where you can find my blog, a bit more about me and a few of my favorite pictures.  www.ajsdiary.com/blog.  Instagram: www.instagram.com/simplymeaj and on twitter I can be found @Ajonesy8)

WHAT IS THE NAME OF YOUR BLOG OR BOOK AND HOW DID YOU GET STARTED? AJ’s Diary.  I started in 2018, I’ve always had so much to say and so many thoughts in my head and had an idea to bring that to life in a broader approach, so I started my website.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD? Mexican, the sauces and the flavors create this excitement within me that make me want to dance.  Literally!

WHAT FOODS DO YOU CRAVE ALL THE TIME? Rice. I’ve loved it since I was a little girl.  A little butter and a pinch of salt and I have a meal

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COMFORT FOOD? Homemade soup

IF YOU COULD LEARN HOW TO MAKE ANY FOOD WHAT WOULD IT BE? Gnocchi

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING A BLOGGER, WRITER, OR AUTHOR? Speaking from my heart.  I love the ability to create something that not only I have enjoyed but others have as well.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR NEW WRITERS JUST STARTING OUT?  Don’t be too critical of yourself.  Just go with your first instinct.  As you continue writing, you will see how much you have changed over time.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN?  Garden.  I like watching things grow.  It’s amazing

WHAT HELPS YOU TO STAY MOTIVATED AND KEEP WRITING?  Quite simply, the passion for it.  It makes me feel so good.

HOW DO YOU ATTRACT NEW READERS?  Of all the social media platforms, I would have to say Twitter is the most active, so I do most of my promoting there.

WHAT HAS INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST AS A WRITER?  Other writers who have paved the way.  Whether new or seasoned.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GENRE TO READ?  Fables.

WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW? Just started The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW? I am a huge tattoo lover.  Working on my idea for a beautiful sleeve

WHAT KIND OF MUSIC DO YOU LIKE TO LISTEN TO?  Every single thing that has a beat.  If I can groove to it I’m adding it to my music library.

IF YOU COULD LIVE IN ANY BOOK WHAT WOULD IT BE?  Tara Road by Maeve Binchy.  I fell in complete and total love with this book.  It’s like I was there.

WHO ARE YOUR TOP THREE FAVORITE AUTHORS?  Maeve Binchy, James Patterson & Clive Barker

DO YOU HAVE ANY BLOGS OR BOOKS YOU CAN RECOMMEND?  I highly recommend The Thief of Always by Clive Barker.  Also, Any and Everything written by Maeve Binchy.

IF YOU COULD HAVE SUPERPOWERS WHAT WOULD THEY BE?  Eradicate hatred from hearts.

WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY OF WRITING LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?  I never have a draft, I have the thought that came to me at 3 a.m. and I start there.  I edit it over and over to ensure it flows. Once I feel that it is ready to be published, I pour myself a glass of wine in celebration.

WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?  Started my first book at the beginning of this year, still going, not sure when it will be published but it’s coming.

ANY OTHER INFORMATION YOU WOULD LIKE TO INCLUDE TO OUR READERS?  I always want to know what they think about my work, but most importantly I appreciate their support.  And just stay tuned to see what I’m up to next.

Thank you Alicia for such a great interview! 

If you are a fellow writer, author, or blogger and want your own interview go to https://noshwithchefjulie.com/contact/
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To read more author interviews click here https://noshwithchefjulie.com/category/author-interviews/