Bio
Aria Ashbrook is the shared pen name of award-winning authors Heather G. Harris and Hannah Lynn. Together, they craft cruel romantasy worlds where danger lurks, destiny calls, and love (eventually) conquers all. Between them, they’ve written dozens of novels, won multiple awards, and built fiercely loyal readerships across fantasy and romantic fiction. Web of Vows and Vengeance is the first book in their thrilling new fantasy romance series. You’ll love it, but you won’t be okay afterwards.
Author Q&A
Which author did you aspire to be when you were growing up?
I grew up reading Anne McCaffrey, and to this day she remains one of my favourite authors. She’s written so many comfort reads that I return to again and again. She was so far ahead of her time. Dragon riders, alien romance (the Catteni series is still a favourite!)… I’ve truly loved everything she’s written.
I also adore how varied her work was. She wasn’t a cookie-cutter author, and that’s a huge inspiration for me, for sure.
What is it that most inspires you to keep writing?
I honestly don’t think I could stop at this stage! But the truest inspiration comes from emails from readers, telling me how much my books mean to them, and how valuable the escapism has been. It’s a stunning thing.
One of my fans even read one of my books during labour to help distract herself from the pain. That’s pretty amazing to me.
What has been your greatest achievement to date?
Being able to quit the day job and become a full-time writer was, and still is, a dream come true.
Are you still learning as a writer?
Oh my gosh, yes! With every book. I think you learn something new each time, always honing and refining. It’s what makes it fun!
What is the greatest lesson any writer can learn?
If you’re not enjoying writing your book, no one will enjoy reading it. Step away from the manuscript until it brings your heart joy. Or set it on fire and start a new one.
What are the biggest challenges you face as a writer?
I don’t have as much time to read as I’d like, which is a true travesty. All my free time is spent writing. That’s the blessing and the curse when your hobby becomes your job.
I do use audiobooks to fit more stories into my life, though. Listening while cooking or folding laundry has been a real game changer!
How do you put yourself in the mind of a reader?
I never write in a genre I don’t personally love. Before I embark on a new pen name or a new genre, I read as widely as I can within it, often via audiobooks. At the end of the day, I’m a reader too!
But it can be hard, because now when I read, I find myself analysing the content rather than relaxing and enjoying the ride. That’s why I tend to gravitate towards audio. It switches off the analytical side of my brain and lets me just listen.
How do you think our relationship with literature has been impacted by modern times?
I think we binge more now, reading back to back, and that means rapid-release strategies work better for modern audiences. We don’t want to wait ages for a complete series. That’s why all four books in my dark romantasy series will be out within a year.
What are you looking forward to most about Pascify?
Meeting passionate readers and spending time with other authors. Signing Days are honestly the highlight of my year. There’s nothing like being surrounded by hundreds of other bookish souls, all as eager to talk books as you are!
And you don’t need to talk to me about mine, either. Come and chat to me about anything. I’m just happy to talk!
What is one thing people might not know about you?
Aria Ashbrook is made up of two awesome writers: Hannah Lynn and Heather G. Harris. I’m filling this out, so all the answers here are mine, but special mention absolutely needs to go to Hannah, who won the Amazon Kindle Storyteller Award a few years ago.
Hannah is an incredibly talented author, and I’m delighted to co-write with her. Together, we’re a real dream team.
What trip is top of your bucket list?
I’m going to New Zealand for an author conference in March, and I am SO excited about it. No doubt I’ll be full of tales when I get to PASCIFY!
If you could choose any other profession, what would that be?
I was a lawyer, and Hannah was a teacher. But not for a single second would either of us give up being an author. It’s a dream come true for both of us.
Is there a particular genre or type of non-fiction that you most enjoy reading?
I love urban fantasy, crime (Agatha Christie style), fantasy and sci-fi, and romance in all its many forms.
I don’t mind what subgenre it is, whether it’s clean or spicy, contemporary or PNR, just make me fall in love and give me a happily ever after.
What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
My mum’s motto was, “Be kind.” That’s it. She was a wise woman, so I try to live by it.
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