The Synergy of Working with Others: Author Interview with Vida Li Sik

Amazon shows you having 13 published books, but what inspired you to write that first book? What did you learn from writing that book that helped you to continue to write?
My first book, Bowled Over, is a sports romance between a cricketer and a female reporter that centres around match-fixing (a hot topic around the time I worked as a sports reporter). My inspiration is often sparked by the "what if?" question, and in this case it was " What if a passionate cricketer and a determined female reporter, each on opposing sides of a controversial match-fixing scandal, find themselves drawn to each other against all odds? 

I could only write at night once I'd put my two boys to bed. While I spent months doing prep work, I did the actual writing during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and I managed to pen 50,000 words in 30 days. The tremendous pressure to finish my first book helped me realise what I was capable of as a writer.

You’re an indie author, which means you’re in charge of everything. What other parts of the process do you personally do or hire others to do?
I've always done everything myself, using my skills as a copy editor to edit my books, and also using a free version of editing software to get by. I also use a marketing platform where authors and readers can connect to sell books and do newsletter swaps. This year, after much prayer, I was finally able to afford to hire an editor and I now have her editing a couple of books on my backlist.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
Connecting with local authors and writers from around the world in my genre has been incredibly rewarding. Having a supportive sounding board to share ideas with or just chat when I need it most has made a tremendous difference in my journey.

Marketing is the biggest key to making sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks? 
Collaborations with other authors on platforms such as Facebook parties or private groups where we can meet and interact with readers.

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner? 
I’ve learned to trust my instincts and silence the negative voices that lead to self-doubt. Embracing my confidence has been a valuable part of my journey.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give? 

The best advice is to write that first draft and get your story done, no matter how bad you think it is. You can rewrite and change things afterward to your heart's content, but you can't edit a blank page.

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add? 
Find your niche and write the story you’d love to read. It’s more fulfilling to connect with a smaller, dedicated audience who will appreciate your work than to compete for the attention of thousands.

What is the next book coming out or latest release? Can you give me a short synopsis? 
I just released a Christian women's fiction story that's part of a larger group of stories that all  take place on Sycamore Street. My story about a woman who leaves South Africa after a traumatic event. She struggles to build a new life for her family in a small English village when she gets into a dispute over a fence. It's a story about resilience, community, and a sense of belonging.

That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Vida's books, here are some links to get you started. 
Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Vida-Li-Sik/author/B078R8G2BC 

Website: https://www.vidalisik.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vidalswriter/

And here's a bonus for my readers...Leave a comment on this post and we'll pick one reader who'll receive a copy of Vida's new eBook, The Outsider's Welcome. So do that now. It can be as simple as I want to be in the giveaway. We'll chose a winner next Friday!