I am so glad that today I get to feature one of my all time favorite authors and friend, Didi Oviatt! Not only is she super talented, she is also kind, inspiring and has a free-spirit that you can’t help but to love!💖 From my beginning days as being a book blogger, Didi was one of the few people who made me instantly feel at home and after reading two of her books and reading her blog and magazine, I was in awe because of the way she had with words. I hope that when I finish my novel that I am able to become atleast half of the author Didi is!😀 So enough of my babbles. about my innoncent girl crush on Didi Let’s get to the Q&As with her and yours truly!💖🎊🎉

Didi with her latest novel, Search for Maylee

Will you please tell us a little bit about yourself?

My two terrorising, bugar-faced children hold the key to my heart. Writing suspense novels leaves me to feel empowered, grounded, and utterly beside myself all at once.

And…………….

My idea of a perfect evening is to be is standing around a booming campfire, with a cold beer in hand, and in a place where the stars are so bright and beautiful it feels like I can reach up and grab them! I’m a small town girl surrounded by mountain ranges that are to die for. So yes, I totally get to experience this phenomenon often!

Can you tell us about one or more of your novels?

I think I’ll to go with Aggravated Momentum to ramble about today. Mostly because you’re yet to read it, Dani *wink. wink.* This was my first ever Physcological Thriller. It was the first book I wrote that made me realize I have the kind of potential to actually pursue writing as a lifelong career. The premise is centered around a family with dark secrets, and a killer with a knack for psychological torture. The main victim doesn’t die right off, in this creepy little slasher… No, no, that would be too easy. Instead, the people she cares about are picked off around her, one by one, while her tormentor watches her dismay from a distance. I could go on, but I’d rather you find out for yourselves! 😉

Are there characters in your stories based off yourself or anyone else?

For the most part, no. However, I do have a short story collection that is based on myself, and some elaborated silly memories of my younger years. There are six stories total, and the series is titled Time Wasters.

What has been the hardest part of becoming/being a published author?

Time management!! Hands down, juggling life as a (excellent) mommy and (incomparable) wife (lol), working part time outside the home and writing full time inside the home. It’s hard not to get a little ran down in finding the time. I’ve definitely learned a thing or two over the last couple of years about prioritizing over stressing. Sometimes you have to take a breath and slow yourself down! Becoming a successful writer is huge, but that can never be accomplished without at least trying to keep your sanity intact.

When did you first start writing stories or any other kind of writings?

I’ve always dabbled some in poetry, and excelled in creative writing projects up through high school, but it wasn’t until I was in my mid-twenties and going through a bit of medical struggles, that I found my love to create literature. I had to stop drinking, and spent a lot of time on bed-rest… so, naturally I was bored! I decided that I needed a hobby that was constructive, and might help me to feel capable and competent again despite my body’s pitfalls. I turned to writing as an outlet, something to help pull me me away from self-pity and boost my overall health in general. Ultimately, writing turned into a passion much bigger than I’d ever dreamed it could! In a way, you could say writing changed my life.

If you wrote an autobiography, what would the title be?

Making Mind Over Matter a Reality

Did you take writing classes or are you self taught?

I’m completely self taught. Although, I like to think of the novels read as the best teaching tool available to writers. In my opinion, creativity can rarely be taught, and everyday choices in life itself can offer the biggest lessons. You just need to pay attention, open your mind, and allow yourself to learn.

What is the most difficult part of writing?

Edit. Edit. Edit.

What do you enjoy most about being a published author?

I love the feedback and the growth in it. I guess you could say the whole process of self-improvement is absolutely addicting!

What are your hobbies?

OMG where to start! I probably have too many hobbies, that’s why I’m always strapped for time, and utterly behind on my promised reads and writing projects! I’m very outdoorsy. If it involves fresh open air, the sun and the wilderness, then consider me in! I’m like the most opposite of a ‘city girl’ one can possibly get. Some might even go as far as to call me a redneck… and so be it! That said, I spend a lot of time getting dirty. I hike, ride ATV’s, hunt (my favorite is archery), lots and lots of fishing, swimming/boating. I also love Native American artifacts, so I spend a lot of time looking for arrowheads etc, mostly in desert ranges. I also LOVE to take the time teaching my kids dance, sports, and music!

Are there any authors that have inspired your love for writing?

Every single book I’ve ever read has inspired me in one way or another. I pick up on the qualities I love, and I take note of what I don’t. BUT, if I have to pick just one author then I’m going with Colleen Hoover. Not only because her writing is absolutely amazing, but because she’s a beautiful person in general. She’s a giver, an absolute inspiration in every way. She donates and raises money for charities often, and is a pillar of the community. I actually got to interview her for The Conscious Talk Magazine and it was absolutely a dream come true!

If you could give young writers (who’s dream is to be published) a piece of advice that has anything to do with the writing process, what would that be?

Take your time, and take breaks before you do any rounds of edits and revisions. Once you’ve stepped away from a project for a while, you’ll come back with a clean slate and a fresh perspective. Overall this will help your piece to be better rounded and prettier polished.

Here’s a bio on Didi with links and about her books! I got this bio from her author/book blog. You can connect with Didi on her blog @ https://didioviatt.wordpress.com/about/

One of Didi’s quotes which she likes to share on her Bookstagram!

Thanks so much everyone for stopping by and reading my interview with the lovely Didi Oviatt!😀📚 Until next time, lovelies!Xoxoxo!