An Interview with Alicia Donovan
Alicia Donovan was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, and grew up in a small rural town called New Bedford, which lies in the northwest part of the state. She is a wife, public servant, entrepreneur, photographer, artist, blogger, and novelist who currently lives near Austin, Texas.
As a professional photographer, she has been featured in Houston Press and Notindoor Photography Magazine. She authored an article on how photographers can contribute to preserving national parks, which included her landscape photographs taken in various national parks across the southwestern United States.
Alicia graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2021 from Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in applied arts and sciences with focuses on Business Administration, Public Relations, and Corporate Training.
The Opposite of Oppressed is her greatest achievement to date and tells her own story of how she overcame multiple tragedies and came out a stronger version of herself.
What inspired you to start writing this book?
I started getting help for PTSD years ago, and through counseling, I decided to share my stories in hopes of inspiring others to aspire for a better life, no matter the risk, as it is worth it.
Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
It took me about a year to decide on my title. I wanted my title to, in part, convey the reasons for the book being written, from my many oppressive moments to how I overcame them.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
“Titanium,” “Survivor,” “I Will Survive,” “Rise Up,” “Unbreakable.”
What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?
Greenlights by Matthew McConnaughey, Living the Life You Were Meant to Live by Paterson, Local Girl Missing by Clair Douglas.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
Insurance, Photography, Contracts.
I have an obsession with owls 🙂
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
I have always loved writing, mostly poetry as a child, and now prose. Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein.
Where is your favorite place to write?
SHHHH…in the tub.
What advice would you give your past self at the start of your writing journey?
Don’t think too hard, let it flow.
What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?
How inspirational you can still be despite your circumstances.
Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.
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