Life & Work with Aliya DalRae of Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aliya DalRae.

Hi Aliya, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I published my first book, “Sweet Vengeance,” in 2016. Written as a form of therapy, the one book turned into a trilogy, which turned into a spin off series. Now, I have thirty published works, and I’m working hard on the next three. Unlike so many authors I talk to, I never really wanted to be a writer. I was more interested in the performing arts. But life has a funny way of leading you where you need to be most. Now, I travel from state to state with my fellow Bookwyrm Authors, Jori Reeves and Danni Williams, appearing at large gaming conventions and comic cons where we share our books with readers and our knowledge and experience with aspiring authors through panel appearances and workshops.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would like to say I published that first book, and the money instantly dumped on my head, but that is not the truth at all. Every day is a struggle, every sale is a struggle, but I do this because I love to write, plain and simple. Some days are easier than others. I have a day job that takes up most of my time, and an additional side gig, caning and rushing chairs, which brings in much needed revenue. I write and I tour with BWA because it is what brings me the most joy. Success will follow. I have faith that it will, and I will continue to work hard to make it happen.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an author. It feels really good to say that! I write paranormal romance, urban fantasy, paranormal cozy mysteries and, oddly enough, children’s chapter books under the pseudonym S.R. Blackmore.

I am best know for my Fallen Cross books, including the Jessica Sweet Trilogy, The Fallen Cross Legion Series and my newest series, The Fallen Cross Mysteries. Fallen Cross is a small farming community in Southwestern Ohio and is based loosely on my own home town. This fictional village has found itself home to a Legion of Vampires, a Pack of Werewolves and a Clowder of cat Shifters, among other paranormal creatures. Enter Jessica Sweet, a human with visions, and suddenly the races are all drawn together in grand adventures of love, war and family. My books range in spice levels from sweet as pie to my oh my, with some of them being a little on the dark side. I like to call them a “medium roast” dark romance!

What I’m most proud of is being able to bring all these different characters together to create a world where so many different personalities comingle, giving readers of all walks of life characters to relate to, to identify with. I try to write in a way that makes the reader feel at home in Fallen Cross, giving them a place in which to disappear and people who feel like family. At least that’s what I strive to do. I am especially proud that men and women alike have found enjoyment in Fallen Cross. When ladies approach me at signings and tell me they love my books, I’m absolute giddy. When men tell me the same? I’m flabbergasted. That tells me I’m doing something right, and it gives me the desire to keep going.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I’ve been writing for over ten years. When I first started, I never dreamed I would be where I am now. I truly believed it would be a one and done situation, and that I would be the only person to ever read “Sweet Vengeance.” The fact that I now have thirty books and have heard from readers all over the world about how my books have affected them brings me so much joy, so much drive. When one book ends, I take a moment to appreciate what I’ve done, then I move on to the next one. Because now I have so many ideas running through my head, I’m afraid I won’t live long enough to get them on paper!

To anyone out there who is striving to be a writer, just know that if you are creating – you ARE a writer. Every word you pen, every story you tell, that’s you bringing your dreams to life. Unless you’re one of the lucky ones, it is a long, arduous journey, but seeing that first book in print? That’s a feeling you will never forget, and I can tell you from experience, the thirtieth book is as exciting as the first! Keep writing. Keep striving. Keep learning and never give up. I may not be Stephen King or J.R. Ward, but I am somebody in the writing community. So are you!

Pricing:

• Fallen Cross Legion Novels: $20.00/Each
• Jessica Sweet Trilogy: $25.00/Each
• Children’s Books: $10.00/Each

Contact Info:

• Other: http://linktr.ee/AliyaDalRae