Author-to-Author Q and A: Maria Vickers

NOTE: I read her novel, “The Swan Prince,” and I fell in LOVE immediately with the characters, melting it was a modern retelling of one of my favorite underrated fairy tales. ^_^ And the cover is gorgous! It is in this listing. I highly recommened this MM romance.

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Where did you grow up? Did your childhood have any impact on your writing?

“I’m a Navy brat, so I grew up in a lot of different places. I think it did have an impact on my writing because I got to experience so much, even as a kid. Plus, since we traveled so much, my older sister and I had to entertain our younger siblings. Many times, I would create stories to share with them. I have to admit, I might have convinced my brother he could fly one day and he jumped off a picnic table. Thankfully, he wasn’t hurt. But my childhood inspired be to write. I can remember being in 3rd grade and wanting to write a book. My parents always encouraged it.”

2. Tell us about the first story you ever wrote, published or not?

“The first story I can remember writing down on paper was about a unicorn who was hurt and lost. I don’t remember all of the details, but eventually, the unicorn made it home and brought friends home with him.”

3. What are you currently working on?

“I’m working on a couple of different stories, but the main one is Devious Desires. I was released on April 4.”

4. What is your favorite character you have ever created and why?

“This is a hard one. This is like picking a favorite child. LOL. I love Emma from Exposed because she is me. I wrote that book thinking I would stop publishing after that. I wanted to release everything I was feeling after getting diagnosed with myasthenia gravis. She is a good 90% me. I also love Tex in Unbreak Me, though. He is awkward and uncertain and wears his heart on his sleeve. Everything affects him, and even when everyone tells him he needs to get over it and move on, he stays true to himself.”

5. Do you have to write/draw in order or do your ideas just come to you and you put them in order later?

“I’m what is called a pantser. So i might have a general idea about the story I want to write, but that is about it. Other than that, I just sit down and start writing. There is no real plan, no outline…I just write. I say my characters write my books for me. I’ve argued with them before and when I get in the zone, I’ve gone over what I’ve written and don’t remember writing it. For example, in Somebody 2 Love, in the epilogue, I wrote a certain relationship status about the two main characters and when I read it, I remember asking out loud, ‘When did that happen?’”

6. What was your path like until you found writing?

“I’ve always wanted to be a writer, but when I was in college, I stepped away from writing. I’d started to write casually again in 2009. In 2010, everything changed. I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis and as much as I tried to go back to work, I was not able to. Writing saved me. I was depressed and in my own head. My little sister convinced me to start writing again. It gave me purpose again, and it gave me something to do to keep my mind engaged. I needed it, and I still do. It helps me cope, helps me get my feelings out there, and helps me work through who I am now.”

7. How is your relationship with your publishing company? If you are self-published, what tasks do you have to do to get your project completed?

“I self-publish, but I have a team of people who help me. After I write the story, it goes to my editor and my beta readers. I usually design my own covers and do my own formatting. I usually hire a PR company to help me promote the book. As a self-published author, you are basically in charge of everything from start to finish. Even after it is published, you have to promote, promote, promote.”

8. Tell us about your covers.

“My covers are based on what I feel from the book. My first few covers were designed by someone else. One day, I couldn’t get them to understand my vision, so I did it myself and it turned out really well. Since then, I’ve designed most of my own covers. I always find someone who looks like my characters, and the story helps to give me an idea about the colors and pictures I want. For Unbreak Me, I knew that because it was a ghost story about a man who lost his partner, it needed a broken picture frame. I wrote that into the story, and that’s exactly what the cover is. For Designer Assassin, the woman is a fashion designer and an assassin. I wanted her to look model-perfect, alluring, and like she was hiding a secret.”

9. What inspires you to create?

“Everything! Seriously, everything. I’ve been inspired by pictures I’ve seen, music I’ve listened to, real-life events, and everything in between. Sometimes it is a dream. And sometimes, an idea just pops into my head.”

