Ask the Author: Vicky Alvear Shecter
Answered Questions (16)
Vicky Alvear Shecter
Hello again, WittySofa! I wish Lucia's and Tag's story were on the silver screen but no takers. Unfortunately, the movie POMPEII, starting Kit Harrington's abs (lol), was panned and didn't make any money so I'm guessing no one is interested in trying to make another expensive period piece.
I am working on another Classical historical fiction but it's super-secret because if I talk about it before I'm finished, I'll end up ruining it for myself. Also, right now, it's hard to sell a classical book because historical fiction books these days tend to concentrate on WWII.
I hope you enjoy Robert Harris's POMPEII. I love that book! Thanks for writing!
I am working on another Classical historical fiction but it's super-secret because if I talk about it before I'm finished, I'll end up ruining it for myself. Also, right now, it's hard to sell a classical book because historical fiction books these days tend to concentrate on WWII.
I hope you enjoy Robert Harris's POMPEII. I love that book! Thanks for writing!
Vicky Alvear Shecter
Ohhhh, that's hard. I've never tried that before. But here goes:
Sandra startled awake when a heavy drop hit her head, muttering, "Dammit, the roof is leaking again." But it wasn't rain that fell on her--it was blood.
(Good thing I don't write in this genre, eh?)
Sandra startled awake when a heavy drop hit her head, muttering, "Dammit, the roof is leaking again." But it wasn't rain that fell on her--it was blood.
(Good thing I don't write in this genre, eh?)
Vicky Alvear Shecter
Summer is over, but I enjoyed THE HUNTRESS by Kate Quinn, THE MURMUR OF BEES by Sofia Segovia, WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING by Delia Owens. I also love nonfiction and particularly enjoyed THE BONOBO AND THE ATHEIST by Frans de Waal, ONE NATION UNDER GOD by Kevin Kruse, and HOW TO STAY HUMAN IN A F*CKED UP WORLD by Tim Desmond.
Vicky Alvear Shecter
Hi WittySofa! (Great name)
I'm so glad you've enjoyed my books! Your question is an important one and I think all historical fiction writers struggle with this. After all, we wouldn't write about other time periods if we weren't completely enthralled with them and all their strange, delicious details!
Here's one rule: If the detail would not be of interest to or new to your character, don't include it. That sounds simple on the surface, but it's not. For example, if your character is a builder or an architect, then he might very well ruminate about how houses are built or notice architectural elements. But if he or she isn't, then you can't remark on it or include details about it because those little details are likely invisible to him or her. I know--ouch!
If you've read Robert Harris's POMPEII, then you know that the main character spends A LOT (some say too much) time thinking about pipes and wells and aquafers--but we forgive him because he is a water engineer. As an aquarius, that's his job, so he's allowed to be a "nerd" about it--in fact, it's expected!
Clearly Harris was fascinated by Rome's aqueducts, so he conveniently made his MC an expert so he could indulge in sharing some of the fascinating facts. So that's one solution--if you are fascinated by something, make your main character someone who does that work. That's a little more difficult if your character is a woman since women were forbidden from so much in the Roman world, but there are ways around that. For example, if you are fascinated by the painters of frescoes and your character is a girl, make her father or brother a fresco painter, giving her the opportunity to tag along to sites and learn the craft. Maybe she becomes a great master but has to pretend a male relative is doing the work and shenanigans ensue (I would read that!).
Another thing to remember is that most of what we find extraordinary would be absolutely ordinary to them. So while we may be shocked about public latrines where everyone "shares a bench," your character wouldn't think twice about it! You can draw attention to such fascinating details by making something unusual happen--such as someone runs out with the sponge-on-a-stick they use to wipe themselves with. Then your character would notice! But again, if it isn't somehow related to the main story, you're going to have to cut it.
One last example. When I was researching for my novel set in Pompeii, I was tickled/horrified to learn that there were many graffiti and official signs warning the locals to "not defecate here." Who knew public defecation was a problem? That detail cracked me up, but I couldn't make a big deal of it, not only because apparently it was common place, but also, it would set up the reader to worry about or look for a scene where she might step in it. I did manage to sneak in a mention, though, when she was hurrying through the city as she reminded herself to watch where she stepped. But overall, unless a detail plays a part in the growth of the character or the advancement of the plot, you've got to avoid it.
