IndieView with Victoria James, author of The Water Dancer

I was just thinking that this generation doesn’t have their own superhero’s and how cool it would be to pioneer that for them. So, I combined a few things that I thought could work and would be interesting to them.

Victoria James – 6 April 2022

The Back Flap

The Water dancer is about a hip-hop dancer named Zulaya that can control water through her dance moves. It will be a series that follows a high school girl growing into her powers and abilities. Along the way she will know friendships, pain, and love in her life. The character is relatable because she deals with not knowing how she fits into this world. I like the fact that she’s not this cool girl that has life all figured out.

About the book

What is the book about?

The book is about a teenage girl who discovers that she has more talent than just dancing, specifically hip hop. She learns that she can control the element of water with her dancing. She essentially transforms into a superhero that is a force to be reckoned with all while navigating normal teenage life.

When did you start writing the book?

I started writing the book in April, it came to me one day while I was at work and all I know is I started and never stopped.

How long did it take you to write it?

This specific project took me about 3 days to write.

Where did you get the idea from?

I was just thinking that this generation doesn’t have their own superhero’s and how cool it would be to pioneer that for them. So, I combined a few things that I thought could work and would be interesting to them.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Truthfully, yes there are always creative barriers that form when you are so focused on a specific project. I tend to get in my head and overthink sometimes and I end up changing certain things at the last minute and wondering if its enough.

What came easily?

The story line came easily for me, because it’s as if it’s a movie playing out in my head. I know how I want it to flow.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

I borrowed certain traits for some of the characters but mostly they are all imagined.

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?

Honestly growing up I loved reading Roald Dahl, Lemony Snicket, and even Dr.Seuss. The thing I loved about them is that I felt when reading their works, the possibilities were endless. They were not afraid to imagine and that is huge for me.

Do you have a target reader?

I am targeting the ages of 9-14.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I do and It may sound a little weird but I can only write in the mornings between the hours of 9-11. I must have my cup of coffee and I have to center my mind first. I start with burning a little sage and lighting some candles. I close my eyes and meditate on where I want to go with my writing and then I take a deep breath and start typing.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I don’t really concentrate on outlining.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I edit after I’m done for the day even if I’m not finished with the project.

Did you hire a professional editor?

No, I do all the editing myself.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I actually haven’t tried the music, I get way too distracted easily so that may get me into trouble.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

Recently, I have submitted my latest work to a few agents and I probably will be submitting more soon. I am trying to branch into something different and I know I can’t get there without the help of an agent.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher?

I wanted to put my work out there without having to change who I was. I wanted the chance to have something out there unfiltered and establish myself, my writing style, and what direction I wanted to go in.

Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

It was more gradual I’ve been writing my whole life practically but it wasn’t until my early 20’s I decided to take myself seriously and put the work out there.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

I submitted my art for the cover through my self-publishing agency and they put it together for me.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

So, for the past year I have been tapping into a few media outlets. I did a press release on the book, a commercial, a pandora ad and have been published in a few different newspapers as well.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Find something your passionate about and focus in on that. The best kind of authors in my opinion are the ones that can make you see without seeing and feel with your whole heart.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Valdosta, Georgia.

Where do you live now?

I live in Newnan, Georgia.

What would you like readers to know about you?

When I’m not writing I enjoy my day job of being a chef and creating art on a plate.

What are you working on now?

I am writing some skits for MacHeartProductions, and I am always writing more material just waiting on the time to release it strategically.

End of Interview:

Get your copy of The Water Dancer from Amazon US or Amazon UK.