I’m so excited to introduce you to Conquest Publishing author Victoria Diaz. I know you are going to enjoy getting to learn about her and her books just as I did. Her Story Behind the Story is one you will not forget. Enjoy!

Amy

About the Author

Victoria M Diaz is a Social Worker along with being a mother to an ​incredibly active infant and two equally demanding fur babies. When ​she isn’t combating adulthood duties, she enjoys exploring the outdoors (when it’s cold), watching horror films, reading romantic ​fantasies until 3am, and spending all the time she can with her family. Victoria lives in Texas and her Bachelor of Science in Psychology gives ​her a unique perspective on human behaviors, helping her craft three-​dimensional, relatable characters with their own ways of overcoming ​struggles. She participated in AWP’s 19th Season of W2W as a Mentee ​and was published in her local university’s magazine. She is currently working on her debut romantasy novel and spending ​all her free time living within its world.

Of Stars and Lightening

Sol Yarrow didn’t ask for much. 
A nice day for hunting. A peaceful shift at her gods-awful job. A
steaming bowl of her aunt’s famous stew.

Easy.
Simple.

After 25 years of simplicity, everything she thought to be true is rewritten when four strangers come to Yavenharrow and take her back to the kingdom of Rimemere, a shielded land inhabited by ruthless Elemental Magic Wielders. A land only known through rumors and bedtime stories.

A kingdom her mother had been the Queen of A kingdom, by order of succession, now belonged to her. 
What would a human with no magic and a short temper have to offer the Wielders? Sol didn’t think much.

Her Court thought otherwise.

What is the Story Behind Your Story?

After having my baby this past February, I fell into PPD. It was rough, and although I was already familiar with the feeling, adding on being a first-time mom and adjusting to all the changes in life made it debilitating to exist. Through this, I thought back to what made me happy as a child. I concluded that reading had always been my peace, and decided to pick it back up. I
can confidently and honestly say reading saved me in so many ways this year. I started with Sarah J Mass and haven’t stopped since. It was while I read her Throne of Glass series that the idea for Of Stars and Lightning came. I wanted to write a main character that was fierce, but not afraid to be vulnerable with her flaws.

What Was Your Journey to Publication Like?

I queried about 40 agents, some of whom still haven’t replied. I received a few full requests and bits of advice. But ultimately came across Conquest and fell in love with their mission, atmosphere, and family.

Are You a Plotter or a Pantser?

Listen, I tried REALLY hard to evolve into a plotter. I failed. I’m a pantser. My characters own the narrative and they love surprising me. I do make sure to have a few basic scenes I know I want in the story, then build from those.

What is Your Favorite Writing Tool?

I’m big on aesthetics. I wrote most of Of Stars and Lightning on the Word app on my phone, since I was contact-trapped by my Velcro baby. Now that I’m rewriting, I switched to Novlr. Their interface is great and very clean—it helps me focus. As far as tools, I like writing on paper, and then transferring to digital.

What is Your Favorite Writing Resource?

I have a few books from Amazon that help me. Mostly, the Writers Journey and Save the Cat! Have been my holy grail. I also have an alpha reader that reads as I write, and she has been an incredible asset in my writing journey.

What Has Surprised You the Most About Publishing?

How difficult getting an agent is. At the beginning of my journey, I didn’t realize you even needed one (I know, I know). Why are the odds of being agented less than the odds of getting into Harvard? That’s insane! Definitely surprising.

What is Next For You?

I am SO excited for my next project. I’m slowly working on it in tandem with Of Stars and Lightning, and I cannot wait to have that one out in the world as well.

What is Your Number One Tip For Writers?

You cannot edit a blank page. Write it!

Where Can People Find You?

X : @sosawnin
Instagram: @sosawnin
Tiktok: @sosawnin

You cannot edit a blank page. Write it!

Victoria Diaz

If you have any questions for Victoria, drop them in the comments box below!