Highschoolers are faced with different obstacles along the journey until senior year graduation. Whether it be homework, working a job for the first time, balancing extracurriculars, standardized test prep, or beginner driving anxiety, the never-ending hurdles are scattered throughout life in these four years known as high school.

However, against all the aforementioned odds, Center Hill’s own Zöe Aviya Harris has gone on to publish her second enthralling romance novel, To Capture a Heart. We spoke to Harris to gain some insight about her journey as a student and novelist.

Question: Becoming a published author is a process not everyone is familiar with, can you explain your journey of going on to publish two books as of today.

Harris: Publishing is something that I would describe as tedious. You have to be ready for the production, budgets, etc. There is also a huge chunk of just sacrifice that I noticed I’ve developed. Financials is one of the biggest things, and I say this all the time, but as a writer; or a creative, really; you have to be willing to spend the money and time on your passion. Otherwise, it isn’t worth your time.

As a hostess, the money is decent, and as a teenager, money is everything. Between buying clothes, video games, books, and other tidbits, I always keep in mind my future expenses regarding my now self-owned career.

When I got my first paycheck, I couldn’t spend it the way that I knew others would. I didn’t have my formatting software that I desired at the time, and while I wanted to have a new closet for the beginning of my senior year, I knew that the software meant more. So, I saved until I had enough. And that was just the beginning.

Question: What’s your writing process like?

Harris: I say this very often, but I honestly never start with an outline. There are two different kinds of writers—planners and pantsers [those who fly by the seat of their pants]. Then there’s me, a plantser; which is a combination of both.

Planners usually have plot lines, detailed notes and outlines, character descriptions and history, while pantsers can be well described as, “I write what I write.” I dabble in a bit of both worlds.  With journals filled with worlds and character building, I always piece together some kind of fictional world for me to live in until I get it out for others to see.

On the other hand, I do not outline. I don’t plot out each chapter and follow line by line or plot by plot. If I do that, I set a limit on myself, and it feels like a lack of creative freedom.

Question: Have you always had a knack for writing or was it something you had to learn to love?

Harris: I’ve always written. I say this in my author bio, but I truly have written for as long as I can remember. Sure, I did different genres and was more open to trying new things—especially as a kid—, but I’ve always had this particular desire to write.

It’s my way of escape and comfort. Starting with horror short stories, I worked my way up in the genre field and started to write more in the way and sight of what I read. It’s how I’ve gotten to where I am now: a contemporary romance fanatic. I started getting people to read my writing back on Wattpad, and once I did, it felt like that’s when I knew I had to get my work really out there.  I’d love to do my toes back into my older genres. And no, you cannot find my older writing anywhere. I made sure to clear those archives.

Question: Are there any more books in the works? Can you give us a sneak peek?

Harris: I’ve actually given a small sneak peek of my current work in progress. I refuse to reveal the title until I know for sure that it’s my next release, but it’s a second chance romance between two exes who’d broken up after a sour engagement. They find themselves in a forced proximity, and it somewhat pushes them back together. I also have this other WIP that’s a brother’s best friend type of trope, but I’ve been stuck on how to start it for ages. I’ll figure it out soon, though. Once I do, I’ve got a feeling it’ll be good.

Question: Will you branch into more genres or would you like to stick to romance? Is romance your favorite to read personally?

Harris: Recently, I’ve been thinking about dipping my toes into the dystopian pool. While I’m not the biggest fan of straight fantasy, I do know a couple of plot lines that would stick together pretty well within the dystopian universe. The thought of a horror/thriller has also popped in my mind, and so many people have been pushing me toward it!

Overall, though, I do think that I’ll always stick around the idea of romance novels. Even if I do manage to write a fantasy novel, it will include romance, and that’s just because it’s something I’ve always been able to do—encapsulate the feelings of love and preserve it into words. Romance novels are my favorite books to read. It’s something about the cuteness and the emotional tension that the characters have. I get excited for them, almost like I know them.

Question: What’s some wisdom you’d like to share to those out there who might be interested in writing but aren’t sure where to start?

Harris: This will be the same every single time, but do it. You will not regret it, I promise you. Writing is such a unique passion to have, and for you to have that gift and ability is extremely powerful. Take advantage of it and put it to use!

Question: Do you experience writer’s block and how did you learn to combat it?

Harris: Funny, because I’ve got a bad case of writer’s block right now. But seriously, it’s real. So many authors and writers refuse to discuss the topic of writers’ block—yes, it’s taboo in the writing community, and I hate it!—that sometimes it can feel like you’re the only one who experiences it.

But trust me, you’re not. It’s normal, and is just a part of the process. There’s one primary thing I do to get through it, it’s; Write, write, write. It doesn’t matter what it sounds like, if it pieces together, or if it doesn’t work well, it’s always a draft. You have editing and proofreading to come, you will be fine. The easiest way to “write” is to work on that character development. Find out their history and background. Sometimes everything you need to push through is right in front of you.

Question: What’s your favorite book and or series?

Harris: My favorite book is The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. Not only was it the first book I read that kept me interested and wanting more, but it was the book that started my fire in writing. While I always had that spark, seeing Angie’s words ignited the flame.

To witness Harris’s undertaking as an author is a wonderful experience, as she is a prime example of the capabilities that are possible when you follow your heart. To Capture a Heart will have a book signing January 18th at the Carriage Crossing Barnes and Noble in Collierville. Audiences can keep up with Harris via her Instagram, @zharris_wries.