Today we’d like to introduce you to Amina Lovell.
Hi Amina, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I have been writing since 2011. I worked my way through various administrative and entertainment work eventually landing a news producer job after graduate school. I worked as a news producer for three and a half years, I really hated the environment and the type of writing I was doing. I felt repressed, unseen, and unheard. I was definitely hiding, scared to express what I felt, or be too different from my family and peers.
I decided to quit my job and pursue creative writing full-time, bringing Opal Island to life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have encountered a lot of rejection and self-doubt. When I quit my job I did not have another one lined up. I leaped in, knowing that mistakes would come but I wasn’t prepared when I had to face them. At the time, I was a little too hopeful and naive to what this drastic change would ask of me. I applied to fellowships, internships, and workshops, hosted by large entertainment companies and got denied by all of them.
I pivoted into making young adult stories myself. I had an idea of what I wanted my work to look like but I was still very new to expressing myself creatively. I was adamant that the book had to be illustrated even though I couldn’t draw. I was living in Ohio at the time and it was hard finding an artist that understood my vision. I spent a lot of money on images and advice that eventually fell flat.
I connected with an illustrator through IG that really understood what I was trying to say. Moved to LA and worked three jobs to support myself. Three years into this dream, I published an e-book but I was having an issue connecting with and attracting a new audience. During this journey, I met my publishers, Angela Benson and Kai Adia of Bee Infinite Publishing, and they helped me polish and refine my ideas.
I am still working on growing my fanbase but have found better ways to be myself and highlight my brand of creativity. The most significant growth I have seen within myself, through this journey, is self-confidence in my abilities. I have dedicated more time and passion to this than any other endeavor. I’m very proud of how focused and consistent I have been.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in and I’m known for my storytelling and creativity. I have worked in film, tv, and radio all in a writing capacity. I am most proud of my consistency. I was very close to giving up completely a few times, but I stuck in there, taking more than my fair share of beatings from the universe. I’m proud of my relentless spirit, no matter what I have pursued in my life, I work to see it through.
What sets me apart are my unique experiences and storytelling methods. I can look at any material, medium, or object and create a compelling narrative.
Outside of my creative work, my friends know me as a risk-taker. The type of person to jump out of a plane or leap off a cliff. I confront my fears by screaming at them head-on, riddled with anxiety.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Anyone looking to work/collaborate with me can reach out via my website, aminalovell.com. Opal Island: Book One is available now at www.beeinfinite.org, IndieBound, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aminalovell.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aminalovell/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/aminalovell?lang=en
Image Credits
Head shots by: @hippiemanhenny
