You may be wondering, “JSL, I’m an indie author, but you keep interviewing traditionally published folks! That’s not very indie, is it?.” Sure it is. Discovering what traditional publishers offer authors will allow you to reproduce those those offerings. It gives perspective, shows you what you are up against. And you never know, the traditional route may be a better choice for you. I’m fond of the entire publishing spectrum. Self-published? A somewhere between hybrid? Puritan for niche imprints? Big five champion? Sure, why not? We are all snowflakes with unique, sticky preferences.

In this episode I interview a traditionally published author. She will teach you a thing or two about craft and targeting a wide swath of audiences. Victoria (V.E.) Schwab has published with Disney/Hyperion, TOR and Harper Greenwillow, who selected Victoria musically woven fantasy stories for their ability to leap onto your mind’s stage. She writes for the young. She writes for the not-so-young. She excels in treating both to worlds that defy imagination and characters that wrench the heart.

She’s accomplished all this at the tender age of 28. With twelve books under her belt and four more on the horizon, Victoria breeds envy and garners respect from the most ambitious authors. She’s also a hoot, too. Victoria and I were none the wiser to each other prior to our chat, but afterward we were fast friends. I chalk it up to her cool wit and sincere love of writing—where two kindred sojourners find solidarity in sharing their struggles, insights and successes (hers more than mine).

Upon the episode’s closing ear tickle, you will have gained a renewed confidence toward writing and a heavy bag of writing tricks will weigh down your hands. If you are a fan of Victoria’s work, you will have scooped up a precious gemstone through which her stories will appear all the more vivid and enticing.

Enjoy.