10. How do you get reviews?

“A request is usually sent out to bloggers, and sometimes, I ask readers in my reader group if they would read and review for me. Other than that, my reviews come from people who purchase my books.”

11. What is harder: writing, drawing, editing, or marketing?

“Writing, drawing/designing, and editing are easy for me. Marketing, on the other hand, requires more effort. So, it is definitely marketing.”

12. If you could publish every book/comic/art idea you’ve ever had, how many would you have out right now?

“A lot. LOL. Including short stories in anthologies, I’ve published about 30 stories. I have ideas for so many more. I get more ideas for stories all the time.”

13. Have you ever considered co-writing a series with another creator?

“Yes! In fact, I will be co-writing a cartel series with Chelle Craze. I am also planning to write with a couple of other authors.”

14. What do you do to relax?

“I write, draw, and read. Over the past two years, I’ve been dealing with some health issues, and I was unable to write. It stressed me out and many times, I found myself getting upset because every time I tried to write, I struggled to find the words. It wasn’t like me. I’m finally back at it and am so happy and relieved.”

15. If you could tell your 14-year-old self one thing, what would it be?

“Go for it. Don’t listen to anyone else and don’t be afraid. There is no limit. I know you are afraid and shy, but you can do anything you want to do. Dream big.”

16. What advice would you have for this upcoming generation?

“Learn from the past. There is a saying that history has a way of repeating itself, and sadly, that is true. Learn from the past, don’t forget it or wipe it out of existence, or you will repeat it. Don’t be mean, lift each other up, and help each other.”

17. Have you ever read a book/series that changed your outlook on life?

“I don’t know if a book has changed my outlook on life, but I have had books that stuck with me long after I read them. For example, The Wanderer by Dahlia Donovan gutted me. The emotions it evoked still linger and cling to me.”

18. Do you have a classic piece of literature or a classic author you are fond of?

“I love Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. I read both in high school, and I still read them. One of my favorite from Jane Austen is Pride and Prejudice, but I love all of her books. I will admit that I don’t like all of Charles Dickens’ books, but A Tale of Two Cities found a place in my heart. My senior English teacher brought it to life for me.”

19. Any type of music that gets your writing juices flowing?

“Any music can inspire me to write, but when I’m writing, I like silence. I get too distracted if there is too much noise around me.”

20. If you could pick three people who are your heroes or role models, who would they be and why?

“My mom because while my father was deployed, she basically raised four kids on her own. She always supported me, and to this day is one of my biggest fans. My older sister because she says what she means and doesn’t care about feelings. Sometimes, I wish I could be like that. She served in the Navy and was proud to serve. And my grandfather. He has always been one of my heroes. He lifts me up when I need it, is always there for me, and sets the example he wants others to follow. He is the oldest of 12 kids and has always done whatever he could for others. He makes me laugh and smile, and I love him.”

21. Dog or cat person?

“Dog. I have a pug named Hunny who I joke is my writing buddy. She is a hermaphrodite and a little crazy, a lot smart, and she is a great companion.”

22. What do you want to eat right now?

“ I want chocolate. LOL.”

23. If you could be in any movie that has already been made, which one would it be?

“This is a hard one. I’m not sure, but if I had to pick, I think I would be in Beauty and the Beast simply because I want that library. LOL.”

24. What is your favorite holiday or time of year?

“I think my favorite holiday is Christmas because it’s always been important in the family. It’s when everyone gets together, and the whole family is in one place. As kids, we would all go to my great-grandparents’ house, and there would be about 50 of us in one place. Those are some of my favorite memories.”

25. Anything else you would like to add?

“Thank you! I love writing and books and being creative. My fans are the best, and I am so appreciative of their support.”

BIO:

Maria Vickers is a bestselling author of both gay and straight romance and currently resides in St. Louis, MO, with her pug, Hunny. She has always had a passion for writing, and after she became disabled in 2010, she decided to use writing as her escape. She firmly believes that life is about what you make of it, you have to live it to the fullest no matter the circumstances. Getting sick may have changed her life forever, but it also opened doors she thought would always be out of reach.