Once I determined to focus and get words down no matter what, it all flowed out. Of course, by then, I’d spent years in the world of the story, so I had everything I needed.
Victoria A. Wilder – 24 June 2019
The Back Flap
“I don’t remember who I am. All I know is that I’m His and nothing else matters. But He’s got secrets and something within me burns to know the truth. How much am I willing to sacrifice to get it?”
For centuries, gods have walked the earth besides humans. Now, a young woman awakens to find she’s one of them.
Full-grown and with no memory of a life before now, Rio is content to be counted among the world’s elite and follow the path her father, Kaien, has laid before her. That is, she’s happy until her memories start to return, accompanied by increasingly dangerous nightmares.
Soon, more than nightmares plague her. A mysterious woman Kaien knew long ago has returned–and she’s determined to destroy everything he loves.
Unfortunately for Rio, that includes her. Scores will be settled, blood will flow, and a family will be tested.
About the book
What is the book about?
A young woman named Rio awakens to find herself changed into a being known as Lilitu. She’s got no memory of any time before now, which allows her to settle into this luxurious life and her new family with ease. But as she’s learning what it means to be Lilitu, she’s forced to face nightmares and frightening visions that make her ask What is the truth? and Who can I trust?. If that weren’t enough, the man Rio calls her father has secrets of his own, and they’re starting to come to light. Rio happens to get caught in the middle, and now her life and family are at stake.
When did you start writing the book?
I started Lullaby of the Lilitu sometime towards the end of 2011.
How long did it take you to write it?
I finished the first draft during NaNoWriMo in November of 2017. So, about six years for the first draft, and eight to publish.
Where did you get the idea from?
It came from a dream I’d had and sort of evolved into this whole world that I became obsessed with.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
Writing it! Really, the discipline to sit down and get it on paper. I kept starting and stopping, telling myself that I could only write when “inspired.”
What came easily?
Once I determined to focus and get words down no matter what, it all flowed out. Of course, by then, I’d spent years in the world of the story, so I had everything I needed. The book switches between first and third point of view in Parts. Even though the bulk of it is in first point of view for Rio, the parts in third were actually much easier to write.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
They’re all fictitious, though Rio was originally modeled after me. She and I have both changed a lot since starting the book, so I wouldn’t say we’re that much alike now. I did, however, use real-world models for each character, so I can see their faces as though they’re real.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
Of course! Anne Rice was a big influence on most of my tastes growing up. Even though I’ve always adored vampires, hers really changed the game, and I’m hoping my Lilitu will do the same. I grew up reading a lot of old classics (Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray is my favorite novel). I spent much of my childhood reading Wilde, EB Browning, and a bunch of Harlequin romance.
Do you have a target reader?
Adults who enjoy vampires and things like dysfunctional families, LGBTQ+ topics, and a modern-gothic atmosphere.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
It’s not super strict, but there are certain things I prefer. For a writing session at home, I’ll use the Pomodoro technique, which I just learned about two years ago. It’s seriously changed my writing speed!
I usually need music and, for novels, I create a specific playlist that helps to signal my brain to the story I’m working on. When I have a goal in mind—usually word count and/or a deadline—I create a chart in my bullet journal to help me keep track of where I am versus where I should be to reach my goal on time.
I do like to give myself steps or stages. So, there’s the brainstorming stage, which consists of many hours staring into space and random notes written on any writable surface. Brainstorming is followed by outlining and actual planning, which I tend to do with post-its, index cards, or Scrivener (often, I’ll use all three in tandem). When I’m ready, I start drafting, which often happens before the outline is complete.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
Yes! I used to fancy myself a pantser, but outlining makes a real difference in my output. Typically, I’ll start with big plot points and work my way into a detailed treatment. Sometimes, I’ll write a full synopsis of the story before I actually break it down into scenes and beats.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
A little of both. I always edit afterwards, but sometimes I’ll go back and fix things as I’m reading over the previous day’s work.
Did you hire a professional editor?
Yes, I did. It wasn’t the easiest experience, but I’m glad I did it.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
Yep! For smaller things, I’ll listen to classical piano or cello music. There’s a lot of Chopin in my home. For my novels, I’ve constructed special playlists. With Lullaby of the Lilitu, I always started my writing sessions with the first song on the list, Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush. There’s a lot of dark music on that playlist, plus an actual song called Lilitu by Blueneck.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
No, I never really even thought about it.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
I guess I always intended to self-publish. As soon as I decided to publish Lullaby, I knew it would be Indie. The idea of waiting for someone else to tell me when I can publish my book, what I should name it, or how the cover should look was a huge downer for me. The process has taught me so much, so I’m glad I chose this path.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
I hired an artist. I like to create, but I don’t consider myself that creative or talented. My cover artist was amazing, though, and gave me exactly what I asked for.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
A little of both. It’s kind of a “headlights” process, where I plan for a short time ahead, then figure out where to go afterward. The process changes as I move forward.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
I’m a newbie myself! The best thing I’ve learned is that I can’t do anything as an author without a book, so I’d better sit down and write the thing. That’s the first and most important step: sit down and write the book. Set a goal and create a plan that shows the steps you’ll need to take, then stick to that plan.
About You
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Chicago, but spent half of my life there and half in Mississippi.
Where do you live now?
New York
What would you like readers to know about you?
I’m a huge Francophile, fancy myself a Dean girl (but I’d probably die for Sammy), and I didn’t learn to snap my fingers until I was 28…it’s still tough. I also send out a newsletter every month, and you can find out about that on my website. If you want to add Lullaby of the Lilitu to your TBR list, you can find it on Goodreads at https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45554949-lullaby-of-the-lilitu.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I’m plotting the second book in this series, Scourge of the Lilitu, as well as a standalone novel I’m calling Diva. You can find out more about Diva either on my website or on my YouTube channel.
End of Interview:
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