Veronica Smith shared her story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Veronica, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
When I’m writing. I get into my character in their world and forget everything around me. I write best with no one around, which doesn’t leave me as much time as I would like. I get to work very early, 30-45 minutes before I start. That’s writing heaven. Once my clock says 7am, I have to stop, no matter how into the book I am. And I get home at least 30 minutes before my husband does. That gives me a little time to write before he comes home. If I was a full-time writer, I’d have all the time I need, but I do have a day job.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Veronica Smith and I just turned 60 in September. I never thought of myself as old, but I did get a late start on writing. I wrote my first short story in 2014 and it was accepted into any anthology immediately. After that, I was hooked. When I first started writing it was zombie stories. I was on a zombie kick so you write what you know. Then I tried something different and wrote my crime novella, Chalk Outline. From there I’ve done several books, stories, collections. My current book is called Bitchilante, and is a female vigilante book. She goes after sexual predators and it can get pretty brutal. I’m almost finished with it and haven’t decided if I’m going to find a publisher or self-publish it.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was a teenager who wanted to be a cop. I had no interest in college. I had plans to join the police academy when I graduated high school and work my up to being a homicide detective. Then when I was 15 the world showed me I wasn’t tough enough to be a cop. I was working at a Baskin Robbins and I got held up at gunpoint. I know right? I mean, who holds up an ice cream shop? That was a huge life-changing slap in the face. I froze when I saw that barrel in my face and right then and there knew I’d never be a copy.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
That I’m not good enough. I love to write short stories and many are accepted. They even get great reviews. But when I’m trying to sell my books, I just don’t seem to land it. The last event I vended at was super busy. Down the wall from me a friend had her booth and she almost sold everything the first night. I’d sold maybe 5-10 books. I always have that creeping doubt that even though I’ll get a good review or someone says they love my books or stories, that they are just being nice and I really suck.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
On social media. People post their entire lives, private issues, problems online to total strangers. True some social media friends are really friends and have been for years, but many are not. When I joined social media I did it have fun and to promote my books, which I don’t do enough. I’m always afraid I’ll over promote and I’ve always hated pushy salespeople. I never want to be one of those. But lately social media has become so full of hate. I never post religion or politics. I’ve always been that way. When I get online, I hoping to see someone post about a new book they have coming out, or pics of their adorable cat. Not how much hate I see spewing. I get that people feel strongly about politics but I think the internet just needs more cute cat and dog videos.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I believe I am. I’ve always loved to write. When I was in Junior High (what they now call Middle School) I used to read Nancy Drew. Even back then I tried to write a book. The Lynn Costa Mysteries. My middle name and maiden name. I really wrote myself as a child detective. I got about 10 chapters and quit for some reason I can’t remember. But I would still write stories and poems. When I was pregnant, I wrote my husband a poem to tell him I was pregnant.
Even my day job is wonderful. I started out as a receptionist way back in the 80’s at an Engineering firm. I trained on the job to learn how to do computer drafting. I’ve been doing that for over 30 years now and I still love it. Not everyone can say they love their job, but I’m happy to be one of them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/mistressofhorror
- Other: I have all my links on my Link Tree. It’s the closest thing I have to a website.
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