By Amber Bell

 

How do you answer the question, “Oh, you’re an author? What do you write?”

I tell everyone I write books for kids, tweens, and teens.

How would you describe your writing to someone not familiar with your work?

I would describe my writing as contemporary kid fun and angst. Those are the two elements I try to capture, no matter the age I’m writing for.

Which of your characters would you like to have as a best friend and why?

I’d love to have Maddie as a best friend. She’s so confident and loyal, and she’s really fun too.

If you had to switch places with one of your characters for a week who would you choose and why?

I’d switch places with Brittany, because I’d love to hang out with her cats. I know that her home life isn’t the most fun, but she has good friends who help her through it.

Which character has been the most difficult to write and why?

Cammie was the most difficult to write, because she is completely unlike me. I dare say she’s the villain, and I don’t think of myself as a villain, so sometimes I even wondered if people really act like she did. But I’ve heard enough stories and observed enough people to know it must be true.

Would you say your writing style is more character driven or plot driven?

I think my style is more plot driven. I often think of the events first, and then I think of how my character would truly act in that situation.

Which of your books did you have to do the most research for? What does your research process look like?

I had to do the most research for Soprano Trouble, because I needed to know how a school administration would truly respond to that situation. I emailed an old teacher of mine who was in school administration. Generally, when I’m doing research, I reach out to people I know who have some sort of experience with whatever situation I’m working on.

You’ve said that one of your favorite book series was The Christy Miller Series by Robin Jones Gunn. Do you have any plans to age your characters like in that series?

I don’t have plans to age my characters the way Robin Gunn does, but I do have plans to put an element from The Choir Girls in all my future stories. I love the idea of creating a world where all my characters exist together, and maybe even have common friends or family members or places they visit that they might run into characters from other books, even if they don’t really know each other. That’s one of my favorite things about Robin Gunn’s style.

Do you have any set rules for yourself about how or when to write?

I thrive on routine. In the summer, I get up at 5:00 so I can write from 6:00 to 7:00. During the school year, I do my best to write from 8:00 to 9:00 every morning.

What helps spark your imagination when writer’s block hits or you’re just looking for a new idea?

When writer’s block hits or I’m looking for a new idea, I listen to writers’ podcasts. Listening to other authors talk about the writing craft always helps me bust through whatever block is going on.

What have you learned about yourself from your writing?

The biggest thing I’ve learned so far is that I have the ability to learn the writing craft. I think most people think that writing superstars are born that way. I’ve learned that writing is a learned skill, and I have the ability to learn it, which is good, since it has always been my dream to be a writer.

What advice would you give an aspiring writer?

The advice I would give to an aspiring writer is to start now. Don’t wait. Writing is learned, and most people learn writing best by doing it and making the mistakes. Also, I’ve heard it takes ten years to become an overnight success, so you might as well start that clock ticking as soon as you can.

When did you decide you wanted to be a writer and how different is the reality from what you had expected?

I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was a kid. It’s different than I thought, because I’ve learned that it’s a job. Which means you have to show up and do the work. No one sits down and pounds out a perfect book whenever they feel like it. It’s worth the work.

With self publishing being an option, what made you choose to publish with TouchPoint Press?

I chose TouchPoint Press because of the support and guidance from publishing professionals. Self-publishing was an isolating option, and I didn’t want to be isolated. I wanted help.

What are you currently working on?

I just finished a manuscript for a stand alone YA novel. As soon as the new year hits, I plan to work on a couple of smaller pieces for some anthologies, and then I have my ever present list of ideas for novels. I have three ideas that I’m trying to decide between right now. They are each really appealing to me, and I probably just need to pick one and start writing it!

When can we expect your next release?

My agent is currently shopping around three manuscripts, so I don’t have any release timelines yet. I’m always hopeful that I’ll have that information soon!

Since your series is called The Choir Girls, I’m curious, do you sing at all?

I do sing! I sang in choir from eighth grade all the way through college. Now I sing on the worship team at church. I love singing with other people.

What amazes you the most about your life?

I’m still amazed that I’m a published author!

Tell me a random fact about yourself.

Random Fact: I crochet beard hats and play food. It’s a fun, zen thing to do to wind down the day.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I can’t think of anything. 😊

Books by Victoria Kimble