Vera T. Brown

Pre-Interview: Hi Ena-Alese,

Thank you so much for this opportunity to introduce my work to you and your readers. Below is a brief statement about myself and my upcoming novel, The Pull of the Storm.

My name is Antonia Washington, but I'll be writing under the pseudonym Vera T. Brown. I am a Southern woman, Navy veteran, and lifelong creative with a love for music, crafting, and storytelling. My debut novel, The Pull of the Storm, is a lyrical tale of healing, slow-burn romance, and the paranormal while being rooted in resilience and set in my Central Florida hometown. I plan to write about women who save themselves and the partners strong enough to stand beside them, weaving danger, mystery, empowerment, and hope into every page.

Author Interview:

1.What inspires you most to write?

I’m a lover of all forms of creativity and have probably tried a good chunk of them. On top of that, I’ve always dreamed of writing and publishing my own novel. Now, after writing countless short stories that have never seen the light of day, I’m finally working to make that dream come true. It would be an even greater blessing if people enjoy my stories as much as I enjoy writing them.

2. What is your favorite genre?

Somehow, I found my way to the paranormal romance space, and I absolutely love it here. It weaves mystery, romance, and the supernatural all in one breath. It’s a one-stop shop.

3. Who is one author you admire if any and why?

Oh my gosh… There are so many. I’d have to say, based on their drive and willingness to just share their knowledge, it's Melody Lynch. Have you seen that lady’s catalogue? Talk about writing goals! I can only hope to be able to have such a large and varied catalogue of work. And any time I’ve asked a question, she will answer it and then some.

4. How do you overcome blank writing spells?

Whew… I’m still trying to figure this one out. With this first novel, I’ve found myself obsessing over the lore, world-building, outlining, graphics, being perfect, etc. What I have done recently to overcome this is to put myself on a writing sprint schedule. While in my writing sprint, I put my writing software on focus mode and set a timer. If I can’t remember a detail, I note it in brackets to check later and JUST KEEP WRITING. 

I recently watched a YouTube video that kept stressing that it is easier to fix than it is to build. This may not be true in other aspects of life, but it is in writing. I remember writing what I thought was complete gibberish one night when I was fighting sleep. The next morning, I read over the so-called “gibberish” and guess what? It was not that bad, and all the bones were there. I just needed to fill in or fix a few things.

5. What legal publishing advice can you give?

I honestly don’t have any advice at this stage, as I’m still learning myself. Something that I have learned is to stay curious and never stop asking questions. The only stupid question is the one you don’t ask.

6. How many books have you written, are any a bestseller yet?

I’m currently working on my first novel. I’m nearing the end of my first draft, but I’m going to speak it into existence that it will be a bestseller.

7. If you had the opportunity to rewrite one movie script which would it be, why?

Hmm… Cosmic Slop. It was one of my favorite movies as a kid. It was sci-fi, horror, black, and dare I say paranormal, with George Clinton front and center. It was the first sci-fi movie or show I had seen that centered the Black experience and flipped it. I truly enjoyed it growing up, but I know it could be bigger and better. 

8. What are some difficulties you've experienced in your writing career; how do you handle book critiques/criticism?

I don’t really have a writing career yet, but I find myself fighting imposter syndrome constantly. You know what the cure has been? JUST KEEP WRITING

9. What are your best experiences in your writing career?

I really don’t feel I have a writing career to speak of yet, but there have been times when I’ve written something that made me think, “GURL, you ate and left not one crumb!” Then I’ll read something from another author that is very similar to what I had just written. Most would probably think this is a bad thing, but it kind of reassures me, because if I’m enjoying their book, then that means that I’m well on the way to creating something that someone else will enjoy. 

10. Do you prefer to write in silence and or have some sort sound in the background?

I usually write in silence, but I’ve found I’m more productive listening to lofi R&B music.

11. What are some encouraging words you'd give to another author/writer?

For the perfectionists like me out there, let go of all the planning and just write. It’s ok to make a mistake; they can be fixed. However, you can’t fix a mistake if you haven’t tried. 

12. How did you decide the pricing of your material; how did you go about promotion/advertising and distribution of your work?

I haven’t tried any marketing yet; my focus has been on completing my first draft. I will say that I am doing my own research, but I’m also seeking out mentors. You never know who will say yes. Shoot your shot.

13. Why should anyone read your book?

My book is not just a paranormal romance. It’s a book about healing, survival, and learning how to let love in after trauma. Readers who have ever fought to rebuild themselves will see themselves in the main character, M.E. James’s journey.

14. Did you have a book coach?

I have several writing coaches, official and unofficial. I came across a post from another aspiring writer, Catera Rune, and I asked if she wanted to be accountability partners, and she said yes. We’ve been sharing our journeys with each other. I’ve learned a lot from the conversations we’ve had with each other. Also, I see Authors Melody Lynch, Tessa Stone, and Elle Madearis as my writing coaches. They are always sharing their journeys, struggles, writing goals, and offering nuggets of wisdom to me and other aspiring and established writers. Then there’s a family friend, Caitlin Fisher. Her specialty is helping you develop neuro-friendly writing routines and plans for those of us that may be a little neurospicy, as well as editing, marketing… she does it all.

15. What was your favorite subject in school?

Math has always had my heart. Science is a close second. Funny thing, I spent a decade as an electrical/mechanical technician and ended up with a degree in music… but to me, it all connects.

16. Are you self-published or have an established publishing contract elsewhere?

Well, I’m not published anywhere yet, but I do intend to self-publish my first novel. I may try for traditional publishing later down the road, but it just doesn’t appeal to me right now.