Happy first Saturday of October, friends! To kick of my favorite time of the year, I had the privilege of interviewing indie author Addison Dixon. She is the author of The Star & Cicatrix Legacy series which has been described as “a magical and enchanting fantasy about family, friendship, loyalty and courage.” In addition to writing YA fantasy, Dixon is a tutor and writing coach. Check out our full interview below to learn more!
Q) Describe yourself in three words.
A) Funny, imaginative, and patient.
Q) How long have you been writing?
A) I’ve been writing since I was 11 years old. I “wrote” stories that I never finished. I started A Star Appears, however, when I was 12. I didn’t think it’d be one I’d continue. After much prayer and continuous inspiration, the story stayed.
Q) Why do you write?
A) I write because I want to see more wholesome stories. “Write what you want to see more of.” I also want more young people to like reading. In an age where technology steals our attention, I want to write a story that people will enjoy. In a time when good, fun literature (particularly ones with important messages) is growing rarer—and not just with books, but movies and games as well—I want people to see that it’s not dead. I’m an advocate for good entertainment.
Q) What is your favorite genre to read and why?
A) My favorite genre is fantasy (is that a surprise? XP) I like fantasy, as I like seeing different people’s takes on the genre. Whether children’s, young adult, or adult fantasies, I appreciate how an author writes their stories.
Q) What song would be your life’s theme song?
A) Oh dear. Hmmm. I’d probably say “Burn for You” by TobyMac. I listened to it on repeat while writing A Star Appears. It’s always been a favorite of mine. Burning for God. Being motivated to stand for Him. The lyrics from the song have come into my mind when I’ve felt tired.
Q) Who is someone (real or fictional) that inspires you?
A) There are many who inspire me. My mom is one of the strongest people/women I know. I’d say she definitely has been a huge inspiration to me.
Q) Can you tell us about A Star Appears? What type of readers will enjoy it? What do you hope readers take away from it?
A) Can I put in the summary? XD It’s about a boy named Riley who learns he is the last of a generation of people called the People of the Symbol. He has a star symbol and must battle the villain who destroyed the People of the Symbol years ago. The star symbol is the rarest symbol . . . and, unfortunately, the one the villain despises the most. So, Riley must survive in order for the symbols (which are like gifts from God) to continue. When I say “gifts from God” I mean, like, a flame symbol stands for strength. A leaf stands for healing. A raindrop is for peace, etc.
The types of readers who’d enjoy it are preteens and older. Parents can even read it to their younger children (like Narnia!). Those who like fantasy, and good stories in general.
What I hope readers will take away from A Star Appears is that bravery doesn’t always come naturally. Some might have it as second-nature, but a lot of times, it’s something you must learn, particularly when it comes to standing up for those in need. Another thing is that everyone has a story. Even those who are mean to you might very well behave a certain way because of personal circumstances.
Q) Can you tell us what readers can expect from the sequel to A Star Appears, A Brother’s Battle?
A) It’ll explore both Riley and Dorobonn’s perspectives. Dorobonn is Riley’s mentor. He is an interesting character. He’s based on all the older people in my life. The wisdom he gives is stuff I’ve been told and learned. I’ll also go deeper into Kelvin’s background. A new villain will be brought in, along with a couple of surprising allies. The story is a tad more intense than A Star Appears, so be prepared for a wild ride.
Q) What are your goals as a writer?
A) I want to promote good stories for people to read. Unless there is redemption and/or the light overpowers the darkness, I don’t get into depressing and negative stories. There’s already so much darkness in the world. Why add on?
Q) Any other writing projects at the moment?
A) Yes! I’m currently working hard on my third book. I’ve been having fun writing it. I’m not going to say who the protagonist is. I want it to be a surprise! It’s probably going to be the most intense book in the series . . . besides the last one (and don’t ask when the last one will come out, ‘cause I don’t know.)
Q) What advice would you offer aspiring authors?
A) Don’t let yourself be discouraged when you have trouble with your writing. Writer’s block happens for all authors and the best thing you can do is either take a break and focus on something else, or even write something else. Don’t feel obligated to change your story for someone else’s standards. It’s one thing to change something in a story in order for the plot to make more sense, but it’s quite another to change something simply because someone didn’t think the story was “good enough.”
Q) Is there anything else you would like to add?
A) If you believe writing is your calling, don’t hesitate to pursue it. However, there is absolutely nothing wrong with pursuing other careers as well. Those will only serve to enrich your writing. The experiences you have, the adventures you embark on, the people you meet—it all plays a large part in your writing. Maybe writing ends up being a side-hustle, and that’s okay.
Consult advice and wisdom from family and friends. My family is why I wrote, and continue writing, in the first place.
Be sure to order your copy of A Star Appears here and request a copy at your local library!
Remember to follow Dixon on Instagram & Facebook to stay up to date with her and her writing. You can also visit her website for more information.