Barbara Avon – Italian Roots, Canadian Stories

TELLING STORIES THAT HAUNT,  HEAL AND INSPIRE ACROSS GENRES 

Barbara Avon reflects on her writing journey, her diverse genres, and the profound themes of love and horror found in her award-winning novels.

Barbara Avon graces the cover of this issue of Reader’s House, a testament to her remarkable contributions to contemporary literature. As an award-winning multi-genre author, Barbara has captivated readers with her imaginative storytelling, deftly navigating the realms of romance, horror, mystery, and beyond. Her writing journey began in the quiet recesses of her imagination as a young girl in the Niagara Falls Region, blossoming into a prolific career that has seen her achieve critical acclaim and recognition within the literary community.

Her works, including the award-winning “Revived” and “Sultry Is the Night,” showcase a unique blend of complexity and emotion that resonates deeply with readers. Barbara’s exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the human experience invites us into a world where the lines between beauty and horror are artfully blurred. Her ability to breathe life into her characters, particularly her compelling male protagonists, highlights her skill as a storyteller, earning her accolades that celebrate her distinct voice.

In this insightful interview, readers will gain a glimpse into Barbara’s writing process, her inspirations, and her unwavering belief in the magic of storytelling. As she shares her journey of self-publishing and her hopes for the legacy her works will leave behind, it becomes evident that Barbara Avon is not just a writer but a conjuror of emotions who believes in the transformative power of love and the written word. Join us as we delve into the mind of this extraordinary author, whose pen captures the essence of both joy and darkness, revealing the haunting beauty that resides in every tale she tells.

Can you share more about the moment you decided to pursue writing seriously after your Grade 9 English teacher’s encouragement? What impact did that have on your career?

Most people feel “a calling”. Whether they are drawn to the arts, a trade, or are business-minded, it’s what shapes them as a person. Life for me evolved in a normal fashion: University, part-time jobs, a career in administration. It was until I was in my 30s and after a significant breakup that I decided to put pen to paper and write my first novel, “My Love is Deep”. When my engagement ended, I had time on my hands and used that time to finally pursue the dream that had been brewing inside of me since Grade 9. Although I set that novel aside for many more years, it marked the beginning of this incredible journey. My first protagonist, Peter Travis, will always be a part of me.

What draws you to explore such a wide range of genres, and do you have a favorite?

One simple word can inspire many ideas. I can transform the word “horizon” into something romantic, or even horrific. Horror is my favourite genre to write. Life can be horrific. Exploring the human psyche is fascinating. As a storyteller, it’s inherent in me to explore all genres.

Could you describe your writing process? Do you have any specific rituals or routines when starting a new book?

I don’t practice any specific rituals per se, although unlike some of my peers, I do prefer to write in a quiet setting. However, I always decide on my title before I start writing. Next, I create my cover. Both those things inspire the rest of the story. I also edit as I write. I don’t like to leave “bad words” behind, which means that I don’t write several drafts. 

How do you develop your characters? Do you find that your characters take on a life of their own as the story progresses?

They do take on a life of their own. I am instinctively drawn to writing male characters and I find it easy and satisfying to do so. I’ve had readers over the years tell me that had they not known I am a female author, they would have guessed that I was male since my male characters are written realistically. All my characters are as real to me as the flesh and blood person sitting next to me. They also reside somewhere inside of me.  

What messages or themes do you hope readers take away from your stories?

I used this as my brand and in my advertising campaigns when I first started this journey, but it still rings true today: “Love is the most remarkable magic – even in horror.” I suppose it’s the hopeless romantic in me – the person who believes, and has always believed – that love can conquer all. There’s a scene of dialogue in my first book that sums this up. The gist is, if someone is on their deathbed, they won’t remember their first job, or care how much money is in their bank account. They will only want someone who loves them to be there to hold their hand.  

Can you elaborate on what you mean by horror being “hauntingly beautiful” to you as a writer?

This is where the theme of love comes in. If love is all that matters in life, then there’s a lot more at stake when two lovers are trapped in a horror story. By definition, a romance ends happily. That’s not the case when it comes to horror. Can a tragic ending be beautiful? Death is a part of life. Love is a part of life. A horror story can be “hauntingly beautiful”. There are, of course, different types of horror stories. Romantic love is not a theme in a slasher-type of horror, but my horror stories are categorized under Psychological Horror. Love is always a theme.

How did it feel to receive recognition like the Literary Titan Gold Medal Award for “Sultry Is the Night”?

As an author, I strive to write stories that touch readers in some way, shape, or form. “Sultry Is the Night” is one of my personal favourites. I feel honoured that the story received such high praise. Authors often refer to their books as their “babies”. Just as a parent is proud when their child receives a prestigious award and recognition, I also feel proud. 

Which of your works do you envision as a movie, and why?

By using colourful descriptions and realistic dialogue, I think all my books read like movies. “Sacrilege”, my psychological horror, is set in 1985 and would be low budget since most of the action takes place in a boarding house. I envision someone like Patrick Wilson (The Conjuring) playing wayward priest Cris Corelli. Seeing my stories come to life on the big screen is my next big dream.  

Can you share more about your journey into self-publishing? What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?

I always knew that I wanted to be in control of every aspect from writing, editing, cover design, and marketing. I never queried and preferred to retain creative control. Basically, I run my own business as an author. I am my own publisher. The biggest challenge is marketing and being seen in a sea of other authors. Being passionate means never giving up. 

How does cooking influence your creativity or writing process?

One doesn’t influence the other. I simply share my love of cooking in a fictional sense. My food descriptions almost read like recipes which is a bonus for any reader who is interested in cooking, and especially Italian food. I love that both writing and cooking are the same. Both require a pinch of imagination, an ounce of patience, and whole lot of love.   

What legacy do you hope to leave behind through your writing, and how do you want to be remembered as an author?

I was never able to be a mother. My books are my legacy. Within them, a reader can catch glimpses of me and who I am (or who I was). In the end, the stories are what matter, and they will be like time capsules, of sorts. Once a reader opens one of my books, my entire life – from my Italian roots to my fiercely independent nature – can be read between the lines.