Interview with Author V.B. Lacey
We had a wonderful time working with our next Indie Author Spotlight: V.B. Lacey! She is the author of the Veridian Empire series, which is a collection of interconnected standalone romantasy stories! The first in the series, In the Wake of the Wicked, features high-stakes magical trials (which we ask about below), shifters, and a slow-burn spice free romance. Learn more through this interview about this series, crafting a series of trials, and so much more!
V.B. Lacey is an office manager by day and an avid reader-turned-writer by night. She's a book lover who grew up on stories of magic, love, and sarcasm, and equips her writing with all three. She lives in Texas with her supportive husband and two rambunctious dogs. Her current works include the completed Elementals of Iona duology and the Veridian Empire series of interconnected standalones. When she’s not writing about morally grey characters and far-off kingdoms, you can find her reading (mostly fantasy and contemporary romance), playing board games, or spending time with friends.
What was the inspiration behind the Veridian Empire series?
It was originally only going to be a single standalone book, and the inspiration came from Wicked/The Wizard of Oz, which are stories I loved growing up. But I fell in love with the intricate world and magic system that I created, and wanted to write more books set in this world, so I decided to write 4 books total, each inspired by different things I've loved growing up.
We are such huge fans of stories with deadly trials. What did conceptualizing the Decemvirate look like for you while writing In the Wake of the Wicked?
I knew I wanted it to be grounded in something that, while it might be "exciting" for others to watch/read, it was ultimately based in an oppressive, tyrannical past (much like the Hunger Games). That helped me shape what the purpose of the event was: a competition between the strongest magic-wielder of each province to bring back magic to their own people. From there, I decided on themes for each trial that corresponded back to what the book is inspired by (Wicked/The Wizard of Oz). The first trial is a test of wisdom, the second is a test of the heart, and the third tests courage: so brain, heart, courage, like in Wizard of Oz.
The Veridian Empire Series is a series of interconnected fantasy standalones. What made you decide to focus on interconnected standalones instead of a series following the same couple?
It was always going to be a standalone, but I created a more intricate world than I had originally envisioned, especially with the magic system. As I drafted book 1, I really wanted to spend more time in this world. I also grew to love the side characters and knew that they needed their own stories. It gave me the chance to explore more tropes and expand my craft into writing several unique character arcs, relationships, and plotlines.
Are there any other indie books that we *need* read? Shout them out here!
So many!! Emilia Jae, Tay Rose, Kara Douglas, Nicole Platania, Kathryn Covens, Genna Black, Brit K.S, and CW Wren, to name a few.
What’s the best advice you have for writing a romance?
Focus on the characters, not just the romance. Readers want to feel connected to both characters on an individual and emotional level. Make them REAL, raw, and honest, and show them going on their journeys together and finding each other in a place where they can grow and build that tension organically. Don't try and force it, and if it feels like you are, then give yourself grace to pivot and rework things until it feels natural.
What is some advice that you’d give to aspiring authors who are thinking about indie publishing?
My #1 advice is to network and form relationships with peers, but to be AUTHENTIC. Your attitude shouldn't be about what you can get out of someone else. It's about building a support system and a network you can trust and rely on. Look to engage authentically with others in your genre/niche, and I promise, good things will come from it on both ends.
What are your favorite parts of indie publishing?
I love the community that indie publishing has created in the last few years. Connecting with fellow authors and forming close relationships with peers has been so vital to this journey and keeping me encouraged to do more. I also love interacting with readers and being able to see the impact my books have on them. It's absolutely wild to look back ten years ago and think that THIS could be my life now!
What made you want to be an author?
I've wanted to be an author since I was 6 because I loved reading so much as a kid. If I'm being honest, I think part of me at that age wanted to see my name on something important and to be forever included in this book world. When I decided to fully commit to writing and self publishing a few years ago, it was driven by both my love for reading and also a way to find fulfillment. While I love my day job, it doesn't challenge me or give me that sense of belonging. Being an author fills that void and gives me something to lose myself in.
What do you hope readers will take away from your stories?
I hope they'll see themselves in some aspects of it/the characters, and realize that it's okay to be imperfect. All of my characters are very real and flawed and layered, and they don't try to change - they learn to accept these parts of themselves and grow from there.
What do you have coming next that we need to keep on our radars?
The 4th and final book in the Veridian Empire series will be releasing later this fall! It's a dark fantasy romance standalone inspired by Pirates of the Caribbean and The Mummy.
What is the best way to support you as an indie author?
Some free ways to support me include joining my newsletter and sharing my books with fellow readers! You can also purchase signed copies from my Etsy shop.
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