Author Alexa Shay

What fantasy world would you want to live in? I don't know about the rest of you book lovers, but I don't want to live in like, 99% of the fantasy worlds I've read about. 🤣 #booksky

We authors and other creatives are against gen AI because it steals our work, steals our jobs, produces garbage a human could've done better, rotting people's brains, and destroying the environment. Stop being lazy and create things YOURSELF or pay someone else to do it for you. Stop stealing. #ai

When publishing a book, there are many parts of the process that can make the author nervous. If you're working on a book and randomly get nervous about parts of it, you're far from alone. #authorsky #writersky

Authors should NEVER complain about their work being in a library. I was HONORED when my book was picked up by Sno-Isle Libraries and Pierce County Libraries. #booksky #authorsky

I've got good news for all you weirdos out there. Those of you who are "too much" or whatever- everyone is actually weird. Most people are just too scared to be different and stand out.

Do you eat while reading? I never ate while reading because I was always worried about getting the book dirty, but that could be a me problem. I'm kind of a messy eater. 🤣 #booksky

I don't usually DNF books, but I CANNOT handle secondhand embarrassment after a certain level. But I also won't shame this book because it was actually kind of fun up until the second or third embarrassing scene was too much. 🤣 #booksky

If you're a creator, where do you create? What does the space look like? I love my writing desk- I only just got it this year! I like having a bookish space that's solely for writing and personal work. #authorsky #writersky #booksky

I'll be selling stickers at book events soon! Most will be bookish in nature. The bulk of the designs will be done by Hazel Halloway with a few done by me. They're high quality high-tack vinyl. #booksky #authorsky #bookish

If you buy physical books and HATE stickers on them, I highly recommend getting a plastic razor. I've used it on lots of stickers on lots of surfaces and it's rarely let me down. #booksky

My favorite bookish trend right now are Pünchkins book plushies! I am obsessed with these and I want more. More variety. More everything. I also want a navy blue one that relates to YA or fantasy or something so I can display it on my table, lol. #booksky

I think it's important for a writer to know if they prefer writing standalones or a series. I wish I'd realized that I prefer standalones before committing to a series even if said series is fairly short. #authorsky #writersky #booksky

Do any other writers or creatives have this problem? I just can't seem to make myself sit down and write unless I've accomplished everything else first. Anyone else? #authorsky

If you're a fan of: 💙 Avatar the Last Airbender 💛 Legend of Korra 💙 Buffy the Vampire Slayer 💛 Twilight You'll probably like The Shield. #booksky

Have you ever bought the same book twice because of a new cover? This particular marketing tactic has only worked on me once: My Hero Academia Volume 42. 🤣 I waffles on buying the exclusive cover but my husband told me to go for it. It was a momentous occasion, after all. 🤣 #booksky

Are you a fan of love at first sight in books? It's not my favorite trope because it's hard for me to suspend disbelief for it. #booksky

Military romance books will NEVER appeal to me. I know too much. I've seen too much. 🤣 I've been living a military romance for 15 years. 🤣 #booksky

What's your favorite book you've read recently? I'm wildly addicted to The Legendborn Series by Tracy Deonn. I wish I could jump into the future so that I could already have book four. #booksky #bookishquestions

Happy Independent Bookstore Day! Supporting your local bookstore is important now more than ever. I'll be at Shelf Indulgence (Tacoma, WA)from 10am-11:30am. Some of my other favorites are: Bundok Books (Puyallup, WA) Lovestruck in Seattle Dusty Shelf Books (Enumclaw, WA) #booksky

As authors, we love our readers and meeting/alking to you. We do book events and love them, but they're exhausting. We are "on" the entire time, which is extra hard for more introverted authors- and most authors ARE introverted. Please treat authors you meet with grace at events. #booksky

Do you like to read in public places? Few books are strong enough to keep me from being distracted in public. #booksky

Have you ever bought a book just because it's had a pretty cover? While I've never bought a book solely because of a pretty cover, I obviously am drawn to books with nice covers. Covers are there to be judged. #booksky

I'm absolutely obsessed with @libbyapp.com - it has given me sooo many bookish benefits. I love supporting local libraries AND getting to read even more. #booksky

Does a special edition of a book make you more likely to buy it? It's a yes/no for me. I really love a pretty book, but I don't want to buy doubles of a book or buy a book just because it's pretty. #booksky

Do you prefer long or short book reviews? Both are honestly great and I appreciate and respect people who write any length of review. #booksky

I'll be signing at the Woodinville Barnes & Noble on 5/9 at 2pm. This is my first signing at a B&N and it's the one I grew up going to. Copies of my book, The Shield, will be available for purchase. The Shield is a YA supernatural romance. #bookevent #booksky #authorsky

Do you read nonfiction books? I LOVE a well written nonfiction book. If you can make learning fun and engaging, you have me hooked. What are your favorite nonfiction books? #booksky #authorsky #bookishquestions

