Special Guest Interview with Regina Felty, Author of While You Walked By

Available from Amazon US and Amazon UK

Twelve-year-old Aden starts to run when an old man comes out of Angelo’s Bakery and catches him hiding, but something about the man draws Aden to him. Terrified and naive to life on the streets, Aden was forced to forge his own survival in the face of dangerous predators and violence after his mother abandoned him almost a year ago. Can Aden trust the gentle old man who offers him food and a hand of friendship? Will Ben be able to forgive himself and look for his son?

I'm pleased to welcome author Regina Felty to The Writing Desk:

Tell us about your book

 

While You Walked By was my debut novel and had pieces of my own life story woven into it. I wrote about what was closest to my heart. The story is a heartwarming, coming-of-age story about a 12-year-old homeless boy, named Aden. Aden was abandoned by his mother at a homeless shelter but decides not to stay and, instead, takes to the streets of Philadelphia. Ben, an old man who struggles with his own demons, befriends him. This story is about both of their journeys toward healing, restoration, and friendship.

What is your preferred writing routine?

I love to pour a cup of hot coffee and sit at my desk to write. I have character photos tacked on the walls in front of me that make me feel like I’m sitting with each of my characters as I write about them. In fact, it’s not unheard of for me to have brief conversations with them: apologizing for writing a painful scene that involves them or asking them what they want me to write. Yeah, anyone walking by my office would think I’m a little crazy.

What advice do you have for new writers?

Silence the inner critic! Sit your butt in the chair and write the words. One of my favorite quotes is, “You can’t edit an empty page.” Just know that your first draft will be awful. Accept it and improve it. It’s a lot of work, but when you hold that finished work–that BABY!--in your hands, it will be worth it!

What have you found to be the best way to raise awareness of your books?

Social media, running ads, etc. are all necessary engagements, but it’s also about giving back to the community. Give away a few free books to reading clubs, homeless shelters, etc. Offer to help other writers by reading their work and helping them get the word out about their books. They’ll do the same for you. The writing community is very supportive of one another.

What was the hardest scene you remember writing?

Each novel has its own scene that is hard. For While You Walked By, it was two scenes. They were when I wrote the scene about Aden forgiving Ben and the one about Aden’s mother (don’t want to give away too much!).

What are you planning to write next?

I’m finishing up a Young Adult Christian trilogy right now. The third book releases in early 2024. Simultaneously, I’m working on another stand-alone. My novels tend to deal with a social or emotional issue that the characters need to work through and learn from. I also want to raise awareness among my readers about the tough things people face in real life. The next stand-alone coming up will touch on domestic abuse, among a few other topics. 

Regina Felty

# # #

About the Author

Regina Felty was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she claims you can find the finest Italian hoagies and soft pretzels on the East Coast. Although she had always kept a journal and wrote short stories for fun, it was during her turbulent teen years in a foster home that Regina turned to writing as a source of personal therapy. Besides dividing her time between being an author and her career as an American Sign Language Educational Interpreter, Regina also manages her personal blog, It’s a Felty Thing, and has a special place in her heart for troubled youth. Find our more at Regina's website at www.rlfelty.com and find her on Twitter @ReginaFelty