Interview with Amarie Avant, author of Diablo Inside

What can you tell us about your new release, Diablo Inside?

Extreme introvert, Aria, spends days painting inside the walls of her apartment in Miami. On a chance encounter, she meets the captivating Cuban, Dominic, who she believes is a Serial Killer. The perfect prey becomes the predator, at least in her mind’s eye. Lay on the dark romance, and you have broken people, devious banter, steamy sex, and a lot of twists. Diablo was a very intriguing story to piece together. When we consider the media craze of serial killers such as Ted Bundy and how seriously bad guys like him could captivate a nation, even decades later, I hope to have conveyed that through the story. I wish every scene keeps the reader engaged and turning pages as fast as possible to unravel this sexy tale.

What books are currently on your nightstand?

My bookshelf resembles a smorgasbord. Any and everything by V. C. Andrews. Kennedy Ryan’s ‘Queen Move.’ Kitty Thomas’s ‘Comfort Food.’ An urban coming of age story, ‘The Coldest Winter Ever.’ ‘Alex Cross, Run,’ by James Patterson. I even subscribed to James Patterson’s Masterclass on writing in the past. Obviously, it’s not a book, but it was a fantastic testament to the craft.

What advice would you give your teenage self?

Sheesh, I would tell myself to invest and perhaps read books on investing, then I’d have enough money to buy more books and write to my heart’s content. Yup, that simple. I don’t want to alter history too much.

 If you had an extra hour each day, how would you spend it?

Probably daydream. I had a surprise baby this June, which has been rather eye-opening in the middle of the pandemic. Since there’s no break from mommyhood, and I’m immensely enjoying it, I’d take a moment to breathe and contemplate my next story.

What makes your world go round? Why does it bring you joy?

My family brings me joy, and when I needed a break from them—up until the pandemic—I had a great obsession with movie theaters. I could spend every weekend at the movies, eating popcorn, candy, I’m not a soda person, so there’s that. But watching stories unfold on the screen is amazing. Now, we’re living the apocalypse, so I’m pretty content surviving with the family. And Netflix is sustaining me as well.

What scene in Diablo Inside was your favorite to write?

The chapter where Aria confronts her greatest fears. Childhood tragedy pretty much left her emotionally stunted in the past, and when she breaks through, she’s pretty badass. In this one particular scene, she comes to terms with being bested by the serial killer. She will have to couple her sexy assets and wit. Aria is in the fight for her life; it gave me chills to write.

Amarie Avant is the author of the new book Diablo Inside.

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