Long and Short Reviews welcomes Avery Sterling, who is celebrating yesterday’s release of Precious Benefits. Leave a message or ask the author a question for a chance to win a $20 Amazon gift card.

Avery started reading historical romances when she was a young teen and was captivated by the storytelling – the settings, the tropes, the drama, etc.

“I was fascinated by the author’s ability to create an environment in which I could immerse myself completely,” she explained. “I loved being alongside characters, watching their relationship develop through a series of trials and tribulations. That stoked my initial desire to weave a memorable tale. We never know how stories will stand the test of time, but their lasting impressions have been the fuel for my books going forward.”

In her mid-teens her addiction shifted from reading romances to writing them. Even though there were many authors she admired, she wanted to create her own characters. So, she began researching history, character development, etc, and wrote her first novel. She’s dabbled writing other genres, but told me that she eventually accepted the fact that no matter what she starts out to write, it turns into a romance.

“It’s been over 25 years now, and I’ve been writing ever since,” she told me.

Avery considers herself more of a pantser than a plotter. She will have a vague roadmap – one that begin with an idea that sparked while she was driving, listening to music, or some other activity.

“It’s often just one scene,” she said, “but within that scene are the characters’ actions and emotions. I feel it, and I have to get that out.”

Music is her greatest inspiration, but what she listens to varies. Most of the time, she’ll listen to whatever has inspired her WIP either partially or for the entirety of writing the story. The end of one of her books was inspired by Yiruma’s “River Flows in You”, and she listened to it while writing the end.

“One of my other books was sparked by Sia’s House on Fire,” she said. “I listened to it on repeat for hours, unto months. During that time, my earbuds broke, but my family quickly replaced them.”

She is currently writing a book set in Ireland, during the Restoration period. A young woman, keeping her pagan roots alive, is tried as a witch and sentenced to death by Cromwellian soldiers. This puts her at the mercy of a Royalist who was rewarded her family’s land for his loyalty to the monarchy.

Writing is not the only creative outlet she has. When she’s not writing, she like to make soap, candles, salves, and things of that sort. She is also passionate about holistic healing.

“What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?” I wondered.

“In my opinion, simplicity. Einstein said, ‘If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.’ You have to understand the story you’re writing, the message. Right down to the meat and bones. Another important element for me is emotional intelligence.”

“If you could apologize to someone in your past, who would it be?”

“That old couple I gave directions to, five years ago. I never give directions, I’m not qualified on any level. I should’ve said “Sorry, I can’t help you.” But I didn’t. To my everlasting shame, I directed them. I’ll never know where they ended up.”

Finally, I asked, “What advice would you give a new writer just starting out?”

“I can’t stress enough how tempting it is to quit. Doubt and fear can be daunting, but being a writer isn’t something that you become. It’s something that you are. That gift (or curse—however you see it) will continue to revisit you, so embrace it. Find the tools that you need to express yourself in your own, unique way. That’s a great accomplishment in itself.”

Sarafina di Ramonicci sets sail for America as the promised bride in an arranged political marriage.

Taken prisoner at sea, she clashes with her captor and demands freedom, only to discover he is planning her future husband’s demise, with her as a pawn in their deadly feud. The challenge of escape tests her loyalty to family, human decency, and love.

Captain Nye Tarquin is a dangerous man. Left to die on the streets of New Orleans, he swears retribution on the man responsible. When he makes Sarafina part of his plan, he isn’t prepared for the fiery vixen aboard his ship, nor his desire to claim her as his own. When passion overtakes honor, he’s torn between his heart and his need for justice.

About the Author: Avery Sterling’s love for the romance genre began in her teen years when she picked up her first novel. She was captivated by the sweeping scale of emotions brought about by the words. The experience catapulted her towards learning the art of wielding a breathtaking adventure, with a love that felt authentic. Wanting to inspire people with her own thoughts and words, she finished her first novel at sixteen. It was a step towards understanding the essence of what she wished to create. Most of her youth was spent traveling, searching out the romance and beauty in her everchanging world. From the waves that crashed against the rocky shores of Downeast, Maine, to the warm breezes of the Caribbean, she discovered that love was universal, apparent in its grandest and simplest of forms. Her goal is to write novels an audience can relate to, one that conveys the truth and nature of love… with all that steamy romance.

Buy the book at Amazon.