Vending at events as is time consuming and can be stressful, even uncomfortable. Here are some tips and tricks to make things easier. Part 2 of this mini series focuses on ways to make things more comfortable for you. You want to make sure you're hydrated, fed, & physically comfortable. #authorsky

Vending at events as an author is time consuming and can be stressful, even uncomfortable at times. Here are some tips and tricks to make things easier on you. Part one of this mini series focuses on ways to make things easier in terms of prep/packing. #authorsky #indieauthor

Are you a night owl or morning person? I'm especially curious if you're a creative such as a fellow author or artist. I wonder if there's a trend amongst bookish people one way or the other? #authorsky

Do you prefer happily ever afters? I originally had a different ending in mind for The Shield, but I'm so committed to having things end happily (and I cried so hard just trying to write it), that I scrapped the idea. Give me a happily ever after any day of the week. #booksky

I don't know why people adapt books and make the story WORSE. If the story is good and well loved, KEEP THE MAIN PARTS. Why adapt a book but change everything? It's maddening. #booksky

Do you prefer handwriting or typing things? I prefer typing because it's soooo much easier to edit things. When I wrote my first "book," it was by hand and I never finished typing it up because it was the worst experience. #authorsky #writersky

I love the niche of being a spice-free author but there are aspects of it I didn't expect. Spice is ESSENTIAL for some people, and that never even crossed my mind. I support it. But please don't insult spice-free. I don't insult spicy because both are valid and based entirely on personal preference.

What's something you thought would be cool as a kid that turned out not to be? I DID get to use Daffy Duck return address labels on my graduation announcements, so I got to live out part of this incredibly mundane fantasy. I still don't understand why so many adults lack whimsy. #questionoftheday

Please do not tag authors in critical reviews, it's unkind. Authors pour countless hours, our hearts, and a LOT of money into our books. It's rude to force us to see your unsolicited critiques of our work. Authors have cried, had breakdowns, or quit writing over this sort of behavior. (1/2) #booksky

I LOVED the book How to Break Up With Your Phone by Catherine Price! It was helpful in showing me why I have such a hard time putting down my phone and habits that lead to it becoming such a time suck. I'm donating my copy to the book swap at the Spring Book Fair this Staurday in Puyallup. #booksky

What bookish stereotypes do you fit? I wish there were less coffee themed bookish things because I dislike coffee. More plant and tea things thanks! I don't like cat stuff despite having cats but it's acceptable with books. #booksky #bookish

What do you think about trigger warning lists in books? Why do people care about triggers listed in a book?! If you consider it spoilers, don't read it. It isn't hard to turn the page. I take serious issue with anyone complaining about something so simple that can really help someone else out.

The Shield is available through the Libby App at Sno-Isle Libraries! When you request a book through your library, especially an indie author's book, you make their entire day. Supporting indies AND supporting your library is vital for the arts and much better than supporting big corporations. #book

Book bans like HR 7661 are ALWAYS about control and NEVER about protection. The only people who benefit from limiting access to information are those trying to oppress others. Speak out against the ban. Call your reps. Share information. Bookish people should NEVER support limiting access to books.

Having a pen name as an author is wonderful. It protects your real identity and makes a space between you and your books (which is good if you ever end up with any unhinged fans/haters). #authorsky #booksky #indieauthor

How do you decide which books to keep/donate? I have a LOT of books, so pruning and carefully growing my library is essential. I try not to go too book buying crazy, but I'm weak for my fellow indies authors' books. #booksky #bookishthings #bookish

What do you want to feel when you read a book? Sometimes I get so lost in the story, I forget about what I'm trying to make people feel when I write. #booksky #authorsky

Do you like hate to love storyline? I don't have a forgiving nature, so it could never be me. I can't understand them at all, even when suspending disbelief for a book. #booksky #bookishquestions #authorsky

Do you prefer 1st or 3rd person point of view? The POV in a book is a powerful narration tool and has to be used correctly. I like a fun 1st person POV where it feels like the character is talking directly to me and I love a 3rd person POV where I can see things a bit differently. #booksky #author

It can feel overwhelming trying to keep up with all the bookish drama, hot takes, and general discourse. You don't have to and you don't have to post about it either. Just do what works for you and live your best bookish life! #booksky #authorsky

I love that readers want to know when the next book is out, it's very flattering. I do NOT like people being aggressive about it. Not everyone can crank out multiple books a year. These are just some of the pressures that authors face. #authorsky #booksky #indieauthor

Thank you ECRW for this opportunity! A big event like a Comic Con is commitment in terms of cost, time, and effort. I'm glad I was able to experience a day of vending at one so I could learn more. Here's what I learned: #authorsky #comiccon #indieauthor

