Exclusive Interview with
Veronica Sierra Lawson
When did you start writing?
I started writing back in 3rd grade. Though it wasn’t until middle school that I actually shared my stories with others, and it wasn’t until recently that I actually had the courage to publish them in paperback and kindle.
What makes writing your passion?
Not sure. I just really enjoy creating unique fun stories that can be enjoyed by teens and adults. I always hated picking up a book to read only to have to toss it out because it had inappropriate references, and went into way to much detail about things. So I decided if I couldn’t find many fun appropriate books. I would create them.
How long have you been writing?
Since 3rd grade.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
Nervous, and excited to finally hold a book of my own creation in my hands.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
Well I always hear about princesses from older times. Princesses who fall head over heels in love with the bad boy type. Yet what about the princesses who just like to let loose. Someone who rather just be a normal girl. I wanted to create a princess that my readers could relate to. Not a girl who is snobby and rude. Just a normal girl who just wants to have fun. That’s the kind of princess I wanted Sasha to be.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
When people assume writing is easy. Anyone can write, but not everyone is an author.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
I just let it happen on its own time. I take a step back and take a 2nd look.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
Don’t worry about what other people think. What matters is what you think. A good writer is a combination of loving and being loved. You must first love your own work before you can expect others to love it. Write for you and the rest will come.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Well first I would slap myself for being stupid and worrying so much about people not liking my books. Second I would tell myself to not worry so much what others think.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
Yes. I always read my reviews. I love hearing what others think. As for the bad reviews that’s a part of life. If I can use those bad reviews to better enhance my writing than I will. Otherwise I just shrug it off as their opinions.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
I love it. It gives me the courage and confidence to keep writing.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Yes, but when I do that I change the names and just leave it a fictional work. Not everything though will be true though. It will be simple things. For example Sasha in flowers from a killer. In the beginning of the book she is trying on dresses but can’t find a dress that fits. Not because she is big no. It’s because the dresses have been made small. I based that off my own experiences. As a child I was always in-between sizes. As the clothes would always be made either for really big women or really small. Which I was neither. I wasn’t too big. Nor was I too small. I was just average. It was always a pain trying to find clothes that was made for just average size women. I hated that. I hated how the world expects women to be a certain size, and wear an enormous amount of makeup. I was tired of hearing about so many women feeling ugly just because they didn’t look like the girl in the magazine. So I combatted that problem the only way I knew how. By putting it in my writing. If you look closely at all my stories you will find a grain of truth that I snuck in. It may be overlooked by most people, but it plants the seed.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
Well when writing Sasha I gave her similar features to me. But I based her personality off who I wish I could be. I always wished I could be more adventurous, but I enjoy the indoors too much. So instead I lived out my adventures through my main characters.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
Because, if the readers aren’t interested in what they see, than they won’t pick it up. They say don’t judge a book by its cover, but most people do. ;)
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
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How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
Happy, but also slightly embarrassed. I’m an introvert and I can also be quite shy.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
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What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
Emma Watson, because I love how she holds to her values and standards even under pressure.
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
I am currently in the process of rewriting my The Hidden Rose book as I wrote it when I was younger, and foolishly published it without much editing.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
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What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
Thank you for your review. I will definitely take your thoughts under consideration during my next project. It means a lot that you took the time to read and review my book. May God bless you? (A lot of bullies are stopped in their tracks if their victims either don’t react to their jibes. Or show genuine kindness to the bullies even when being mean. Being mean back only ignites the flames more, and encourages them to continue to be mean. At first it may make them want to attack an author more. Yet after a while of the same response and kind words they will eventually get bored.)
What would you say to your readers?
Thank you so much for reading my books. It means a lot.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. So if you are searching for safe clean books. That don't swear, Don't talk about sex, and won't make you want to cover your kids eyes. Than you have come to the right place. I started writing back in 3rd grade, but it wasn't until recently that I even considered publishing them because I was afraid they would turn out horribly. As a child I would constantly show the books I wrote to my teachers and friends, but I always worried that they were not taking me seriously because of my learning disability. Might just be anxiety talking, but after having to deal with people treating me like a child even in high school it has left me wondering. When you have a disability people look at you and treat you like you’re a special case. Like if they aren't careful you could break. It's frustrating to say the least, but that's why I am grateful the Lord gave me writing. It's my own special place I can run to and escape the pitying looks or secret smiles. For here I can write something that can transport not only me but so many others into a world of my own creation. A world that keeps people guessing and wanting more. I can create something that makes people smile. That's why I write to make people smile. To transport people into a world of mystery and fantasy that will keep readers wanting for more. That's also why anything I write is always appropriate. You will never find a sex scene or extreme bloody violence in any of my books as I feel intimate relations are sacred and should not be portrayed openly in a book for all to see and read.
What is your day job if you have one?
I am currently studying to be a CNA.
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
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Did you have a happy childhood?
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Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
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Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
Well I am currently working on the 2nd book to the Jealousy Destroys Love series. Called Loving Thorns. It’s about Sasha learning to cope after her harrowing experience in Flowers from a Killer. She is just starting to find a sense of normalcy when her stalker from book 1 returns. But this time he is determined not to leave without her.
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
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If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
1. I would wish that people could put aside their differences, and see each other not as a problem but as human beings. 2. I would wish that those who are suffering and in need would find peace, love, acceptance, and help. 3. For my final wish I guess I would just wish for world peace.
What is your favorite music?
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Share a secret with us 🙂
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