Interview with Jennifer Vickous

Author of Fallen Hearts Fallen Wings 2

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

I am from Indianapolis, Indiana. I am still currently live in Indiana but in a different town. I actually live in Bedford Indiana.

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

Well, I was in a time of my life where I needed to change. I was overwhelmed and stressed out from working, going to school, and being a single mom. I ended up being evicted out of my apartment. I lived with my ex who is the father of my child. I no longer live with him, but I live with my daughter in a place of our own.

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

It had always been a dream of mine to write and create stories and characters. I have had a natural talent and desire to write ever since I was a kid. I don’t even remember when I started to learn how to read. I would read a lot when I was a kid and I would always like think of different endings of the story, or sometimes I can make up different characters that fit into the story. When I discovered the self publishing route, I immediately jumped into that because I wanted to be independent self writer.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

I think that the first thing that they will notice is that there is a lot of LGBT themes. I am LGBT and I can relate to it. Plus, I also have many different types of books. Mainly, it is drama, and I have a fantasy series called Fallen Wings. The book that is featured is angels fighting demons and fallen angels. It is an ongoing series that I am currently writing right now. I am not sure about how many books in the series, but it is still ongoing. There will be a third book out soon.

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

It is basically LGBT theme to them. But then, there are other things like the characters and how the characters relate to each other. Someone had either been through what the character had been through, or that they know someone that can relate to them. Also, there is romance, mainly in the LGBT, and I think that the LGBT could have more literature and fiction written, and also have more happy endings.

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

One, is that self publishing has its advantages and disadvantages. It is real expensive and you have to market as much as you write. When you self publish, you don’t have a huge publishing company backing you up so you have to do everything on your own. Plus, writer’s block is hard to deal with. I get writer’s block from when I have a lot going on in my life like work, or anything else that comes in my way. When someone reads one of my stories, and tell me they love my story, I love it, but it surprises me because I have no training or education in writing or anything like that.

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

I would say to my past self, is that forgive yourself for your mistakes. No one is perfect and you are going to mess up. It will be okay. Plus, take time to take care of yourself mentally, and relax. Take advantage of life and don’t let life keep you from doing what you want.

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

The number of people doesn’t concern me or anything. I think that the people I would reach are the ones that are into romantic stories and into drama. But as far as numbers, it would probably be like in the thousands, but if it doesn’t happen like that, that will be fine.

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

Writer’s block. Like I said, if I am under a lot of stress, the desire for writing stops, and I cannot come up with the next scene in the story, or what the character is going to do next. Plus, time is another thing. I work over forty hours a week as well as I have a household to take care of, as well as my daughter.

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

Writing is the best way for me to express myself. I cannot verbal express myself well because I get shy and I sometimes stutter a lot. So, I use text and writing to express myself. Plus, writing is an outlet. B.) I am self published so I have complete control of publishing, marketing, and writing. I am my own boss. C.) Marketing is a learning experience for me. I learn through researching about different bookstores that would sell self published books. Plus, you get to meet people and listen to new ideas for marketing and selling.

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

A.) Focus. Sometimes with my ADHD,I lose focus when there are other things that need my attention. Time management is also a weakness. Sometimes I don’t have the time to write or do anything. B.) Self publishing can be real expensive and also there are so many websites and companies that will publish your book, but it is hard to figure out which one is the best for you. You have to go with how much money you have to spend to self publish. C.) Marketing, you are on your own as a self published. You don’t have an agent, or any publishing company backing you up, so unless you are a market expert, you will struggle.

When do you think you will write your next book?

Right now, I am currently writing the third book of the Fallen Wings series, it is called Fallen Souls, also I am finishing up a manuscript for No Bound Love 2, a sequel to another book that I have published. Also, I am currently working on a poetry book that the proceeds will go to a women’s shelter.

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

I am self published writer, author of Fallen Hearts, Fallen Wings, No Bound Love, Broken Souls, Marion’s Daughter, Summer’s Crystal, and other titles.