I hope this helps!
I'm so glad you've enjoyed my books! Your question is an important one and I think all historical fiction writers struggle with this. After all, we wouldn't write about other time periods if we weren't completely enthralled with them and all their strange, delicious details!
Here's one rule: If the detail would not be of interest to or new to your character, don't include it. That sounds simple on the surface, but it's not. For example, if your character is a builder or an architect, then he might very well ruminate about how houses are built or notice architectural elements. But if he or she isn't, then you can't remark on it or include details about it because those little details are likely invisible to him or her. I know--ouch!
If you've read Robert Harris's POMPEII, then you know that the main character spends A LOT (some say too much) time thinking about pipes and wells and aquafers--but we forgive him because he is a water engineer. As an aquarius, that's his job, so he's allowed to be a "nerd" about it--in fact, it's expected!
Clearly Harris was fascinated by Rome's aqueducts, so he conveniently made his MC an expert so he could indulge in sharing some of the fascinating facts. So that's one solution--if you are fascinated by something, make your main character someone who does that work. That's a little more difficult if your character is a woman since women were forbidden from so much in the Roman world, but there are ways around that. For example, if you are fascinated by the painters of frescoes and your character is a girl, make her father or brother a fresco painter, giving her the opportunity to tag along to sites and learn the craft. Maybe she becomes a great master but has to pretend a male relative is doing the work and shenanigans ensue (I would read that!).
Another thing to remember is that most of what we find extraordinary would be absolutely ordinary to them. So while we may be shocked about public latrines where everyone "shares a bench," your character wouldn't think twice about it! You can draw attention to such fascinating details by making something unusual happen--such as someone runs out with the sponge-on-a-stick they use to wipe themselves with. Then your character would notice! But again, if it isn't somehow related to the main story, you're going to have to cut it.
One last example. When I was researching for my novel set in Pompeii, I was tickled/horrified to learn that there were many graffiti and official signs warning the locals to "not defecate here." Who knew public defecation was a problem? That detail cracked me up, but I couldn't make a big deal of it, not only because apparently it was common place, but also, it would set up the reader to worry about or look for a scene where she might step in it. I did manage to sneak in a mention, though, when she was hurrying through the city as she reminded herself to watch where she stepped. But overall, unless a detail plays a part in the growth of the character or the advancement of the plot, you've got to avoid it.
I hope this helps!
Vicky Alvear Shecter
Hi KenKen, Thanks so much for your question. I totally connect with the issue of feeling self-conscious in general and about writing in particular. Many authors are shy introverts (including me!). In terms of answering your question, let's take one aspect at a time.
Feeling self-conscious about your writing: Welcome to the club! I don't know of any writer that doesn't struggle with this issue. And yet we all have to face that not everyone is going to love or even like our writing. Accepting that can be hard but if you want to succeed as a writer, you must. The only way to get past it, in my experience, is to just keep writing and keep getting others to READ your writing. Input from trusted readers is SO important. Be open to both their criticism and their praise and be determined to learn from others.
Also, try to live with this mantra: I AM NOT MY WRITING. I know that sounds hokey, but it's very important to separate yourself from your creations. If you write something crappy one day, it doesn't mean YOU are crappy. It's a way to get your ego out of the way so you don't feel destroyed by the inevitable criticism you're bound to face at some point in your writing career. Every writer--even the super successful ones--face rejection. The ones who face it and keep writing anyway are the ones who break through.
How to get your writing noticed: Writing contests are a great idea but you must do your research to make sure that you are entering legitimate contests. Ask your local or school librarian for help on this, as well as your writing teachers. They should be able to guide you on this.
Another way to get noticed is to submit your writing to various magazines. Research the sites that are open to submission--and then spend time reading what they like to publish. If you have a story that would fit, send it to them (most sites and magazines publish submission guidelines). I can't tell how old you are but if you're still in school, consider submitting to kids or teen magazines. Again, your teacher or librarian can help you with this. Local libraries sometimes host contests and/or produce their own newsletters. See if you can get published there.
