Author Interview with Lisa Valentine

Lisa Valentine is one of the first Indie Authors I met on Instagram, and one of the first whose books I have read. With two series completed and another in process, she is a wonderful writer. I have devoured everything that she has written.

When I decided to start adding author interviews on my website, she was one that I desperately wanted to include.

So let us see what she has to say to the questions I posed to her.

What inspired you to become an indie author instead of pursuing traditional publishing?

I feel like being an indie author gives us creative control of our work. With the genre I write, I think having creative control is important. When I first published, the spicy book world wasn’t what it was today. There’s definitely more freedom today.

Without spoilers, can you share the story behind your latest book? What sparked the idea?

I read Tarot in my spare time, so the book I’m currently writing incorporates that part of my life. It explores family trauma, tarot and, like my other books, it’s spicy.

How do you approach the writing process? Are you a planner or a panster?

I’m a huge panster. I usually know the general story - the main characters and the themes, but I let the plot unfold as I write. I like the way characters develop on their own as the story unfolds. I write better at night. I’m an insomniac, so I channel the silence and make use of the quiet hours.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an indie author, and how did you overcome it?

Standing fully in my authenticity. It took me a few years after publishing to fully step into the person I am because her light was dimmed for so many years. I lost people I thought of as friends - a lot of them. But, they weren’t my tribe. My tribe loves every unique, annoying, outspoken part of me. I had to learn to be ok with being disliked.

How do you handle the business side of indie publishing, like marketing and distribution?

I suck at this part. So badly! I try to market my books, but I hate it. I forget it’s a business sometimes. I write books and I have adventures with my characters as if they’re my best friends, but I forget I actually have to convince people to read my books. It’s something I’m continuously trying to improve on.

What role does reader feedback play in shaping your writing or future projects?

This is going to sound horrible, but it plays a very small role in my future projects. I write what I love. I don’t believe you can write anything of real value if it isn’t fuelled by passion. I always take constructive criticism on board, but if someone doesn’t love my work, then I’m not for them. I’m going to continue writing what I love even if nobody reads it.

How do you decide which genre to write in, and is it the same as the books you read?

I write what I love. I always write stories with magical themes because I like unlimited possibilities. I want my characters to be able to reach the furthest points of the universe and swim to the deepest depths of the ocean. I also write about the type of love that spans across lifetimes and would destroy the whole world. I absolutely write what I read.

How do you balance writing with other responsibilities, like a day job or family life?

I’m at home all the time. I have several life altering illnesses, so my whole life is planned hour by hour. Some mornings, I wake up and I can’t move. Other mornings, I feel like I can conquer the world. I write as and when I can even if I write on my phone because I can’t leave my bed. I’m fortunate enough to be able to be at home all day every day.

What’s your favourite part of the indie publishing process, and why?

I like being able to create the whole book myself. From the book cover to the blurb. My books are entirely mine and it gives me a sense of pride every time I see them.

How do you build and connect with your audience as an indie author?

I am unapologetically myself. I find people either love me or hate me. I have no filter, I am very opinionated and I advocate for the things I’m passionate about. I’ve built a really strong tribe entirely on being unapologetically myself. Authenticity is your best marketing tool because it shows who you are.

Have you ever experienced writer’s block, and if so, how do you push through it?

Absolutely. I watch horror films or fantasy films to clear my writer’s block. Pushing my mind beyond it’s normal limits always helps me find my creativity again.

What’s one piece of advice you wish you’d received when you first started as an indie author?

You’ve got to be ok with not selling any books some months. Write because you love to write, not because you want to make money. Some months, there will be no sales and no read pages, and although it can knock your confidence, you have to be ok with that. Finding readers takes time.

How do you approach cover design and branding for your books?

I try to design my covers with the same theme as my books. I like to leave as much to the imagination as possible, whilst also giving a small hint of who or what is in each book. I tend to stick with dark colours too. I’m pretty sure all but one of my books have black covers. It just flows with the plot - they’re a little darker. I create playlists too. Linking music to my stories allows people relate to my books more.

What’s the most rewarding moment you’ve experienced as an indie author so far?

Having babies named after my characters. To this day, it blows my mind. What a beautiful compliment.

How do you stay motivated to keep writing and publishing independently?

I want an extraordinary life. I’ve always been completely independent, so I know if I want an extraordinary life. I will have to give it to myself. I want to see my books made into films and I believe nothing is impossible.

Do you collaborate with other indie authors or creatives, and if so, how has that impacted your work?

I work with anyone who wants to work with me. I will take part in group marketing projects, I’ll do book swaps and I’ll happily be a part of anyone’s hype team. There’s room on the shelf for all of us, and I want to see us all win. I haven’t seen a lot of impact on my work, but I have met a lot of amazing people who I have as part of my tribe now.

How do you handle negative reviews or criticism of your books?

Negative reviews will always hurt. Our books are our babies. If the criticism is necessary, I will take it on board and implement it in my work. But if it’s personal or if it’s derogatory towards spicy books, I take it very personally. I try not to let criticism impact me but we all suffer imposter syndrome, and negative reviews are inevitable.

Where do you see your writing career in five years, and what steps are you taking to get there?

I dream big. I see myself with a book that lives on thousands of shelves. I see my characters on the big screen and my stories being played out by famous people. I believe we can achieve anything we want to.

Can you recommend some other indie authors that you enjoy reading?

I am a mood reader, so I read impulsively. I try not to read the viral books, but even I get caught up in them sometimes.

Your books are books I’d recommend to anyone - I’ve actually bought some for a little human in my life and they love them.

A spicy author I think everyone should read is Savvy Rose. She’s witchy and writes spicy books. Definitely worth a read.

What is next for you?

I’m hoping to publish this new book by Christmas. It’s very close to being finished. I’m also looking at my marketing and hoping to invest more time on TikTok, where so many of my impulsive reads have come from.

Well, firstly, thank you Lisa for taking part and secondly thank you for the honour of knowing that you have given my books to a little human in your life, that has put a huge smile on my face.

If you would like to read Lisa's books you can find them all here on this link - http://linktr.ee/Lisaajones_89