My target reader would be anyone 16 years and over who enjoys strong female leads and wants to escape into a new fantasy world.

D.H. Gibbs – 5 September 2016

The Back Flap

Taken off the streets Nika is thrown into an unknown world where she’s held captive. As an orphan, she has been on the run and must find her way out before they discover her secret. But these people held the knowledge of her family and who she is. Will she be able to find out before her secret is revealed?

After hundreds of years, Demyan has finally found the rightful ruler of his race. Unfortunately, she doesn’t know who she is and is doing everything in her power to escape him. Time is running out and Demyan has to convince Nika to take her rightful place otherwise the battle will be lost and his race extinguished.

About the book

What is the book about?

It’s about an orphan who gets dragged into a world she knew nothing about. While there she realizes that her kidnappers know about her history and family. She wants to escape but won’t leave until she gets the answers she needs.

When did you start writing the book?

Around August 2015

How long did it take you to write it?

It took me four months on and off to complete the first draft.

Where did you get the idea from?

This particular story stemmed from the hazard of having an overactive imagination. The main character popped into my head one day from another story I wrote and every night before I went to sleep, in my head, I would add more and more to the story. As time passed it developed into a full-fledged book that I had to write down.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

I struggle a bit with the back story. It was a chapter that I had to re-write a bit in order to build the world the characters are living in.

What came easily?

The first chapter.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

The characters are about 80 percent fictitious. Many of them carry small traits from people I know.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

I read so many books from different authors it’s hard from me to pin point who may influence my writing. However I think the foundation authors that started my desire to create stories would be Enid Blyton, Carolyn Keene, William Shakespeare and Harper Lee.

Do you have a target reader?

My target reader would be anyone 16 years and over who enjoys strong female leads and wants to escape into a new fantasy world.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I didn’t have a writing process at the beginning but as I began the second book I developed one in order to ensure that I keep on track. I try to write really early in the morning before anyone is awake so I don’t have much distractions and I set a word count every week and try my best to meet it.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I have a general outline for the book. On occasion I have developed a detailed outline for the chapters but most of the time I let the story lead me where it takes me.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I do both.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

Sometimes I do, I like a lot of pop, but I prefer silence as it is easier to zone out.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

No, I didn’t. I wanted to see how my book would do under the public eye before getting into the intricacies of the corporate publishing world.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

After a bit of research, I felt that Indie publishing was the best way for me to go especially as I don’t reside in the US.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

I did it myself as I work in the graphic design field.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I have a marketing plan however depending on circumstances it can be subject to change.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Yes I do. I would advise all newbies to please do all your research before publishing, including marketing, editing and publishing. Once you have all your ducks in a row all you have to concentrate on is what you love most, which is writing.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I grew up on the Caribbean Islands of Trinidad and Tobago

Where do you live now?

I still currently reside there.

End of Interview:

For more from D.H. Gibbs, visit her website.

Get your copy of Nika from Amazon US or Amazon UK.