If you're still in school, start or join a Literary Journal group to find like-minded writers. Finding other writers to share your work with is very important. Not only will a writing group help you improve as a writer, but it will provide the emotional support you will need to keep submitting. Consider creating a writing blog or another online outlet where you can showcase your work.
Whatever you do, commit for the long-haul. You will have (as most of us do), a critical inner voice that will tell you your writing is terrible and you should stop or whatever. DO NOT LISTEN TO THAT VOICE. Write past it. It's just fear trying to protect you from getting hurt.
Also, read a lot (which I'm sure you already do).
You can do this! I'm excited that you want to be an author and that you're taking your impulse to write seriously. Keep me posted on how things go and KEEP WRITING! :-)
Feeling self-conscious about your writing: Welcome to the club! I don't know of any writer that doesn't struggle with this issue. And yet we all have to face that not everyone is going to love or even like our writing. Accepting that can be hard but if you want to succeed as a writer, you must. The only way to get past it, in my experience, is to just keep writing and keep getting others to READ your writing. Input from trusted readers is SO important. Be open to both their criticism and their praise and be determined to learn from others.
Also, try to live with this mantra: I AM NOT MY WRITING. I know that sounds hokey, but it's very important to separate yourself from your creations. If you write something crappy one day, it doesn't mean YOU are crappy. It's a way to get your ego out of the way so you don't feel destroyed by the inevitable criticism you're bound to face at some point in your writing career. Every writer--even the super successful ones--face rejection. The ones who face it and keep writing anyway are the ones who break through.
How to get your writing noticed: Writing contests are a great idea but you must do your research to make sure that you are entering legitimate contests. Ask your local or school librarian for help on this, as well as your writing teachers. They should be able to guide you on this.
Another way to get noticed is to submit your writing to various magazines. Research the sites that are open to submission--and then spend time reading what they like to publish. If you have a story that would fit, send it to them (most sites and magazines publish submission guidelines). I can't tell how old you are but if you're still in school, consider submitting to kids or teen magazines. Again, your teacher or librarian can help you with this. Local libraries sometimes host contests and/or produce their own newsletters. See if you can get published there.
If you're still in school, start or join a Literary Journal group to find like-minded writers. Finding other writers to share your work with is very important. Not only will a writing group help you improve as a writer, but it will provide the emotional support you will need to keep submitting. Consider creating a writing blog or another online outlet where you can showcase your work.
Whatever you do, commit for the long-haul. You will have (as most of us do), a critical inner voice that will tell you your writing is terrible and you should stop or whatever. DO NOT LISTEN TO THAT VOICE. Write past it. It's just fear trying to protect you from getting hurt.
Also, read a lot (which I'm sure you already do).
You can do this! I'm excited that you want to be an author and that you're taking your impulse to write seriously. Keep me posted on how things go and KEEP WRITING! :-)
Vicky Alvear Shecter
OMG, this is such a difficult question! I honestly can't settle on one and here's why: most fictional worlds are rife with chaos and danger if they're at all interesting and well....I'm kinda averse to chaos, danger, and life-threatening situations! I'm much happier READING about them instead of living them.
Since I write about the ancient world, I'm often asked if I ever wanted to travel back in time and live in those eras. My answer to that is that I would only ever go back if I could be a rich, landowning, male-citizen because for everyone else life was MISERABLE. Truly terrible for most people, especially women. So, sad to say, I prefer to travel to different eras and different fictional worlds only in my imagination so that when I'm done, I can close the book and re-enter a world where I have rights, freedoms, and opportunities! What about you?
Since I write about the ancient world, I'm often asked if I ever wanted to travel back in time and live in those eras. My answer to that is that I would only ever go back if I could be a rich, landowning, male-citizen because for everyone else life was MISERABLE. Truly terrible for most people, especially women. So, sad to say, I prefer to travel to different eras and different fictional worlds only in my imagination so that when I'm done, I can close the book and re-enter a world where I have rights, freedoms, and opportunities! What about you?
Vicky Alvear Shecter
Hi KenKen:
Thanks so much for writing. I was always a huge fan of historical fiction too--and I still am!
