Author's Interview with April R Frazier

Before we dive into our exciting conversation with today’s remarkable author, let’s start by getting to know the creative mind behind the diverse and captivating stories.

1. Could you please introduce yourself to us?

Hi there! My name is April R. Frazier. I am a proud mother of 3 grandmother of 7. I am a retired US Army Veteran from Fayetteville, NC US. 

2. Congratulations on your book! What inspired you to write it?

Thank you! Honestly, I felt more compelled than inspired. So many things go unsaid and unexpressed in society. Often times silence makes way for the continuation of negative behaviors and misinformation. In writing this book my primary objective was to show someone that bad things happen to good people. Things happen that are outside of our control and trauma doesn't discriminate. In fact it comes in many shapes and forms. Survival and perserverance can often boil down to a state of mind and will power.  When I'm gone I want my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to know who I was. Not perfect, not faultless but courageous and resilient.  I want someone that is out there feeling lost and alone to know that they can make it. Life may get dark and hard at times even seeming impossible to bear.  I don't want them to give up. I want them to know they don't have to be ashamed. It's okay to feel sad, have doubts and struggles. Nobody has it together all of the time. If they claim to, they're a fraud. The worse thing they can do is allow a temporary situation to cause permanent damage. The smallest amount of progress is still progress. Making it to tomorrow is progress. Don't give up on yourself.  

3. What is your book about?

Me of course, lol. The book is a compilation of my life's experiences. The different dynamics of my childhood being a generation X military brat, single parent home, living in the projects in contrast to my time in the country. It covers the different relationships I experienced. I share some of the things I observed and experienced during my 24 year Army career as a Military Police Investigator. There are so many different dynamics. Love, loss, betrayal, growth, success, faith. I will say that a trigger warning is necessary. I disclose some very disturbing events. I think there will be laughs, sighs, tears and cheers. 

4. Why did you choose this genre for your book?

I chose a memoir because its the perfect introduction. I expect to publish at least 3 more books. I think relationships matter. It's nice to know who you're dealing with. When someone reads something that I've written, knowing who I am gives them the ability to see things from my perspective. 

5. How long did it take you to complete the book?

53 years lol! I actually first decided I wanted to write a book about my life when I retired from the Army in 2017. I have always been an avid journalist. I journal/document everything, always have since I was a teen. Life wrote the book. I just had to gather the courage to release it.

6. What makes your book special?

Special is subjective. So to me it's special because it's personal. I'm laid bare, exposed to the world in essence. Many have done so before me but they are not me and we are each different in our journey.

7. When can we expect your next book?

I'm actually working on 3 projects one will be somewhat of a handbook or "guidebook" for self publishing and I will release a few months after What Didn't Kill Me. My next full publication, I hope to release by mid 2027. It's very research intensive. The 3rd project, my goal is 2028. Anyone interested in my projects, events or blog can stop by my author page at https://aprilrfrazierauthor.work I also share alot of useful resources for victims and Veterans. 

8. Did you experience writer’s block while writing? What advice would you give to others who face it?

So for this project I did not experience writer's block perse. What I experienced was retraumatization. During the course of organizing the data, revisiting the journals and diaries of my life stirred up an enormous amount of anger, grief and panic.  I had to subscribe to various forms of self care to protect my mental and physical well being.  My advice to anyone pursuing a project of importance of any kind would be: Show yourself some grace. Things can be clearer and flow smoother after you step back and refresh.  As with most stressful situations it's hard to see things for what they are when you're in the middle of them. 

9. Besides being a talented author, what are your other hobbies?

I love to dance! Music, nature and art all comfort me. The thing that brings me the most joy is helping others. I founded my Homeless & Hunger Outreach nonprofit organization almost 10 years ago.  That work and interaction brought me more peace than anything else. Unfortunately due to health issues I had to step back significantly from getting out in the field and having that personal connection. I still find ways to participate on a smaller scale and that does bring me joy. 

10. Last but not least, how did you feel during this interview?

I smiled alot. I'm smiling now. I've accomplished so many things I never thought I would accomplish in my life. The fact that you provided me an opportunity to talk about something I love made me happy. Thank you. 

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