Discover Antonia Aviles, Award-Winning Children's Author: Member Interview

The Writers’ Mastermind is proud to introduce you to another of our amazing members! Antonia Aviles has published several award-winning children’s books with more on the way. Antonia has a passion for crafting stories that inspire positivity and understanding. She is also polishing a psychological thriller and developing a sci-fiction novel.

Meet Antonia Aviles

Antonia Aviles, originally from the small town of South Fallsburg, NY, now lives in Mystic, CT.

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Education, she brings her passion for teaching to her writing. When she’s not crafting stories, Antonia immerses herself in making homemade products, tending her garden, and discovering new cultures through travel and language learning. Her debut books, Jayla Spreads Loving Kindness and You Are Loved, earned awards from Story Monster Ink. Look out for her latest heartwarming tales, Thea and Her Purple Dragon and Catalina Plays the What?.

Latest book blurb: Get ready to join Catalina on show-and-tell day! She is bursting with excitement (and a few jitters) to share her passion for the double bass. Will her performance wow her classmates and spark their love for this incredible instrument? Dive into the heartwarming adventure and find out!

Interview

1.Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where are you from? Where are you now? What has your life been like? I was born and raised in New York to Hispanic parents. I grew up in a very small town call South Fallsburg. After 22 years, I moved to sunny Florida, soaking in the warmth for another 20 years. Now, life has brought me to the quaint and charming town of Mystic, Connecticut (yes, just like the movie!). My life has been a beautiful blend of lessons and adventures, although I haven’t always been able to see the beauty during the lessons! Growing through all the lessons and savoring the good times has made me truly appreciate everything. I believe that everything happens for a reason, and the last three years have shown me this in ways I never imagined!

2. What kind of stories do you like to write? I’m passionate about crafting stories that carry positive messages, aiming to enrich lives from an early age. My children’s books focus on themes like sharing love and knowing you are loved. Recently, I ventured into celebrating the lesser-known double bass, and the response from that community has been heartwarming, with comments like “finally” and “long overdue” pouring in.

3. What sets you apart from other writers in your space? My stories intertwine positive messages with engaging narratives. I strive to leave a lasting impact on young readers, shaping their hearts and minds for the better.

4. What drives your writing? What do you mean to accomplish with your stories? My driving force is the desire to educate and inspire through my stories. Whether I’m spreading love, exploring unique topics like the double bass, or addressing complex family dynamics, I aim to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives.

5. Who are your favorite writers and books? What are your other creative influences? I’m a fan of authors like Dean Koontz, Lisa Jackson, Freida McFadden, and Nora Roberts. I also draw inspiration from self-help books, particularly those by Dr. Joe Dispenza, who has become a recent muse of mine. I think of my most powerful influences comes from my own personal journey—the lessons learned, the challenges faced, and the triumphs celebrated. These experiences add authenticity and depth to my narratives, making my stories resonate on a more personal level with people.

6. Tell us about your writing space. When and where do you write? Do you work in silence? Or music? My writing space has evolved over time, often finding me in different rooms within my home, my husband’s business, or in the local library. I dream of having a dedicated office someday! Music is definitely a constant companion while I write. I often play binaural beats with 528 or 432 Hz because it creates a relaxing and focused atmosphere.

7. What is your favorite thing to do when you are not writing? When I’m not writing, you’ll find me lost in the pages of a good book. Reading is my absolute favorite pastime.

8. Who or what is your current artistic muse? Colleen Hoover is my current muse. Not because I love her writing style, but because despite receiving mixed reviews, some really harsh ones at that, she’s reached an incredible number of readers, proving that you don’t need to please everyone to be highly successful. Her ability to thrive amidst criticism inspires me to keep going, knowing there’s a large audience out there for my work too.

9. Why do you think it’s important to write fiction? Fiction is essential because it fosters creativity, allowing both writers and readers to explore endless possibilities. It’s a magical experience!

10. Who would be the best writer, alive or dead, to tell the story of your life? Frida Kahlo, without a doubt. Her unique perspective and emotional depth would capture the essence of my life beautifully.

11. How has being in the Writers’ Mastermind helped you? What’s the best part of being with a writing group? The feedback I’ve received from the Writers’ Mastermind has been nothing short of invaluable! The best part is the support, camaraderie, and the knowledge that I’m not alone in my writing journey or struggles.

12. What are you working on right now? I’m putting the finishing touches on Thea and Her Purple Dragon, a children’s book that sensitively addresses the topic of parental gatekeeping. The story uses metaphor and rhyme to highlight the effects of overprotection and emphasize the importance of balanced parenting, delivering the message that both parents are crucial for a child’s happiness and development. I’m also working on finishing the first draft of Twisted, my first adult novel. It’s a domestic thriller for adults, which tackles this same theme from a darker, more twisted angle.

Thanks to Antonia Aviles for sharing her writing life with us.