VBD Magazine
LITERARY DEN
CREATING BOOKS THAT EDIFY
Olivia Shaw-Reel
AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR & PUBLISHING COACH by Kerry-Ann McPherson
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livia Shaw-Reel is like a field of bright and bold sunflowers. She radiates confidence, strength, warmth, and joy. No matter where you encounter her, whether in person at a book signing, or on social media, prepare for a pleasant experience with laughter, love, and encouragement. Her brand is one of positivity, purpose, and passion. This talented storyteller began writing short stories at the tender age of seven, completed her first full-length novel at nine, and was published by 10 years old in a young authors’ compilation. In 2015, she released her first novel, Soul Cry, which sat at #1 for 16 consecutive weeks on the Amazon Top 100 charts. Since then,
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Olivia has written and published more than 25 novels and garnered two additional #1 bestselling books, Matters of the Hart: A Tale of the Dysfunctional Hart Sisters and What God Has Joined Together. Olivia wants her readers to understand that "we all go through hardships, but it doesn’t define us. There is always hope and a second chance waiting, as long as we have breath in our bodies.” Her characters overcome their unique situations, and she hopes that her readers know that they can too. Furthermore, Olivia enjoys helping others accomplish their literary dreams through her faith-based consulting company. To date, this 31-year-old has published, edited, and ghostwritten more than 200 books for
authors across the nation. She resides in Milwaukee with her husband and together, they host The Reel Love Podcast. We sat down with Olivia to talk about her craft, her secret to staying organized, and why it is important for authors to have a publishing coach. Here are some of the best insights that she had to offer. VBD: What affirmed your calling as an author? OLIVIA: God saw it fit that I would become a writer. For as long as I can remember, I have always enjoyed painting a picture with words. If I close my eyes, I can go back to my childhood room and feel so much comfort in the innocence of it all. Hundreds of notebooks with my scribbles
