Featured Interview With Olivia Howe - Author Of Dark Love

I am lucky enough today to have vertually dedicated my blog to the lovely Olivia Howe, how about that aye, so we have heaps of teasers, giveaways, excerpts and getting to know Olivia a little bit better also.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I'm 19 years old. I was born in Florida and raised in Maine. I love to read and write. Music is a big part of my life. A year ago, I got diagnosed with MDD (major depressive disorder) and GAD (generalized anxiety disorder). I'm still currently fighting depression. Writing my novel titled, Dark Love, truly saved my life. It's completely FICTION, but most of the diary entries I got from my own journal. It focuses on a young girl struggling with depression (obviously because I'm in the current situation). I wanted to be able to have people, that are struggling with the same issues, be able to relate to this situation that my main character is in and hopefully help them. I also included a lot of fantasy in the story because I personally love everything about fantasy. 

How did you become a writer, and did you always want to write?

I was struggling with severe depression and anxiety when I discovered that I wanted to write a book. I didn't have any idea what the book was going to be about, but I knew I wanted to accomplish finishing a novel that focused on a girl battling through depression and trying to find her happiness.

I can't say that I always wanted to be a writer. I've always loved writing, but I could never get myself to sit down and try to write a novel. I enjoyed writing essays and short stories in school. I'm only 19 years old, so I was to busy being a teenager and hanging out with my friends.

How do you hope your readers react to the stories you write?

I hope that some readers can relate to Nina's struggles in my novel Dark Love. Whoever is struggling with depression and anxiety, I want them to know that they aren't alone. I want to at least be able to reach out to one person, with the same issue's as Nina, and help them in some way with my words. I also want them to enjoy the romance and fantasy story that I incorporated in it as well.


What responses to your writing have affected you the most and why?

So far, so good. I have received all good reviews. What I like the most about the reviews is that people are so surprised when they find out that I'm 19 years old and I wrote this book, that is actually a pretty good read. I also like the fact that all of my readers comment on the fact that depression plays a big role in this book.

Other than writing great stories, what other goals do you have for your life?

Well, I would love to get my CNA license. I enjoy helping elderly people. Also, this might sound corny, but I hope to find my true happiness is life.



What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love to listen to music, read, write, sleep. What I love more than anything is spending time with my two beautiful nieces. They're my life!

What can you tell us about your latest works?

I am currently working on book two in “The Dark Love Series.” It's going to continue the story of Nina and her battle through depression. Also, the fantasy world that revolves around her life is going to continue as well. It's going to be called “Seeing Red.”


What stories can your fans expect from you in the days ahead?

I'm definitely going to continue “The Dark Love Series” for a couple more books, until I feel like the story I wanted to tell was accomplished.

I feel myself thinking of new ideas for maybe a new series, away from fantasy and focused more on romance. I've had a lot of ideas streaming through my mind. It's exciting!

What would you like to say to your fans in New Zealand and others worldwide?

I would love to say, Thank you all for your support. It truly means a lot to me.

Thank you to my street team that helps me out so much! Thank you for everyone that has read my book. Thank you to Isa, for being such a great person and helping me throughout this whole experience and never giving up on me!Thank you to everyone. I will be forever grateful!

Do you have any parting words?

Whoever is struggling with depression and anxiety, just know that you aren't alone in this. Things will get better. Just stay strong! You're beautiful!

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My Personal Review Of Dark Love By Olivia Howe

I was asked by Olivia to read/review Dark Love for her.

Nina has had a hard few years and for her it is only going to become unbearable.

She finds out information regarding herself which is hard not only for her to believe but also to comprehend, everything about her life she thought was solid, turns out not to be that way.

She does not react to tragedy or shock extremely well and has had previous bought of depression and is a victim of self harm.

She meets Andrew who becomes her rock, he is her sounding board, her forever man, and their love just continues to blossom throughout the story, you could not ask for a nicer couple or wish to share the moments with any other character.

But then the truth about Andrew surfaces and she is once again stunned and falls back into a depressed state, it takes a lot of will power to re-establish a down to earth manner.

But then circumstances change and someone Nina truly loves is put into danger, how will Nina and Andrew cope with this new found information.

It is hard to write a true informative review with out giving the plot of the story away, but I thoroughly enjoyed and loved this story from the plot to the characters, and would recommend it to all vampire lovers everywhere.

4 stars from me.