Indie Author Spotlight Episode 16

S.E. Reed
15 hours ago
3 min read

Hello! It's me (again). S.E. Reed, your favorite multi-genre Indie Author and volunteer at The Writer's Workout. Okay, so maybe I'm not your favorite, but I am an Indie Author who has made it her mission to help you find out more about others like me. Each of these episodes features a Q&A-style interview with an Indie Author so you can get to know more about them and their writing. In addition, some of the authors have chosen to participate in a 2nd interview on my website, Writing With Reed, which I'll link at the end.

Today's episode is with someone I have a publishing connection to... Avery Timmons! She is a YA author that I've had the pleasure of getting to know through a mutual publishing house. Or as we like to say on social media, we are Pub Siblings!! Woot, Woot! There really is a sibling bonding kind of experience you share with other indie authors when you've been pubbed by the same publisher. But even though I knew Avery, it was great to sit down with her to learn more about her journey and writing style. Enjoy!

author photo Avery Timmons — Author Avery Timmons

Hiya Avery!! I'm so thrilled to interview you today. Can you share a little about yourself.

I’m Avery! I’m an Illinois-based YA author. I’ve been writing pretty much my whole life, but I really got serious about it after I decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from Columbia College Chicago. During my time there, I wrote what has become my debut novel (Thicker Than Water) and a lot of short stories, and after I graduated in May 2023, I’ve written a couple more books (including my sophomore novel, Maimed, being released in 2026) and even more short stories.

Professionally, I work with words, too, in journalism. But besides writing, I love reading, music, and musical theater.

Tell us about your writing style.

I primarily write YA, but when it comes to genre, I like to try a little bit of everything. So far, I have written/am writing fantasy (urban and high), contemporary romance, and mystery with a paranormal element.

Regardless of genre, though, you can find a lot of similar elements in my work, like Illinois/Chicago settings, complicated family dynamics, soft protagonists who are just trying to figure out where they belong, and at least a dash of romance!

book cover Thicker Than Water; blood-filled hourglass in water

Tell us about a project you’re proud of and link it.

That would be my debut YA fantasy novel, Thicker Than Water! I started writing it during my sophomore year of college (and the pandemic). It became really special to me very quickly after the idea formed, since it blended my love for Chicago and my college years and fantasy elements I always loved growing up, and I’m really proud of how far it’s come since that initial draft.

Spill the tea, what are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on a YA contemporary romance that has some elements I’m having a lot of fun with, from the friends-to-lovers trope to a protagonist who is a Jeopardy! fanatic. I also have a sequel to Thicker Than Water in the works, but… I don’t want to spoil anything!

And as always, I have a long list of short story ideas and WIPs for anthology calls!

What is your biggest/best piece of advice for other Indie Authors?

Find your community! I know authors probably hear this a lot, but it really is such good advice. I’ve met some really great people through the various writing communities on social media, and it’s so helpful to have people who understand what you’re going through in regards to the publishing process and who you can ask questions or just vent to.

Who is your favorite Indie Author?

I really do mean this: S.E. Reed! One of my favorite aspects of reading (and writing) YA is voice, and I always find your characters to have such strong voices. That, and your books are always fast-paced and feature some really heartwarming relationships between characters.

Where can someone find your work, social presence, etc. drop some links.

Pretty much all of my work, from my novels to my short stories, is linked on my website, https://averytimmons.carrd.co. As for socials, I’m most active on: