Q&A with Author Avery Maxwell
I’ve been finding so many shared experiences through these Q&A blog posts, and Avery hit a common life experience right off the bat. Homeschooling during covid and beginning her journey as an author because of it. Ok, in all fairness, I had been homeschooling for years before then, but the experience during the Rona is what put me on my current path in life. Nope, I’m not an author, but I joined the Romancelandia community during lockdown, and it absolutely changed my life.
I’ve gotten to know Avery pretty well over the past several years, and even I learned some cool stuff from her Q&A. If you haven’t read her books yet, I definitely recommend them. I’ve read them all, most more than once. She’s got perfect dive-in spots for you below, along with other fun and interesting info about herself and her books. I can’t wait to see her again and am so excited she’s joining us for Charm City Romanticon in 2025.
How did you get started writing?
The short version is I was losing my mind homeschooling my four children during covid. It turned me into the worst version of myself, and so I chose my family over the haphazard lesson plan we had been given, and I created my own. When my kids sat down to read and then write about what they read, I wrote. It started off as a jumbled mess, and over the course of a few months, it morphed into an actual story. I had no plans to publish it, but thankfully, a very good friend can be very convincing when she wants to be.
Where do you recommend a new reader start in your backlist?
Oh, I love this question. Okay, if you want to follow along and see my growth as an author, start with Cross My Heart, my very first book baby, and intro into my Westbrook World. It’s a set of stories about found family, and all my Westbrook men are super swoony in their own way. If you want to dive into something without the commitment of a series, I recommend Your Last First Kiss or Love Notes & Lifelines.
Do you have a favorite/most memorable scene/ part in a novel you've written?
I do! There’s a scene in Without a Hitch where the hero, Lochlan, is at a wedding with his family, and the most hilariously inappropriate conversations happen, which leads all his family members to come up with as many euphemisms for sex as they can. His Dad, Ollie, is my hero. I laughed so hard writing this scene and hearing Connor Crais narrate it. It is seriously the best thing I’ve ever heard! *Sidenote: I can confirm this scene is absolutely hilarious!!!*
Is there a part of your career as an author you thought was going to be difficult but has wound up being really wonderful?
I have really bad anxiety, and the thought of putting myself out there, on display, for people to judge was almost enough to make me quit, but as my reader group grows—we now have over 5K people—the most amazing thing happened: I’ve managed to create the most supportive and loving group ever, and not just for me, but for every single member. My reader group might be my favorite thing I’ve done as an author.
Are there specific themes, tropes, or subgenres you’re more drawn to as an author, reader, or listener?
Found family will always be a go-to for me. There’s something about being accepted just as you are that will always strike a chord with me.
What is your favorite part about being an author?
The connections I’ve made with readers. Hearing from them after they’ve read something I wrote or something I posted is just the most amazing thing. Knowing that I’ve touched someone with words isn’t something I’ll ever take for granted. I feel very lucky to be doing what I’m doing.
What do you like to read/listen to? Any favorite authors you want to send a shout-out to?
It depends on where I am in my writing/editing process. If I’m in between projects, I binge as many small-town romances as possible. But when I’m writing or editing, I try to steer clear of what I write. Right now, I’m loving mafia romances!
Is there someone(s) who’s been influential in your life as it relates to your career?
All my author pals. We have a group chat that acts as a therapy session for us sometimes, and I’m thankful for them and their support every single day!
How have your life experiences influenced your career as an author?
I come from a found family, so that is absolutely reflected in my writing. Growing up very poor has also influenced how I approach everything in my life, but especially in writing. I’m always aware of my characters and how they would feel in certain situations. Also, I have four kids, so writing about kids is a no-brainer for me. I’m a number one empath, so it makes sense that my characters and stories are very emotion-based.
This or That: 7 random questions that may or may not be book related:
Kindle or Paperback: Kindle (except at the beach)
Beach or Mountain Vacation: Beach every time
Dogs or Cats: Dogs
Ice Cream or Cake: Ice cream
Action Flick or Rom-Com: Rom Com—I’m too anxious of a person to handle action anything ;)
Tea or Coffee: Coffee
Road Trip or Air Travel: Air travel, which is funny since my entire summer is spent driving my daughter all over the country :)
Connect with Avery:
You can find more information about Avery, her books, and how to connect with her on social media here:
