Author Bio:
Alicia Yost is a writer and teacher. She loves Jesus and her writing encourages people to live in the freedom God offers. She’s written for The Upper Room devotional, various blogs and is a featured monthly writer for the GoMobilize app which helps connect and build community for believers as they seek Jesus. She also co-leads a women’s ministry called “Something To Chew On” which provides a platform for women to share personal stories of how God is working in their lives. Alicia’s writing is honest and relatable. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, three kids and two dogs.
What inspires you to write?
My writing is inspired by Galatians 5:13, "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love." I know what it's like to live in bondage and have been freed by the blood of Jesus. I want to encourage others to live in freedom. There are many people who still wear chains and I long to see them living unburdened and standing in the power of Jesus.
Tell us about your writing process.
I always begin with prayer. I try to imagine God sitting next to me, whispering words into my mind and heart. When I write my calls to action for GoMobilize, I do a lot of research on scriptures and read a lot of Bible verses. I listen to what God is telling me through the scripture and I usually feel inspired to share something. When it came to writing a book, I had to learn to be scheduled. I write every day and work hard to be completely honest. I believe that readers can sniff out a fake in a second. I know I can! And I want my readers to see my heart. The only way to do this is to let them see all of me so I step outside of my comfort zone and write vulnerably.
Who are your favorite authors?
I love so many! I love anything by Anne Lamott. Honestly, any single book. I first read her book "Bird by Bird" and then quickly read everything. I met her once, in New York City at a book signing for her book "Help, Thanks, Wow." I stood in front of her, unable to say anything. I had so many things running through my head that I couldn't think of one word to say. I wanted to reach over the table and kiss her. I also love Brene Brown, all of her books are filled with wisdom. Wally Lamb, Sarah Bessey, and C.S. Lewis are more favorites. I read "A Grief Observed" by C.S. Lewis shortly after my mom died and it brought me so much comfort. I went on to devour all of Lewis' books. I quote him several times in my new book.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I decided to self-publish because I attended a conference and learned a lot about the different ways to publish and doing it myself felt like the right fit. I was told that in order to secure a big publisher, I needed a platform but I wondered how I'd grow a platform without first writing a book. The publishing world is changing and the perks previously available to authors aren't the same these days. Now, authors have to do a lot more work for a lot less pay because it's cost prohibitive for publishing houses to do it the "old" way. Since I knew I'd have to do a lot of work on my own, I figured I may as well skip the middle man and bask in the creative freedom afforded by self-publishing.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
The publishing world is constantly changing. Self-publishing is gaining more and more momentum, will likely continue to grow and may soon burst through the current constraints of online publishers into greater autonomy through block chains. This will enable authors to retain their copyright, have more financial control over their creative works and streamline the process of publishing.
What genres do you write?
Non-Fiction
What formats are your books in?
eBook, Print
Website(s)
Alicia Yost Home Page Link
Follow Alicia Yost On Amazon
Author’s Social Media Links
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
All information is provided by the author and is presented as it was submitted so you the reader get to hear the author’s own “voice” in their interview.
