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Today we are going to talk with Indie Author April M Woodard, author of The Aeon Chronicles (Book One and Two). This lovely southern bell is also a fellow member of Indie Author Central and an absolute darling!

Writing Related…

1. When did you know writing was what you wanted to do?

I have always been a writer. Journaling was my first go to. But after I wrote down a dream that had come to me, I decided I wanted to get serious about making it a book. So I did!

2. Tell us a little bit about your next project (or current project).

My current project is writing the third book in my series The Aeon Chronicles. There are four books in the series. I am also drafting a fairytale retelling, but that project will have to wait until the last book of The Aeon Chronicles is published. I like to work on one project at a time and give it my full attention.

3. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I make a ton of faces during dialog. That’s why I don’t go to coffee shops very often to get work done. It’s easier to have my children ask what’s wrong with me than strangers!

4. What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?

My writing schedule varies. I’m a homeschooling mom. Right now I am able to work on my WIP for about an hour or two before school starts at 9 am. I am also able to check emails and get back to readers messages while I have my coffee.

5. Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

The Aeon Chronicles series was inspired by so manything. A dream relating to all of my “life” questions, was the thing that really made me feel like I HAD to get this story down.

6. What is your writing Kryptonite?

Like what keeps me from writing? AKA writers block? MOOD. I can NOT work on anything if I am stressed or upset. Having Aspergers, this can be a challenge. I am overly sensitive. Any confrontation sends me into a dark place. I always try to stick with positive people, remain in a positive mindset, and always stay productive. I can work around making more time to write, sorting out plots, but if my day consists of something very stressful, there will be absolutely no writing. That calls for Netflix and Sleep.

7. As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?

I love the Phoenix. After every book I light up with joy. My work is done. So I fall to ashes, giving myself space to rest, because now, I have to start up again. I have to flick back to life. The Phoenix also reminds me that even with obstacles and difficulties I can still emerge victories no matter how many times I get pushed down. I will rise again. And believe me. I have faced some trying times with self publishing. It’s not easy. There are roadblocks at every turn. Especially with a debut. But you keep going.

8. If you had to do something differently as a child or teenager to become a better writer as an adult, what would you do?

I would have learned the craft earlier. I would have taken more courses on literature or history. Mostly editing skills because I have none. I also would have learned more about marketing, how to do public speaking. This all had to be learned in a matter of a few years while I was writing The Aeon Chronicles book one. I shoved as much info about business as I could in my little noggin while creating a world unlike any other out in the book industry.

9. If you had to give up either snacks and drinks during writing sessions, or music, which would you find more difficult to say goodbye to?

I’m bad about drinking and eating when I’m in my office anyway so that wouldn’t be an issue. I can’t live without music. I use music to write my scenes. I HAVE to have it. I’ll even sit in the car and blast things because of the surround sound. Must have the bass up too! Feels pretty epic to be in the zone that way. The images of my words come to life in my mind like a movie.

10. What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?

I would have to say my editor. I will NEVER hire a cheap editor again! EVER.

Non-Writing Related…

1. You’re a new addition to the crayon box. What color would you be and why?

I would be white. I blend well with other colors, I am pretty translucent when it comes to advice, and I stand out!

2. What do you think about when you’re alone in your car?

Everything. Especially when I’m alone. That’s my favorite time to think. I make conversation with God. Talk about life, ask questions, thank him, ya know, just your everyday conversation with the Creator of all things in existence. Lol. pretty casual.

3. What’s your favorite ’90s jam?

OH MAN! This is HARD! So All Star by Smash Mouth. I still sing it when me and my kids watch Shrek. But When I was in high school it was My Heart Will Go On. I am still a huge Leo fan and that movie soundtrack was on repeat for like 5 years of my life.

4. A penguin walks through that door right now wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he here?

He says, “Hey! Ready to go back to Mexico? I have your plane tickets and hotel booked.” Yeah. Were talking pretend here haha.

5. You’ve been given an elephant. You can’t give it away or sell it. What would you do with the elephant?

Um. 1. Hope its tame. 2. Call animal control and try to explain how the heck I got an illegal elephant in my posession. lol

6. How many times does it take for you to listen to a song that you love before you actually hate it instead?

Depends on the song. But most songs do get old with me. That’s why I have such a large playlist because I really over play songs that fuel scenes.

7. If you had to be shipwrecked on a deserted island, but all your human needs—such as food and water—were taken care of, what two items would you want to have with you?

A book. A book I love so much it would never get old. And then another book on how to survive on a deserted island. Cause when I watched Cast Away I knew right away I wouldn’t have made it, and I most likely would have gone back for Wilson. Shark food. Yep. I would have been a goner.

8. Are you more of a hunter or a gatherer?

Gatherer for sure! I’m all about making connections and relationships.

9. What’s your favorite dish to cook?

Honestly. I can’t stand cooking. I do well at it but it’s not my thing. But pasta is my go to and salad. Spaghetti I can make a ton of and I could eat on it for a few days. Salad is super easy. I like switching up salad dressings and ingredients. Right now my fav is a Spring Salad, with fresh cut apple slices, walnuts and a Sweet Onion dressing with a teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar.

10. Would you rather fight one horse-sized duck, or 100 duck-sized horses?

What tha.. How am I to answer this? lol. Soooo. Ducks can be vicious. I see myself taming horses. Not a duck! Plus! Ducks can fly and attack. The more I think of it, the more I’m seeing this wacky scenario turn into a story idea! lol

About the Author:

April M. Woodard was born and raised in a small town in Virginia. She now lives in Goergia with her husband and three kids. She spends her days writing YA Sci-Fi Fantasy with three kitties at her feet. Scratch that. Two kitties and a Mogwai. When she isn’t typing away on her laptop, she is sitting on her back porch, sipping sweet tea, and reading a good book.