Interview with Children's Fiction Author Victoria Simcox
Dorothy Thompson
October 27, 2009
Vicki enjoys writing, reading, painting watercolors, good movies and just hanging out with friends and family. Her favorite author is C.S. Lewis, and one of her fondest memories is when she was 12. She would sit at the kitchen table, and read the Chronicles of Narnia to her mother while she cooked dinner. These magical stories were very dear to Vicki, and she remembers wishing, If only I could go to Narnia like Lucy and Susan. Vicki hopes that maybe she can touch someone with her story in a similar way.
Thank you for this interview, Victoria. Can you tell us briefly what your latest book, The Magic Warble, is all about?
My book, The Magic Warble, is a fantasy story, listed as Juvenile fiction, but I feel it is for all ages. I'd say Juvenile and Young adult fiction are still my favorite categories to read.
Growing up reading CS Lewis's beloved Narnia Chronicles has influenced me in writing The Magic Warble. My story is about a 12 year old girl named Kristina Kingsly, who hates to go to school because she doesn't fit in. She's bullied by some of the kids, and they make her daily life miserable. I created this aspect of my main characters life, because as a child, I had experienced dealing with bullies in school myself, and I remember hating to go because of them.
My parents owned their own piano store business and they up and moved it many times, so before the age of 13, I had made 5 major moves, and had been to 7 different public schools. I can remember this being difficult for me, especially having to leave friends I had made, and even worse having to make new ones, which I was not good at.
I named the main character "Kristina" after my daughter Kristina, who is now 14. Even so, my book's character is not characterized after my daughter. Kristina in The Magic Warble is definitely her own unique person.
In the story, Kristina receives a gift from her teacher at school, and it's this gift that magically takes her to another world, where she finds out that she not only fits in, but is chosen for a very important task, and if she completes the task, she will change the destiny of the land. Throughout her journey, Kristina meets all kinds of characters, such as dwarfs, gnomes, fairies, talking animals and a teenage boy named Werrien, who ends up going along with her on her adventure. On her perilous journey, she will not only have her strength tested but her heart as well.
I wrote this story because I love fairy tales and fantasy stories, and I have a big imagination that I thought I may as well put to good use. Once I got started writing the manuscript, I couldn't stop. My characters seemed to take on a life of their own, and I felt that I owed it to them to finish their story. This may seem a little weird, but when you spend a great amount of time writing a story, you do or at least I do get very attached to my characters.
Even though The Magic Warble is a fantasy filled with adventure, suspense and intrigue, the underlying message is one of faith, hope, perseverance, friendship and love.
Can you tell us who or what was the inspiration behind your book?
I can still remember the first moment I thought of writing my story. I was in the theater watching a Harry Potter movie. In my mind I saw my main character opening a hat box and finding the magic warble. After having this vision in my minds eye, I was so inspired to write my story that I started that evening after the movie.
Is this your first published book and if so, can you tell us your experiences in finding a publisher for it?
Yes, this is my first book. After submitting 30 or more manuscripts to publishers and getting rejected, Two Harbors Press finally reviewed it and accepted it.
How has Two Harbors Press been to work with?
They are good to work with and have been prompt to answer any on my concerns along the way.
Do you have an agent?
No.
Can you tell us how long it took you to write your book?
I worked on the The Magic Warble for about 5 years because I was only writing it occasionally. From the time the contract was sent to the time it was released was about 8 months.
Do you have any words of inspiration for other writers who would like to be wearing your shoes?
If you truly feel that writing is your life's purpose, then no matter how frustrated you get when writers block may stop your creativity, or how hard the publishing journey gets, or how low your self esteem may get, never give up. What ever step you are at in your writing or publishing journey, be prepared to do what ever it takes to get to your next step, and so on. If all seems to come to a stand still, and you don't know what to do next, just hang in there. Keep searching for a way to pursue your dream. Eventually an opportunity will show its self. Do a lot of research—the internet is a goldmine of information. I'll leave you with another good quote: Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens. J. R. R. Tolkien
I understand that you are touring with Pump Up Your Book Promotion in November and December via a virtual book tour. Can you tell us all why you chose a virtual book tour to promote your book online?
I chose a virtual book tour because I was recommended by other authors who have done them, and have had good success with them increasing their online book sales.
What´s next for you?
At present I am working on the sequel to The Magic Warble. My plan is to finish it, and then write the third book in the series.
Thank you for this interview, Victoria. Can you tell us how we can find out more about you and your new book?
Go to the sites below.
Website: www.themagicwarble.com
Blog: www.victoriasimcox.blogspot.com
youtube book trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cax8Pbpa7E
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