Alumni Spotlight: The Achievements Of Audra McElyea

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet PHS alumni Audra McElyea. She is 38 years old and was a former student here at Powell High School and is a published author who loves to write suspenseful stories that read like an Alfred Hitchcock film. She graduated from the University of Tennessee. While there she was head majorette of the Pride of the Southland Band and a personal trainer. Mrs. McElyea is also known for her best-selling book One Little Word. Audra had gone through the ups and downs as an author, but then she realized that this was God’s plan for her and she believes that she will succeed with God by her side helping her write each book. Audra is happily married and has two sweet little boys who make her life amazing. She is a proud member of the Women’s Fiction Writing Association. Audra has social media accounts which include: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, TikTok, Bookbub, and Good Reads. Audra is still writing and will continue to write until God’s plan changes for her.

What made you want to start your career as an author?

"I felt like God was calling me to be a fiction writer about eleven years ago, and I kept saying no by doing everything *except* learning to be a writer. But after a year or so of everything else not working out that I was trying to do, I finally said ok, and he blessed me with many mentors who helped me learn what to do/what not to do during my years spent working on my first novel. That novel eventually got shelved, but I learned so much through that experience, and I can honestly say I absolutely love writing more than any other job I’ve ever done. However, I didn’t get my agent or publisher until I started shopping ONE LITTLE WORD around many years later."

What career did you have before being an author? And would you go back to doing it again?

"I was a corporate buyer for jewelry and clothing, and never say never, but right now I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be for a while."

What is expected when it comes to writing a book?

"That depends on who you’re asking. As a thriller author, I want to provide a fast-paced twisty story for the reader that can provide them an escape for a little while. Sometimes life is tough, and we feel the need to cozy up somewhere with a blanket and a cup of tea while we travel to a new place with new people that challenge our brain to figure out what’s really going on in a story that feels like a puzzle."

Does writing a book relieve or contribute to stress?

“Both. I get most stressed about writing when I’m unable to do it consistently. Being a work-at-home mom comes with challenges in that arena. With little kids, it’s hard to keep up a schedule because… life. For example, I was supposed to wrap up content edits for my second book coming out next year this week, but instead, I’ve barely slept (much less worked) for seven days as my six-year-old has been ill and needs lots of care and TLC from Mom. But when I do get to write and things are somewhat going according to plan, I find it challenging in an incredibly fulfilling way. Being creative is an outlet for me, and I love nothing more than telling a story that’s difficult to figure out."

When did you graduate from P.H.S.?

"I graduated in 2002. Twenty years ago, this year. I know, I’m ancient. Haha."

Who was your favorite teacher?

"She has since passed away, but my favorite teacher in high school was Ms. Nita Buell. She taught English my freshman year and I also had her for Drama class my Junior and Senior year. She was so fun, vibrant, and quirky. I absolutely adored her, and we always had a close relationship. I even went to her wedding years after I graduated (she was Nita Buell-Black after that). After she passed away a few years ago, her family had an estate sale, and I went and bought some books that belonged to her and a faux fur coat she had to remember her by. I called her my favorite teacher, and she called me her favorite student, even though she had many more favorites besides me."

What was your favorite class?

"Definitely Ms. Buell’s drama classes. Especially my senior year because we did a noir murder mystery as our play, and I got to play the villain in the big plot twist. You know I loved that! Plus, my husband was also in that play and we get to look back at it and have several laughs now. Getting to tell a story is always fun whether you do that through acting, writing a book, dancing, baton twirling, or writing silly movies with your friends…and I’ve done all of those and enjoyed them all thoroughly."

If you could change one thing about your high school experience, what would it be?

"That’s a great question. Honestly, I don’t think I would change anything. God beautifully orchestrated my good and bad times to make me the exact person I am today, and you can’t argue against the plot structure of the best author in the universe."

When were you first published?

"My first novel, ONE LITTLE WORD, was published on 2/22/22 (which was a really fun release date). But I’ve also published several magazine articles on SHEKNOWS.COM when I wrote for them in 2011-ish. My next psychological thriller novel, IF YOU SEE ME, comes out in 2023."

What advice would you give to students who want to become professional writers?

"I would just say if that’s your calling, then do it, and don’t be afraid. I felt lead to write and kept saying no at first because that wasn’t what I had prepared myself to do in any way. My major in college had nothing to do with writing and I didn’t know where to even begin. Once I finally realized it was ok to be really bad at something at first, I enjoyed the process a lot more. You can’t edit a blank page, so just get your bottom in a chair, and put some words down. Also, I don’t find it helpful to edit as I write, I simply get words on paper and know I’ll make time to clean it up later."

I enjoyed my meeting with Mrs. McElyea and she has impacted me to read and write more and feel happy about what I choose to write. She is one of the sweetest people I have ever met and I hope she continues in her career. I am really excited to read her book One Little Word and also can’t wait to read her next book If You See Me. You can find out more about Audra McElyea and order her books by clicking Audra McElyea.