Last month, Lacey Beasley published her first novel The Forgiven, which is about friendships, family, a dash of love, and the importance of forgiving. “I want my readers to grasp the concept of forgiveness. My main character has to learn to forgive, and I believe that that is a great message. Forgiving isn’t one of the easiest things to do, and everybody struggles with that, but we forgive because we love. If we don’t forgive, then we don’t love,” explained Lacey in her interview with the VIP.
In a recent interview with Gary Lloyd of Trussville Tribune Lacey stated, “I absolutely love the fact that at 14 years old, I will have a published novel on the shelves of bookstores…I’m so happy and thrilled that I’m achieving my goals at such a young age because I can only go up from here. I hope that I become a motivation to other young teens for them to start following their dreams now and not wait until they are ‘old enough.’ Don’t let anyone tell you that you are too young to do something–they are wrong.”
One of my favorite things to see is young people accomplishing their dreams because it takes a lot of guts to stand up for what you believe in at any age–much less at a young one. I personally know this because when I started my blog at age sixteen, many insisted it was a waste of time and foolish. When I learned about Lacey Beasley from Christy Dooley, my ninth grade English teacher, I felt a kindred spirit and had to interview the fourteen year old published author. With her God-driven spirit and determination, I see Lacey Beasley becoming a very successful author in the world of publishing. Kudos to you, Lacey, for following your dreams!
Now, without further ado, I introduce to y’all the VIP’s interview with the lovely Lacey Beasley!
VIP: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Lacey: I’m 14 years old and a freshman at Hewitt-Trussville High School. I’ve been playing the piano for seven years, and I’ve played the flute for three years. I love to read in my free time and also spend time with my girlfriends! I’m very involved with my youth group and look forward to being with my church every week. I’m always on the look-out for that “life-changing” movie. Everyone ends up watching at least one movie in his/her life that changes him/her or his/her paradigm. To me, those are the only movies worth watching, and I love scouting out for new ones!
VIP: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
Lacey: I started avidly writing when I was around ten years old, and I fell madly in love with literature. When I was ten, I starting reading those “life- changing books.” Observing other writing skills inspired me to write on my own. The books that began to impact me were Twilight, The Hunger Games, and The Mortal Instruments.
VIP: What was your main inspiration behind The Forgiven?
Lacey: There wasn’t one event in my life that inspired The Forgiven; however, my book wouldn’t be how it is without the people in my life. God just gave me a great idea and told me to write it down!
VIP: What authors most influence you?
Lacey: Stephenie Meyer, Suzanne Collins, Cassandra Clare, Becca Fitzpatrick, Nicholas Sparks. These are basically all the authors that wrote my favorite books!
VIP: What book are you currently reading?
Lacey: I’m reading To Kill a Mockingbird in my English class, but outside of class, I’m reading My Sister’s Keeper–Amazing books so far!
VIP: What is it like being a published author at age fourteen?
Lacey: It’s great, yet my life is basically the same as it was before people knew I had written a book….I’m just so thankful for even getting this far!
VIP: What are some of the main challenges you have faced as a young writer?
Lacey: I’m always so nervous about what people are going to think of my writing because of my age! I don’t want people to think that this book is about unicorns and lollipops just because I’m so young; I want my audience to know that I’m writing in a style that will attract. I also try to stress that this book is totally fiction! You would be shocked at how many times people have asked me if this book is based off some of my real- life occasions….
VIP: Are you looking to write a new book?
Lacey: I definitely am! I’m writing the sequel to this book right now, but I also have other ideas brewing up for the future. This is definitely not the end of my writing career.
VIP Question: What is one item in your closet you could never toss out and why?
Lacey: I could never give up my leggings! Especially during this time of year, I will wear leggings everywhere! They tuck into my boots so well, and they serve as a good layering of warmth under jeans or sweats. Leggings with a sweater and scarf are my go-to in the winter!
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
To keep up with Lacey Beasley, follow her on Twitter here.
Check out Lacey’s author page on Tate Publishing here for more information about events, the book, and more.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
vintageinspiredpassionista.com 