Ask the Author: Alicia Dill
Answered Questions (6)
Alicia Dill
Life is the obvious answer. I ask myself, why do people do what they do with their one shot at living in the world. I get inspired by these stories and want to send something back into the universe that carries weight. It doesn’t matter the length, a paragraph, an article or a novel. I am a storyteller. Inspiration comes from blending the new with the old and going around and around until it feels complete.
Alicia Dill
Before I am a writer, I am a reader. I love reading so much. I will read anything. Give me a good cereal box and I’m in! Reading that cover to cover. Writing comes to me when I see there is a unique point of view I don’t see captured or covered the way it should be. My Army journalism experience and later as a veteran meant I couldn’t find a book that reflected characters like me. I looked at my amazing group of female service members and said, we need something “by us and for us” that can be accessible to the curious reader. I wanted it to have a little of everything (mystery and a romance) and be a fun read. More importantly, I needed the details to ring true. I dedicated it to those in harm’s way.
Alicia Dill
My second book is the story of Concepcion Chapa, the battle buddy featured in Squared Away. I split my original draft into two books so each one can stand alone. A draft is complete so it’s back to grind of all the edits. Love it!
Alicia Dill
Do this because you love it and because you must. It will carry you through all the times where your talent is not accepted. Your story will resonate with someone so keep writing! Put in the work and surround yourself with the most amazing coaches and editors who keep you on track. “Good books are not written, they are rewritten.”
Alicia Dill
Writing can be many things to me depending on the day. Some days, I write for therapy as a way to get the world off my back. I put it politely on the paper. The next time, it can be a frustrating puzzle that is only solved in my mind as soon as I am away from writing it down. The best thing is that it’s my thing. It helps this world make sense.
Alicia Dill
I use the fast-writing technique taught by Mary Allen, an Iowa City writing coach. You set a timer for 20 or so minutes and write anything that comes to mind with no judgment or editing. Just freely flowing. Some of it you may use later, parts may be discarded. It’s important to understand there can be a discipline to this art if you require it.
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