I got the idea for The T Room while studying archetypal symbols and myths with Cultural Anthropologist Angeles Arrien. A loose scenario for a funny romance novel about a fledgling healer with mystic tendencies popped into my head. I decided to set it in the New Age subculture of Northern California.
Victoria Lilienthal – 19 July 2022
The Back Flap
When her charismatic mentor, Ernesto, publicly chooses her as his professional work partner, all indications are that Vera’s bodywork career is about to ignite. There is just one glitch—no make that two. Vera—single mother of savvy, smart teenage India and her scruffy mutt, Francisco—is fucking Ernesto. As for her new promotion…Ernesto took it from his wife, Jean, in order to give it to her. As Vera becomes increasingly embroiled in Ernesto and Jean’s dark shenanigans, she quickly realizes that what seemed like an exciting opportunity is more like a dance with the devil. Confronted with her own yearning for male validation, it takes India, a glamorous and aristocratic client named Grace, and the mystical Tara, Goddess of compassion, to teach Vera the virtues of a sustainable path to self-authority.
About the book
When did you start writing the book?
While I was studying myths and symbols with Angeles Arrien, I became inspired to write The T Room. It wasn’t until a couple of years later, that I really sat down and started the writing grind. That was about eight years ago.
How long did it take you to write it?
Forever. For me, writing The T Room was not an effortless activity. First, I had to chain myself to my chair. After that, I wrote a really lousy first draft. Then very slowly, over time, I began to learn the craft of storytelling. The end result is a story about a single mom and burgeoning mystic, Vera West.
Where did you get the idea from?
I got the idea for The T Room while studying archetypal symbols and myths with Cultural Anthropologist Angeles Arrien. A loose scenario for a funny romance novel about a fledgling healer with mystic tendencies popped into my head. I decided to set it in the New Age subculture of Northern California. Angeles agreed that the healer’s path was a great idea for a novel. Developing a female character with modern super-powers like intuition – and who isn’t a Marvel hero – was a fun way to explore Vera’s raucous, entertaining, erotic journey.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
Writing The T Room WAS the struggle. It was an exercise in humility and perseverance. Sex scenes can be especially daunting. Especially having to read them out loud in my writers’ group!
What I did not know was how long it would take to learn how to write a decent book. Good ideas and great characters are one thing, writing an actual novel is another.
What came easily?
Nothing about The T Room came easily. One must be a glutton for pain, rejection and critical feedback. Thoroughly enjoying the solace of one’s own company is a must. Thank goodness we have a sweet and very patient dog who has kept me company through most of the writing process.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
My characters are entirely fictitious, save for the dog Francisco. While I did not literally write our dog into The T Room, many of his behaviors were sourced to create Francisco’s character.
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?
I’ve always been captivated by myths and legends. As a child, C.S Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia, were a constant inspiration. Later when I reread these stories, my ongoing fascination with the mythic journey was reignited. Angeles Arrien’s work relating to practical mysticism was key to electrifying Vera’s saga. Ultimately, given that my writing is inspired by a long lineage of San Francisco based authors, The T Room is like the love child of Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City meets Danielle Steel’s racier offspring.
Do you have a target reader?
Adults. Anyone who enjoys modern romance mixed with the mystical and supernatural.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
When I am in the habit of writing, it’s easier. When I’ve fallen out of the habit, extensive self-bargaining practices that include a constant reward system are essential. If I made it through the first five minutes of working on The T Room, I gave myself a treat. Crunchy and salty are a personal favorite.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I take my writing practice inspiration from a town I read about in Rajasthan India where they have a great and long tradition of storytelling. When the story begins, the storyteller tells the tale until its done. Apparently, these stories can go on for weeks. I don’t know if this is a 24-hour thing or if there are multiple story tellers, like a relay race. I really love the idea of just allowing a story to breath and evolve. So, to answer the question, no I do not outline.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
Until I took the next pass on The T Room, I tried not to micromanage the story too much by spending too much time editing. Overediting can get in the way of the imagination as well as stop moving the story forward. On the other hand, if the story telling is becoming too cumbersome or overly verbose, it begs for a lot of good and regular editing right up to the very last minute.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
Sometimes listening to music while writing The T Room was distracting. But other times it was super fun. When I got stuck, I cranked up the tune Shame by Evelyn “Champagne” King and danced!
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
I did. It was a lot of work. I am incredibly grateful to all the agents who took the time to respond to my submissions. Even when someone responded no thank you, it was a great honor to be read and considered.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
When I heard about the all-female Indie publisher She Writes Press, immediately I submitted The T Room. Thankfully The T Room was accepted. Having a team of savvy women creatives give birth to this novel has been a life changing opportunity.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
The She Writes team designed the gorgeous book cover of The T Room.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I am very blessed to have the Book Sparks team handle the publicity for The T Room.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Given that I am a newbie myself, my not so seasoned or sage advice is: Go for it! The T Room has been a great challenge and a wonderful opportunity
About You
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the Bay Area.
Where do you live now?
I live in Northern California with my husband and our very old dog.
What would you like readers to know about you?
My characters are far more interesting than I am.
What are you working on now?
Vera West’s next mystical, great adventure!
End of Interview:
Get your copy of The T Room from Amazon US or Amazon UK.
