Author Interview: Breelagh D'Agostino

• What inspired you to write your latest book?

I have been dealing with depression and anxiety for the past fifteen years of my life, and through my writing, I have been able to express my struggles through an artistic outlet. The protagonist (although you could say antagonist) of my book "Remember," Drew Abston's hardships are a channeling of some of my darkest times in life. Although taken to the extreme with certain aspects of the story, I was able to put in my own perspectives on the ups and downs that come with depression and anxiety and feeling like you're all alone.

• What is your favorite book/genre to read?

My favorite book is Stargirl because it is about a very real struggle with fitting into a high school environment and how being different is beautiful and has an energizing effect on others.

• What themes do you find yourself returning to in your work?

I always find myself returning to themes such as mental health struggles and the ups and downs of all types of relationships, especially romantic ones.

• How do you handle writer’s block?

I try not to get to the point of frustration when it comes to writer's block. Since I don't set an expectation for myself to write a certain number of books every year, I don't get upset or feel let down when I fail to meet an objective. I don't see writing as an obligation - I see it as an outlet for my life, to hopefully help others understand their lives a bit better, and to entertain myself and my readers. I love bringing joy to people through my written works. Therefore, I only write when I'm inspired, and when I want to write, and when I do that, it makes the process so exhilarating and fun.

• What do you hope readers take away from your stories?

I hope that readers would become uplifted after reading my stories. I want people to understand themselves and the people around them better after reading one of my fiction books. The thing is, with fiction, it's never fully fiction. As a writer, I pull from experiences in my own life and from people who I've met's personalities. I get to control the story and what happens to the characters in my stories, and that brings me peace. The characters I write about become a part of me because I know them completely, and that is so exciting to me.

• What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as a writer?

My husband Nick has always told me to write about things that are less happy and more realistic because people like to hear about that type of stuff. Readers of fiction enjoy high-stakes situations and raw emotions. It helps people escape from the reality of their own lives and explore a new one where there are no responsibilities required, and that's freeing. Ever since I implemented this strategy of focusing on more intense subjects in my writing, I have found myself receiving much more positive feedback about my work.

• If you could meet any character from your books, who would it be and why?

I would want to meet Drew Abston so I could tell him that he's not alone in his pain caused by depression, anxiety, and hopelessness. I would want to encourage him to do better and help him by being there for him if he needed to talk.

• Where can readers find your books? Where can they follow you online?

You can find my books on Amazon.com or by going to my website, breedags.com

You can also follow me on Instagram @realbreedags