Author Q & A with Vicki Castle

Vicki Castle is a pen name to keep this author’s identity hidden as she would like to one day write more steamy books and fantasy ya. Vicki is a new indie author releasing her first book Mates and Memories: Alpha Academy Book 1 on Amazon in February of 2022. She also writes and publishes on Dreame. Vicki writes in both the paranormal genre and contemporary romance genre. She looks forward to expanding her writing to include other popular genres eventually.

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Amazon– https://www.amazon.com/Vicki-Castle/

Question 1 If you could pick one thing to remove/change from any of your books or book what would it be?

I think I would have made my main characters a couple of years older.

Question 2 What part of the book was the most fun to write?

Oh, that’s hard. I think I really enjoyed the teasing scenes: not specifically the sex, that’s hard, but flirting is fun.

Question 3 What is the significance of the title?

Initially, the title was reversed, Alpha Academy: Mates and Memories. I chose to switch it since the focus of the story is more on the personal development of the two main characters. I wanted their love to develop based on real feelings, not the instalove mate bond. Also, I had intended for more of the book to take place at the Academy, but as I was writing it worked better for Princess Elara to be out of her comfort zone longer and throw Blake off balance by messing with his home life longer.

Question 4 If you’re planning a series, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it

I have four books planned for the Alpha Academy series so far. Book 2, Crowns and Challengers, continues the story from the first book and should be released on Amazon in April or May 2022. Book 3, tentatively called Fire and Fury, is a prequel that will feature a fiery witch and her werewolf mate. Book 4, Light and Love, will focus on Prince Brandon and his love interest who will be a rare mythical creature we’ve not yet seen in the series.

Question 5 What’s your favorite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

Usually, when I go home to Australia my primary goal is to spend time with my family, so I guess anywhere they are would be my favorite spot.

Question 6 What’s your favorite writing snack or drink?

I drink very milky coffee or hot tea. I drink a wide variety of herbal teas, but I always start the day with something containing caffeine, you can’t go wrong with English Breakfast. I’m a sweet tooth and I have to have chocolate and candy hidden nearby too. It must be hidden well though as my children are very good at sniffing out my stashes.

Question 7 If your book were made into a movie, which actors would play your characters?

A young Michelle Pfeiffer or Cate Blanchette would be awesome for Elara, she’s a tall, beautiful character that oozes fierce confidence. To me, both of those ladies have a natural, regal elegance that would be perfect. Zack Efron would be Blake.

Question 8 What was your favorite song while writing this book? Do you have a playlist I can share?

I love music, but while I am writing I rarely play it. I am too easily distracted. However, I have an instrumental playlist that I only play when my family are around to drown them out. It’s mostly mellow piano versions songs I like. For example, A Thousand Years, Pumped Up Kicks, I Will Wait, Let It Be, Wake Me Up When September Ends, and more

Question 9 Describe your writing space?

I share an office with my husband, which can be very distracting as he watches YouTube and talks to me – messing up my flow 🙂 I get the most work done at night when everyone else is asleep. My desk is in the corner by two large windows, so I have a nice view of birds and sometimes deer.

Question 10 What advice do you have for writers/authors?

I am going to steal from Nike – “Just Do It”!! I have wanted to write for decades, this wasn’t exactly the genre I had imagined, but it’s what works for me at the moment. Maybe one day I’ll write an amazing Pulitzer Prize novel… For now, though, I aim to continue telling the stories that come to me, I will learn and improve with each book I write. So, my advice to other authors is just start writing, even if you think it sucks, even if it goes in a direction you didn’t expect it to go. Just do it.

Question 11 If you had to be shipwrecked on a deserted island, but all your human needs—such as food and water—were taken care of, what two items would you want to have with you?

My book collection counts as one item right – All the books on my shelves that I haven’t read yet would be my number one.

Question 12 If you could compare yourself with any animal, which would it be and why?

HHmmmm…. I’m going with a Dingo. Even though I live in the States now I still call Australia home. Dingoes are beautiful and often misunderstood, but they are loyal to their families and just trying to survive. As a military family we moved a lot, so I can relate to have to adapt to new environments and new challenges, as well as drive to explore, be free, and independent.

I have loved getting to know Vicki Castle make sure to show her some love and check out her new release book Mates and Memories: Alpha Academy Book 1 on Amazon and my review. I can’t wait for more in the series and from this indie author. As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases,