A. A. Wilhite

Author Bio: I am A. A. Wilhite, I write where faith and fiction meet—where light and shadow wrestle for the soul. From my quiet home in Middleburg, Florida, I coach high school swimmers by day and chase stories by night—stories born of Scripture’s fire and the ache of redemption. Heaven’s Fire and Salt is my offering of faith, love, and divine war—where every name holds meaning, every word carries power, and light, always, conquers the dark.

Author/Writer Interview:

1.What inspires you most to write?

I get inspired by a combination of what I see and feelings or visions I have. I see the world a little different than most, almost backwards, but definitely from a different perspective. For instance I can see a flower that's like a periwinkle color, then think about my wedding (periwinkle was my color) then I'll think about love, then love leads to a feeling inside then I go down that rabbit hole and somehow come up with a story where a high school junior turns out to be a prolific serial killer... [true story by the way ... my mind moves weird].

2. What is your favorite genre?

Before publishing this latest book I would've said fantasy/horror. But apparently it is Romancy...

3. Who is one author you admire if any and why?

Ted Dekker. He writes like I dream and makes me realize I'm not the weirdo I thought I was. His stories opened my mind to the point that I really got a grasp of who I was truly intended to be.

4. How do you overcome blank writing spells?

I take a mini break and read a variety of books and watch movies. I redirect my inspiration in some side crafting projects.

5. What legal publishing advice can you give?

If you don't know, don't google, go find a 'real' pro for REAL answers.

6. How many books have you written, are any a bestseller yet?

I'm not yet a bestseller ... but anything is possible. I've published one book, but I've written 3 books, mostly for fun and self. The book I wrote prior to the one I published is the book I thought I was publishing ..... but the "Universe" thought better of it, and I think it was a good choice.

7. If you had the opportunity to rewrite one movie script which would it be, why?

Ha! That's funny to me because as a kid that's what started my writing journey. I liked reimagining stories, tv shows and movies where I thought the endings were all wrong or would ask myself, what would've happened if?

I'd have to say the movie I would rewrite... if given the opportunity, I would rewrite The Lost Boys. That movie had great potential but missed the mark and could have been so much more.

8. What are some difficulties you've experienced in your writing career; how do you handle book critiques/criticism?

I'm my greatest difficulty ... I can slip into that realm where I should be doing something else, that I am not good enough and not meant to do this ... then I remember who I am. It's funny in the rearview but can be gut wrenching in the moment. Now I am very good at taking critiques/criticism, as long as they are constructive. I listen and consider and rarely take it personally, because it could only help me if it's true.

9. What are your best experiences in your writing career?

The best is talking with readers and hearing how the book affected them and them sharing parts of their life with me. That is the best feeling and feeds my imagination for further inspiration. I also enjoy when I'm writing and realize I've been given the opportunity to work through things in my own life. It's an amazing journey on the daily.

10. Do you prefer to write in silence and or have some sort sound in the background?

I have a playlist, one for each character ... yes, my characters have their own playlist, and I have playlists for certain moods I need to to be in to work on certain scenes.

11. What are some encouraging words you'd give to another author/writer?

I'd tell them to "Do You." Find what you resonate with and write that. Write what moves you. And don't give up, keep pushing on.

12. How did you decide the pricing of your material; how did you go about promotion/advertising and distribution of your work?

I researched books that were like mine, talked to shoppers in bookstores and considered what I thought books like that would be worth.

13. Why should anyone read your book?

People should read my book because it is a thought-provoking story that will spark discussions on faith, love, and spiritual warfare. It’s perfect of anyone craving an uplifting escape that blends heart, action, and divine inspiration. Exploration of Love: From passionate romance to selfless agape love, this novel explores love’s many dimensions, inspiring reflection and connection. It is all about Hope and Empowerment: Elena’s faith-fueled courage offers a powerful message of hope, encouraging readers to trust in divine purpose.

14. Did you have a book coach?

No, I didn't

15. What was your favorite subject in school?

In school I liked English, mostly .... creative writing.

16. Are you self-published or have an established publishing contract elsewhere?

Right now I'm self-published.