Interview with Vashti Quiroz-Vega

Author of Memoir of a Mad Woman

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I’m originally from New York City. I currently reside in Pembroke Pines, Florida.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

My parents moved down to Florida.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I’ve always been a writer I just didn’t know until later. I told stories to the younger kids in school and camp. I wrote short stories all through middle school and high school. My husband found a box with a bunch of my stories and when he read The Basement he told me I should expand it into a novel. That’s how my first book came to be published.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

Most readers of my books describe them as descriptive, unique, and creative with a dark edge.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

I write Dark/High Fantasy, Horror, and Thriller for an 18+ audience. If you enjoy highly imaginative, well-written stories with strong characters and villains who are not afraid to be BAD, then you’ll enjoy my books.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

Where do I start? I had no idea how much marketing and self-promotion is involved in this process. I was overwhelmed at first. I’m still not 100% comfortable with it but I understand that it’s necessary.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

I was quite naive about the publishing business when I wrote my first book. I’ve since learned a great deal about it. I would say beware of publishing companies that promise you the world and then don’t deliver anything. Do your homework and research before committing to anyone.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

How many people? I would think that every writer wants to reach all of their audience. As many as possible.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

Aside from marketing and bad publishers, I would have to say that “killing my darlings” is extremely frustrating.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

a) I’m a born storyteller. I have natural psychology and understand people. I’m also creative and have an enormous imagination. I read a lot of books in different genres, which give me the tools to write.
b) I’ve read on the subject and understand a bit more about how to use categories and keywords.
c) I have a strong social media presence and blog. I use social media to promote myself, my books, as well as other authors.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

a) Time management, although I’ve gotten much better.
b) I still have a lot to learn.
c) I always feel awkward self-promoting. I’m not a salesman.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I’m working on the third installment of my Fantasy Angels Series, right now. I will be publishing it early next year. I also wrote a loose outline for a thriller about a female Psychopath. After writing my short story, Memoir of a Mad Woman I’ve had readers ask me to write a full-length book about a female Psychopath.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I used a hybrid publisher for my first book and things did not go well. I self publish now.