Zoe Aviya Harris is living proof that you’re never too old or too young to make your dreams come true. I recently spoke to the high school senior about her latest release, To Capture a Heart.
Tell me about your latest book.
My latest book, titled To Capture a Heart, comes out on November 30 of this year. To summarize, it’s a romance story where two characters, Essence and Aaron, meet through the quick exchange of change. This singular interaction brings the two together, and starting off with friends, we learn who they are and their hardships. Essence has experienced past hurt, both mentally and physically. Throughout the book, the reader watches as she conquers her difficult history and gains confidence in herself.
Aaron, on the other half, struggles with his own battles, such as fighting to gain full custody of his daughter, Faith.
As fate brings them together, both Essence and Aaron realize that what they feel for one another may be more than a friendship—and may be too late. This is an emotional story, full of heartbreaking moments that even led me to tears.
There is a trigger warning for sexual, physical, and emotional abuse.
What inspired you to write it?
It started as a writing prompt.
Something simple and cute, two characters learning to trust love again. To trust their hearts and who they fall for, but something in my mind shifted that caused me to write it a bit differently.
When did you fall in love with the written word?
I fell in love with To Capture a Heart the very moment I started writing it. With Essence having a couple of details and features that I have, she holds a special place in my heart. I have experienced none of the things that she has, but it’s something about her resilience that I compare to. Something about her pushing through the hard times in life, even though she’s my character, inspired me.
What’s the best part of being an author?
I say this so often to my siblings and friends, but it’s really a multitude of things that make being an author so worth it. Even if I could talk about those things, I’ll stick with one for today.
The first one is that one of the best feelings in the world as an author is when your character is slowly becoming the person you intended and want them to be. You watched them grow, and it sounds crazy because they’re nothing but fictional people on a page, but it’s just something about it that makes them almost like your kids.
You’ve written their tough moments, their accomplishments, and achievements. All of it, you helped them through it, absolutely everything.
It’s the factor that they are your children, and even just putting the pen down, the pen of one character’s story is enough to shake hearts.
What’s the hardest part of being an author?
I’ve learned that you need thick skin.
Especially as an independent author, I’ve seen things come and go—one primary thing being my money.
In all seriousness, the ability to be strong is a necessity as a writer, but I feel like it’s instilled automatically in every person who writes. You learn to be open to feedback, willing to learn, and listen.
Listening is something big, because even I’ll admit that it’s a feature that I’m not even really good at.
You need to learn to sit still, calm down, and listen. Listen to what people are telling you. Don’t be overly cocky.
For example, I’m detailed. I write descriptive things almost all the time, and sometimes readers point out scenes that don’t need it. Even with as much as I could just say, “I’m just a precise writer!” I don’t.
I listen to what they say because sure, it makes sense in my mind, but what about the mind of those who plan to stand by you to the end of time? Be willing to give your all, and most importantly, be willing to just do it.
What books have you read lately and loved?
I actually just posted about this book on my Instagram, but there’s a debut author named Jazmine Harris.
I came across her book, More Than You Know, not even a month ago, and the very moment I did, I immediately bought it. At the moment of this interview, I’ve just gotten started on it.
It’s honestly the first book that’s gotten me out of this long-term reading slump, and may I say I absolutely love that. The author wrote the plot well, and it’s developed really well! Jazmine is such a powerful writer, and I can’t wait to keep reading. Of what I’m seeing so far, I definitely recommend her.
What book(s) are you most excited to read next?
A book I’m really excited to read next is Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan. I’ve read it once or twice before, but now that I’m out of this slump, I feel like I can enjoy it more than I had when I was in it before.
Who would you cast in a movie to play your main characters?
I’ve never thought about everyone else with a fan-cast, but when I think of Essence Miller, my mind comes up with either Justine Skye (Collide, What a Lie, etc.) or Gloria “Goyo.” While I’m very aware that Gloria isn’t quite an actor, her music, facial structure, and aura just fit Essence very well.
Regarding Justine Skye, she’s just been at the top of my list honestly ever since I started writing TCAH.
What’s next for you?
As a 2025 graduate, I’ve been thinking a lot about my future. I mean, not even just the college I plan to go to, but also my degree, what I’m going to do with it, and of course, my writing.
Starting less than two months ago, I started my publishing imprint, Pen and Paper. It’s still in the process of getting trademarked and experiencing other legal things, but it’s mine, and mine alone. Pen and Paper is the mark of my company that I plan to open up in the future, with many other imprints underneath it as well. Even though I’m still in the planning stages, and not everything is finalized yet, I’m making good progress towards my dream and will continue to do so.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
I want to express my thanks to my Lord quickly. For everything. I wouldn’t have done anything without God, without His hands and His plan. This is all in His will. This was all just my gift, and for me to have found it at such a young age is a blessing.
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To learn more about Zoe Aviya Harris, email her at [email protected]