Welcome to BookView Interview, a conversation series where BookView talks to authors.
Recently, we talked to N. G. Avant about her writing and recently released book, Consumed in Capital City (Capital City #1), a sharp and compelling exploration of ambition, ethics, and the gritty realities of municipal politics (read the review here).
Raised in a quaint lakeside town in southern Ontario, N.G. Avant moved to Ottawa as a young adult to realize her childhood dream of residing in Canada’s capital, which was built on the traditional un-ceded, un-surrendered territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin People. She has a post-secondary education in journalism and worked in municipal politics for more than five years, an experience that sparked the inspiration for her series.
Avant always felt like a misfit among misfits. Diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age, she didn’t realize she was neuro-divergent until her 30s. Now, she embraces the many gifts it brings, including her quirky personality.
Avant is a proud intersectional feminist with English, Scottish, and Mexican heritage, she understands the importance of embracing diverse identities and experiences. She believes that we are all connected by our humanity and the human experience.
Avant, is a millennial single mother to three wonderful daughters, has a love of animals, a passion for trusting her intuition, and supporting the creation of a more equitable world where everyone has an opportunity to thrive. Avant seeks to highlight the experiences of marginalized communities through her writing. While some progress has been made, there is still more work to be done.
It’s time for change.
What does literary success look like to you?
For me, literary success means earning an income that allows me to live as a professional author while giving my children a life rich with experiences, learning opportunities, and my time. I also dream of building a supportive and kind reading community with a growth mindset, where we validate one another’s lived experiences and lift each other up.
Do you find writing therapeutic?
Absolutely. Writing has been a powerful way for me to process the trauma I’ve experienced in my life. My hope is that readers who pick up my stories feel seen and less alone. Challenging times can feel so isolating, but I want my writing to offer a safe space for reflection—like being wrapped in a warm, cozy blanket.
Does writing energize or exhaust you?
It’s cathartic and energizing all at once. The feeling of satisfaction when I finish a scene is unreal. If the scene is difficult, it’s like an unburdening. Writing is magic, and I absolutely love it.
What are your favorite books?
One of my favorite books is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It’s a fictional story, but the lesson it teaches is profound: life is a journey with no mistakes, only opportunities for growth. Those full-circle moments Coelho describes are so impactful, and the idea of following your “personal legend” to find your treasure is a lesson I carry with me.
Is writer’s block real?
One hundred percent, yes. Writer’s block can arise from so many factors, like external stress or being stuck in a plot hole. For me, it’s often linked to imposter syndrome—feeling like I’m not clever or skilled enough to do justice to the story. That thought can paralyze me. But I’ve found that if I just sit down and start writing, even if it feels awkward at first, it gets better. The more I write, the better I get.
What inspired the premise of your book?
I’ve wanted to write a book since I was a teenager—a particularly ambitious dream considering I’m dyslexic. Growing up, I loved reading mysteries like Nancy Drew and later Mary Higgins Clark.
Recently, I’ve been diving into self-help books. The tipping point that made me sit down and write was my experience working in politics. It left me feeling powerless, and creating a fictional world where I could decide the outcome was empowering. It’s important to me that my stories spotlight real societal issues, giving them a voice and offering insight for those who haven’t experienced them—and validation for those who have.
Which scene was most difficult to write? Why?
In Corruption in Capital City, there’s a pivotal scene that delves into the impact of violence on a person. It took me an entire day to write, as it’s emotionally intense and required me to draw on deeply personal feelings. While I tried to weave that sense of anxiety and unconscious fear throughout the novel, this particular scene brings it to a head. It was tough to write and even tougher to edit.
What do you hope readers will take away from these stories?
I hope readers find validation, understanding, and insight. The Capital City series aims to illustrate life through the lens of women in modern-day western society. While the stories are fictional, they draw inspiration from real-world news. Writing in the first person allows me to give readers an intimate perspective on the emotions behind these experiences, helping them feel what it’s like or validating their own feelings if they’ve been through something similar.
What makes this book important right now?
With what’s happening in politics worldwide and the ongoing attacks on women’s rights, it’s more important than ever to amplify our voices and experiences. We need to empower each other and stop fighting over scraps of rights and freedoms—we deserve more than that.
What’s next for you?
After wrapping up Calista Caldwell’s three-part series, I’ll dive into another trilogy focused on one of the other Fabulous Four of Capital City: Brigid, Amy, or Jo. I also plan to write novellas, like The Fab Four of Capital City, to add depth to these characters and as gifts of gratitude to my reading community.
***
BookView Review 
Leave a comment