A little something about Victoria
Victoria began her journey as an author at the age of seventeen. This was at a time where she struggled with self-acceptance, and reading allowed her to find an escape. She had a story to tell, so she decided to give writing a try. Like many of us, she didn't believe that finishing a book in a month would be possible. But she surprised herself and soon enough, it grew into something she couldn't stop doing. With every book she writes, she tries to send out a message. A message of hope and the ability to accepts oneself, no matter their story.
Questions and answers:
1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I did a project for my Creative Writing class. I was supposed to come up with a story reflection a hero’s quest. By the time I was done I realized writing was just my calling.
2. How long does it take you to write a book?
It really depends on what I’m writing. I’ve finished a book in eight months before, yet I still have one on going that I started a year ago.
3. What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
I try to write at least 500 words every day. Since I have multiple books, I move on to the next whenever I’m done updating a new chapter.
4. What would you say is your unique writing quirk?
I have various but one that stands out is how there are times when I write, I don’t feel like it flows nicely at all or just feels forced and then once I read it over, it’s perfect.
5. Whether it be traditional, self, or story book apps. How’d you find the publishing process?
It can be overwhelming and exciting at the same time because you want to know what people think of your works but at the same time you worry that they might not like it.
6. How much of your writing process involves research in your subject matter or plot?
I’d say a lot relies on research. I like to be accurate in my descriptions or at least make the scene believable so I can sometimes spend hours researching or establishing timelines for it all to come together well.
7. When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I wrote my very first book in 2019 and I was 17.
8. What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I like catching up on crime shows for the most part, but my guilty pleasure is documentaries and movie analysis videos.
9. What does your family think of your writing?
My parents aren’t really invested which to me is great because of what I write. My siblings though, are incredibly supportive, and they never miss out on a chance to tease me when I breakdown movies in ways they wouldn’t.
10. What was one of the most surprising things you learned about yourself in creating your books (characters, location, plot)?
I didn’t think I would get so attached to them.
11. What is it you particularly like about the genre you write?
I am fairly lenient regarding the genres I write but I think it’s the fact that I get to bring my own spine to it.
12. Do you have any suggestions to help others become writers? If so, what are they?
Before writing a book, establish your timeline, backstory, and characters. When you already have the description somewhere you can always go back to check if whether or not a certain scene corresponds with the type of character or setting you have. Also, don’t give up. There will be moments when you feel mentally drained, and you want a break. Give yourself some rest. Allow your mind to be free and then try again.
13. Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
I get a lot of praise from my readers and they usually tell me that my story are the kind they had been looking for but couldn’t find.
14. Do you like to create books for your target audience?
Yes.
15. What do you think makes a good story?
A great and unique plot and interesting characters. It doesn’t matter that your characters are complex or simple, as long as they keep the audience engaged to find out more about them, the story itself becomes more interesting. At this point, we’ve reached a stage where people want something new. Story clichés never had the best reputation, but now that authors have decided to show how to be different, those who stick with repetitive plots give out works that feel outdated even if the story is great.
16. How do you handle writers block and what do you tell other aspiring authors who may be fighting or fearful about hitting that wall?
Give yourself a break. Don’t let yourself be overwhelmed before taking a pause. The worst thing you can do to your story is trying to rush an ending because you just feel too tired to continue. Take a well-deserved break. Relax a bit and try not to worry about how long it’s taking you to get back. That kind of stress will only make it last longer.
Final thoughts:
I have grown to know this young author over the last year and needless to say, she has developed into a phenomenal young woman who stands on her own two feet in a mountain of quicksand. She's talented, strong, and determined to make her mark and I believe she's on her way to getting there. In fact, check out her debut novel published under Ukiyoto Publishing House, titled Down to Business.