Coming up with ideas for books happens in all kinds of ways--usually, there's an aspect of history that surprises me and fascinates me and I want to go deeper into exploring it. For CURSES, for example, I was fascinated by how people thought about curses and religion and how they would've used their views to deal with an unimaginable disaster. For CLEOPATRA'S MOON, I was fascinated by the fact that Cleopatra VII had a daughter and that she was the only one of the queen's four children to survive to adulthood--and that she ended up ruling in North Africa.
Usually, it's something that I can't stop thinking about!
I actually didn't start writing until fairly late but I have always loved history, reading, archaeology and the ancient world.
Do you love ancient history or all history? Do you want to be a writer as well?
Thanks again for your questions! Vicky
Thanks so much for writing. I was always a huge fan of historical fiction too--and I still am!
Coming up with ideas for books happens in all kinds of ways--usually, there's an aspect of history that surprises me and fascinates me and I want to go deeper into exploring it. For CURSES, for example, I was fascinated by how people thought about curses and religion and how they would've used their views to deal with an unimaginable disaster. For CLEOPATRA'S MOON, I was fascinated by the fact that Cleopatra VII had a daughter and that she was the only one of the queen's four children to survive to adulthood--and that she ended up ruling in North Africa.
Usually, it's something that I can't stop thinking about!
I actually didn't start writing until fairly late but I have always loved history, reading, archaeology and the ancient world.
Do you love ancient history or all history? Do you want to be a writer as well?
Thanks again for your questions! Vicky
Vicky Alvear Shecter
Hi Kim,
I have thought about following up with Tages but have no plans as of yet. It's hard to know what to work on next so I've been focusing on a little bit of nonfiction which is where I got my start. My next book is called KILLER QUEENS and it tells the stories of six ancient queens who physically took up arms against enemies. Thanks for reaching out!
PS: Sorry for the late reply--for whatever reason your question just now showed up on my feed!
I have thought about following up with Tages but have no plans as of yet. It's hard to know what to work on next so I've been focusing on a little bit of nonfiction which is where I got my start. My next book is called KILLER QUEENS and it tells the stories of six ancient queens who physically took up arms against enemies. Thanks for reaching out!
PS: Sorry for the late reply--for whatever reason your question just now showed up on my feed!
Vicky Alvear Shecter
Hi Alice,
Thanks so much! I am working on another YA but since I haven't sold it to a publisher yet, I can't really talk about it. I wish I could tell you more about it! For now, all I can say is that it is another historical, also set in the ancient Rome. Thanks for reading my books!
Thanks so much! I am working on another YA but since I haven't sold it to a publisher yet, I can't really talk about it. I wish I could tell you more about it! For now, all I can say is that it is another historical, also set in the ancient Rome. Thanks for reading my books!
Vicky Alvear Shecter
Hi Madeline, thanks for asking a question. I'm so glad you enjoyed CURSES AND SMOKE! Methods of promotion are tough because they don't come naturally to me. I'm guessing there was a lot I could've done but didn't.
I like to talk to schools and book festivals and so try to get invited to them whenever possible. I also always ask readers to spread the word if they enjoyed it because friend recommendations are always the best. That's pretty much it, though. Do you write?
Thanks again! Vicky
I like to talk to schools and book festivals and so try to get invited to them whenever possible. I also always ask readers to spread the word if they enjoyed it because friend recommendations are always the best. That's pretty much it, though. Do you write?
Thanks again! Vicky
Vicky Alvear Shecter
I apologize for not answering sooner--I didn't realize questions had been posted! Dealing with writer's block is HARD. For me it usually coincides with bouts of self-doubt and negative thinking. To combat it, I usually have to combat the negativity and remind myself is that all I'm doing is "TELLING A STORY!"
Not everyone is going to like or connect with my story and that's okay. Reminding myself that it's "just a story" keeps me grounded. Also focusing on what I love helps keep me excited despite the negative voices. Thanks for your question!
Not everyone is going to like or connect with my story and that's okay. Reminding myself that it's "just a story" keeps me grounded. Also focusing on what I love helps keep me excited despite the negative voices. Thanks for your question!