What is the silliest way a book has impacted your life? If you recall this detail from a book, let me know in the comments because it has been bugging me for DECADES. I think maybe it was a Judy Blume book, but I barely remember those. #booksky

What was the most life changing book you've ever read? Mine led me to a self discovery. #booksky #authorsky #bookishquestions #asexuality

Don't compare yourself to others, especially people who have more experience. Just take notes, learn and grow, practice, and do what works for you. #booksky #authorsky #contentcreator

Why I'm glad I deleted TikTok. I enjoy posting regularly and am going to try to find a new rhythm that works for me. #booksky #authorsky #tiktok #tiktokban #socialmedia

Why do I write spice-free? Because I want to and it fills a niche. I don't like spice-free literature being labeled as "clean." Spice isn't dirty or immoral, it's a fact of life. Spicy reads aren't more mature because of their content and spice-free reads don't have any sort of moral claim #booksky

If someone holds beliefs that go against my morals, I don't need their support. 🤷🏻‍♀️ So no, I don't care about my views affecting my "reputation." Books are political. Reading and writing are political. To be silent now (or in support of the current regime here) is to be on the wrong side of history.

Do I Regret Self-Publishing? Both trad and indie are valid forms of publishing, you just have to choose which one is better for you, personally, to pursue. And for me, that was being an indie author. #authorsky #indieauthor #booksky

The Shield is 36% off during the month of February with the code HAPPYBDAYALEXA at AlexaShays.com! Avaliable wherever books are sold and now as an audiobook. #booksky #youngadultbooks #shanty

Why do I say I write inclusive fantasy? I say it as a promise to myself and my readers. And to keep away bigots. I also say I write inclusive fantasy to hold myself accountable. If I slip up, I want to be called out. #booksky #authorsky

Thanks for hosting @ecrwseattle.bsky.social! I had a great time at the retreat. I got so much writing done and had a lot of breakthroughs. If you ever get a chance to attend a writers' retreat, I highly recommend it! #authorsky #writersky

Today is my birthday and the 1 year anniversary of me publishing The Shield. I've learned a lot over this last year and I'm grateful for even more. Chase your dreams. Life is too short to tell yourself no if you're able to tell yourself yes. 💙💛 #booksky #authorsky #writersky

I'm very nervicited for the writers' retreat with Emerald City Romance Writers! #booksky #authorsky #writersky

Writing an Identity Not Your Own by Alex Temblador is a great read for any writer who wants to improve. #booksky #authorsky #bookreview

No one should ever have to endure people behaving like this, but when you own your own business, you have a lot more freedom to loudly and firmly set boundaries. #booksky #authorsky

How do you organize your books? My new shelves arrived damaged a week ago and had to be sent back, or else I'd give you a tour. 😭 #booksky #authorsky #bookishquestions

How have your reading tastes changed/stayed the same? #booksky #authorsky #bookishquestions

What lessons have you learned in one area of your life that can apply elsewhere? #booksky #authorsky #writersky

Writing spice-free will exclude you from the occasional event or store, but I've found a LOT of people don't "need" spice and my book still does well without it. #booksky #authorsky

The Shield by Alexa Shay is a spice-free, YA supernatural romance about 2 teens destined to fight each other. They start out as enemies, slowly become friends, then grow into more. But still have to fight. Available wherever books are sold and as an audiobook. See more at AlexaShays.com. #booksky

Do ypu enjoy audiobooks? I love audiobooks and I love that they make reading accessible for more people! Accessibility benefits everyone, not just those who need it. #booksky #authorsky #bookishquestions

As a cis white woman, I normally try to uplift the voices of those most impacted by current events, but I wanted to share how I'm feeling about everything going on in America. I've been working on this poem since last year and I'm ready to share it. (1/3)

What book got you out of a reading slump? #booksky #bookishquestions #acotar

I guess you could say my stories are character driven purely because of how I write. #booksky #authorsky #bookishquestions #writingcommunity

What would you like to see from my (and other bookish) accounts? What questions can I answer? What do you want to know about me, my work, or my process? Let me know! #booksky #authorsky

Come see me and MANY other at Big Block Brewing on 2/13! We're working hard to make this an event to remember. There will be some giveaways, a craft table, and a photobooth! RSVP at: rkdevon.com/galentines-2... #bookevent #authorevent #booksky #authorsky

What's one of your pet peeves? I know a lot of people will think I'm being too sensitive, but this legitimately bothers me. Cosplaying mental illness isn't okay. #petpeeve #ocd #mentalhealth #questionoftheday

Come see me and MANY other at Big Block Brewing on 2/13! We're working hard to make this an event to remember. There will be some giveaways, a craft table, and a professionally manned photobooth! (1/2) #booksky #authorsky #bookevent #authorevent

What are your favorite/Least favorite tropes? I'm always interested to hear which tropes people like and dislike, be they in books, movies, or TV shows. #booksky #authorsky #bookishquestions