Picture a fourth-generation Californian weaving tales of family, courage, and quirky ostriches in the Mojave Desert—meet April Davila! A rising star in literary fiction, Davila swapped marine biology for storytelling, crafting her acclaimed debut novel, 142 Ostriches, with a voice that’s as vivid as a desert sunrise. Her stories, rooted in California’s diverse landscapes, blend raw emotion with mindful clarity, drawing readers into worlds where personal struggles meet unexpected beauty.
With a Buddhist practice guiding her pen and a love for the outdoors shaping her settings, Davila’s work feels both grounded and transcendent. From her home in La Cañada Flintridge, where she balances family life with writing, she’s carving a unique path in American fiction, earning accolades like the WILLA Award for Women Writing the West.
The Making of April Davila
Born into a family with deep California roots—her mother’s side ran a Sacramento Valley dairy farm since the 1880s, and her father’s kin arrived during the Dust Bowl—April Davila grew up steeped in the state’s history and landscapes. She initially pursued marine biology at Scripps College, captivated by the Mojave’s stark beauty during desert trips with friends. But the lab life didn’t spark joy, so she pivoted to writing, earning a master’s at USC. By 2016, she ditched her day job, fueled by early-morning coffee and a fierce drive to tell stories, chronicling her journey on a blog later named one of Writer’s Digest’s 101 Best Websites for Writers.
April Davila’s Unforgettable Stories
Davila’s debut, 142 Ostriches (2020), is a literary gem set on a Mojave ostrich ranch, following Tallulah Jones as she grapples with family dysfunction and a flock of mysteriously barren birds. Critics, including Publishers Weekly, called it a “vivid, uplifting debut,” praising its rich desert imagery and heartfelt exploration of inherited trauma. The novel’s blend of quirky setting and deep emotional stakes won the 2021 WILLA Award, cementing Davila’s place in Western women’s fiction.
Her short story “Ultra” (2019) earned a Pushcart Prize nomination, showcasing her knack for concise, poignant narratives. A second novel is in the works, promising more of her signature style: lyrical prose, flawed yet relatable characters, and settings that pulse with life. Davila’s Buddhist practice infuses her work with mindfulness, creating stories that invite readers to pause and reflect on love, loss, and resilience.
Inspired by her desert sojourns and family lore, Davila crafts narratives that feel both intimate and universal. Her ostrich ranch setting, discovered during a visit to the OK Corral Ostrich Farm, isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a character, embodying the contradictions of beauty and harshness that define her tales.
Why April Davila Matters
April Davila’s impact lies in her ability to transform niche settings into universal stories, making ostrich ranches and desert vistas as relatable as a family dinner gone awry. Her mindful approach to writing, honed through her certification as a mindfulness instructor, resonates with readers seeking depth in fiction. Through her Sit Write Here coaching program and A Very Important Meeting community, she empowers aspiring writers, blending craft with mental clarity.
As a voice for Western women’s stories, Davila bridges California’s past and present, offering narratives that honor resilience and redemption. Her work invites readers to embrace the messy beauty of human connection, making her a storyteller to watch in literary fiction.
- Key Work: 142 Ostriches (2020)
- Award: WILLA Award for Women Writing the West (2021)
- Notable Story: “Ultra” (Pushcart Prize nominee, 2019)
- Hometown: La Cañada Flintridge, California
Ready to roam the desert with Tallulah and her feathered friends? Snag 142 Ostriches and dive into April Davila’s soulful, sun-soaked literary world!