The Interview - Ariel Lawhon
What’s your favorite piece of writing advice?
Write what you know’ doesn’t mean limiting yourself to your experiences—it means finding the universal truths in them. When you write authentically, readers can feel it.
How do you name your characters?
Naming characters is one of my favorite parts! I often look up names with meanings that align with the character’s traits or journey. For fantasy stories, I sometimes create unique names to add to the world-building.
Have you ever based a character on someone you know?
Yes, but I never make it too obvious! There are bits and pieces of my friends and family in many of my characters, but I always mix them with fictional traits to keep things creative.
How do you stay motivated to write?
Staying motivated can be tough, but I remind myself why I started writing in the first place. I also set small, achievable goals and reward myself when I hit them. And coffee helps—a lot!
What’s your writing kryptonite (biggest distraction)?
Social media! It’s a constant temptation. I’ve started using apps to block notifications during writing hours, which has been a game-changer.
Which book of yours was the most difficult to write, and why?
The Shadows We Leave Behind was the hardest because it dealt with themes of grief and loss. Writing those scenes was emotionally draining, but it was also cathartic."
If you could rewrite one of your books, which one would it be and why?
I’d rewrite my debut novel. I love the story, but I’ve grown so much as a writer since then, and I think I could do it more justice now.
What’s your ideal writing environment?
My ideal writing environment is a quiet room with lots of natural light, a comfy chair, and a view of something inspiring, like a garden or the ocean. And, of course, coffee within reach!