Living in the Southern Hemisphere means we don’t get snowy Christmases—our festive season is all sunshine and summer fun. The closest we come to snow is high up in the mountains during July, and that became the inspiration for my story, Giving Heart—a “Christmas in July” tale set around a cozy lodge in beautiful Lesotho.
Giving Heart is a story of second chances. After a painful breakup, single mother Hannah has sworn off love and trust. But when she joins a snowy midyear getaway, she meets Henri, a man who’s long buried his own dreams of family. As laughter fills the air and snowflakes fall, old wounds begin to heal. Will they find the courage to open their hearts again—or let the past keep them apart?
What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
Here in South Africa, we celebrate Christmas in the middle of summer. Our family starts the day by exchanging gifts after breakfast, then we gather for a big, leisurely lunch with loved ones. The afternoon is filled with board games, swimming, and plenty of laughter—the perfect time to relax, unwind, and simply enjoy being together.
What’s next in writing for you?
Next year, I’ll be joining the multi-author, multi-genre Our House series of Christian novellas once again—this time set in a charming little village in South Africa’s Cape Province, one of the most breathtaking places on earth. I’ve loved being part of the first two series, which took us to England and Scotland, and I’m thrilled to continue the journey closer to home. On my own, I’m also working on a small-town series of novellas set in a fictional South African town—a project that’s been on my heart for years. I’ve even started writing two of the stories already, and I can’t wait to bring this dream to life.
What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share?
I’m not a fan of detailed outlines, but I’ve discovered the value of creating a simple “skeleton” outline. It maps out the main plot points and key challenges my characters will face, giving me just enough structure to guide my writing while still leaving room for creativity and surprises along the way.
What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
The value of a critique partner to help you decide if the story works or not, and to help you not to be sentimental when it comes to cutting scenes or dialogue that don't serve the story.
Any last words or tips?
Build a supportive writing community around you. Connect with a few fellow writers to share ideas, offer feedback, and encourage each other through every stage of the journey. Consider teaming up to write a shared series or set your stories in the same fictional town—it’s a fun way to collaborate, grow together, and reach new readers you might never have found on your own.
What’s your newest release that you’d like to tell my readers about?
I’ve just released my latest women’s fiction novel, The Baker’s Pickle—book 12 in the Our House on Heather Wynd series, set in a charming fictional Scottish village. The story explores adult sibling rivalry and the power of forgiveness, blending my love of baking with my passion for writing about multicultural characters.
Since this is the Christmas season, here's a tip on how to get a free eBook. Sign up for Vida's newsletter and you'll get a copy of Giving Heart when you sign up .
https://storyoriginapp.com/giveaways/b56253b0-ba56-11ef-967a-8be90ae0d202
What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
Here in South Africa, we celebrate Christmas in the middle of summer. Our family starts the day by exchanging gifts after breakfast, then we gather for a big, leisurely lunch with loved ones. The afternoon is filled with board games, swimming, and plenty of laughter—the perfect time to relax, unwind, and simply enjoy being together.
Next year, I’ll be joining the multi-author, multi-genre Our House series of Christian novellas once again—this time set in a charming little village in South Africa’s Cape Province, one of the most breathtaking places on earth. I’ve loved being part of the first two series, which took us to England and Scotland, and I’m thrilled to continue the journey closer to home. On my own, I’m also working on a small-town series of novellas set in a fictional South African town—a project that’s been on my heart for years. I’ve even started writing two of the stories already, and I can’t wait to bring this dream to life.
What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share?
I’m not a fan of detailed outlines, but I’ve discovered the value of creating a simple “skeleton” outline. It maps out the main plot points and key challenges my characters will face, giving me just enough structure to guide my writing while still leaving room for creativity and surprises along the way.
What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
The value of a critique partner to help you decide if the story works or not, and to help you not to be sentimental when it comes to cutting scenes or dialogue that don't serve the story.
Any last words or tips?
Build a supportive writing community around you. Connect with a few fellow writers to share ideas, offer feedback, and encourage each other through every stage of the journey. Consider teaming up to write a shared series or set your stories in the same fictional town—it’s a fun way to collaborate, grow together, and reach new readers you might never have found on your own.
I’ve just released my latest women’s fiction novel, The Baker’s Pickle—book 12 in the Our House on Heather Wynd series, set in a charming fictional Scottish village. The story explores adult sibling rivalry and the power of forgiveness, blending my love of baking with my passion for writing about multicultural characters.
That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Vida's current and upcoming books, here are some links to get you started.
Website: https://vidalisik.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vidalswriter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vidalswriter
Since this is the Christmas season, here's a tip on how to get a free eBook. Sign up for Vida's newsletter and you'll get a copy of Giving Heart when you sign up .
https://storyoriginapp.com/giveaways/b56253b0-ba56-11ef-967a-8be90ae0d202
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