Vicky Alvear Shecter
I apologize for not answering your question sooner--I didn't realize any questions had been posted!
To answer your question, the best thing about being a writer is that I can live in my head and instead of being told to "stop daydreaming," I can say, "But I'm working!" Also, writing in sweats and no makeup. I'm pretty lazy so not having to go anywhere but to my computer is pretty sweet!
To answer your question, the best thing about being a writer is that I can live in my head and instead of being told to "stop daydreaming," I can say, "But I'm working!" Also, writing in sweats and no makeup. I'm pretty lazy so not having to go anywhere but to my computer is pretty sweet!
Vicky Alvear Shecter
Sorry I missed this question earlier--I'm a little clueless on the technical end and didn't even realize any questions had been posted! My apologies!
To answer your question, my advise is this: learn how to take rejection. I know that sounds weird but those of us who get published, I think, do so because we're a bit like bulldogs. We just don't quit. I had thirty rejections on my first book. I've had countless agent rejections. But I kept at it and eventually connected with someone who "got" what I was doing.
So, my advise would be, keep working on the craft of writing and DO NOT GIVE UP, even in the face of rejection. I used to say to myself, "After the last 'No,' there is a 'Yes.' Only I don't know when that last 'No' is so I better keep sending it out!"
Also, read a lot. And read your favorites with intention--constantly asking yourself, "how did they do that? why did I get sucked in?"
Good luck!
To answer your question, my advise is this: learn how to take rejection. I know that sounds weird but those of us who get published, I think, do so because we're a bit like bulldogs. We just don't quit. I had thirty rejections on my first book. I've had countless agent rejections. But I kept at it and eventually connected with someone who "got" what I was doing.
So, my advise would be, keep working on the craft of writing and DO NOT GIVE UP, even in the face of rejection. I used to say to myself, "After the last 'No,' there is a 'Yes.' Only I don't know when that last 'No' is so I better keep sending it out!"
Also, read a lot. And read your favorites with intention--constantly asking yourself, "how did they do that? why did I get sucked in?"
Good luck!
Vicky Alvear Shecter
My apologies for not answering sooner--somehow, I missed that questions were ever posted!
Right now I'm working on a collaboration novel with Kate Quinn, Stephanie Dray, Russel Whitfield, SJ Turney, Ruth Downey and Eliza Knight about the Boudica rebellion. It's going to be similar in construction to A DAY OF FIRE.
THOR SPEAKS comes out in the fall and I'm also working on another YA novel set in ancient Rome but I haven't sold it yet, so I can't talk about it. Cross your fingers an editor will pick it up! Thanks for your question!
Right now I'm working on a collaboration novel with Kate Quinn, Stephanie Dray, Russel Whitfield, SJ Turney, Ruth Downey and Eliza Knight about the Boudica rebellion. It's going to be similar in construction to A DAY OF FIRE.
THOR SPEAKS comes out in the fall and I'm also working on another YA novel set in ancient Rome but I haven't sold it yet, so I can't talk about it. Cross your fingers an editor will pick it up! Thanks for your question!
Vicky Alvear Shecter
I apologize for not answering sooner--somehow I missed that folks were actually asking questions!!!!
To answer your question, sometimes I'm not inspired at all! Sometimes, I have to force myself but I can get back on track by remembering why I wanted to write about something in the first place--that the subject or time period fascinates me. If I can stay connected with what I love about it, it's easier to write. But sometimes, it's just a matter of forcing myself to sit down and do the work!
To answer your question, sometimes I'm not inspired at all! Sometimes, I have to force myself but I can get back on track by remembering why I wanted to write about something in the first place--that the subject or time period fascinates me. If I can stay connected with what I love about it, it's easier to write. But sometimes, it's just a matter of forcing myself to sit down and do the work!
Vicky Alvear Shecter
Wow, I apologize for not seeing this question before and taking so long to answer! I assume you're referring to the CURSES AND SMOKE. Pompeii has always fascinated me and I tend to write about what holds my interest. I'm also fascinated by the whole culture of gladiators, which is why I set the story in a gladiatorial school. Basically, I'm a history nerd and writing about what fascinates me feels like a total blessing!
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