Visiting with Becky Avella
I am so excited to introduce my guest today. Becky Avella is a fellow Love Inspired Suspense author. We both sold through contests and enjoyed debuting together this month. Although I didn’t know her a year ago, I am blessed to now call her a friend. She’s dynamic, funny and compassionate.
Welcome Becky! Let’s get this started!
When did you first know you wanted to become a writer?
I was an avid reader growing up, and I couldn’t imagine anything better than being able to create my own make believe worlds. It took me a long time to figure out how to be one, but the desire has always been there.
What was the harshest criticism/ best advice you ever received?
Right after I submitted the original manuscript for Targeted, the editor created a custom hashtag on Twitter about a mistake I had made. When I saw it, I knew my submission was doomed. By the end of the summer, I had a rejection letter. I was too unfamiliar with the genre and the line, and I had a lot to learn.
That experience turned out to be one of the best things that could have happened for my writing career. Two of my good friend, Lisa Phillips and Heather Woodhaven, are also authors, and they helped me to see that the letter wasn’t really a rejection but an invitation to try again. I’m so thankful I followed their advice. The setting changed and approximately two thirds of the original manuscript had to be rewritten, but I’m glad! I love this new version of the story, and I grew so much through the whole process.
Do you write anything other than suspense?
I have three YA manuscripts waiting for me that I’m itching to finish. And I’ve written a non-fiction book called And Then You Were Gone: Restoring a Broken Heart after Pregnancy Loss.
Tell me about your new release. Was any of it based on real life?
I really enjoyed adding autobiographical elements to Targeted. There are too many to list, but my favorite is the romance. My husband works in law enforcement, and I was finishing up my teaching degree when we met, so writing a love story between a cop and a teacher was super fun. Thankfully our story didn’t include the running for our lives part!
Do you have any other projects you can tell me about?
I’m writing another romantic suspense story about cowboys, drug runners, and wildfire that I hope to finish soon. I’m also writing a novella that will be included in the next Team Love on the Run boxset that releases this fall.
Thank you so much for having me, Dana! And congratulations on your new release as well. I’m thankful we are both a part of Team April. I’d love to give away a copy of Targeted to one of your readers. I’ll choose a winner from the comments.
Targeted (Love Inspired Suspense)
MARKED FOR MURDER
When photos of Stephanie O’Brien are found in a serial killer’s home, she must face the horrible truth that she’s the next intended victim. She has nowhere to hide, nowhere to run—except to K-9 cop Rick Powell. As her self-appointed bodyguard, Rick will do anything to protect the innocent teacher—even keep his attraction at bay. He’s known loss; he won’t lose Stephanie. But the killer seems to anticipate their every move. And Rick fears he’s never faced an opponent so cunning. One who won’t stop till he has his victim right where he wants her…six feet under.
A Little About Becky…
Becky Avella grew up in Washington State with her nose in a book and her imagination in the clouds. These days she spends her time dreaming up heart-pounding fiction full of romance and faith. Becky married a real life hero and follows him around begging him to give her material she can use in her stories. Together with their children, they make their home in the beautiful Northwest.
You can connect with Becky on:
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest
Amazon Author Page
Thank you for having me on your blog this week, Dana. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you, too. It’s been an honor to be a part of Team April with you. 🙂
I’m so glad we got the chance to know each other! It’s been a blessing!
Thank you for having me on your blog this week, Dana. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you, too. It’s been an honor to be a part of Team April with you. 🙂
I’m so glad we got the chance to know each other! It’s been a blessing!
Yay for Becky! So cool to see you succeeding. Blessing my friend! Teddy.
I’m so thankful for your support, Teddy. 🙂
Yay for Becky! So cool to see you succeeding. Blessing my friend! Teddy.
I’m so thankful for your support, Teddy. 🙂