IndieView with Georgia Spearing, auhor of Soul

Through Dee’s journey in the story, I wanted to create a space where readers could reflect on their own challenges—whether it’s love, loss, or difficult decisions—and feel seen. My goal is to inspire others to find strength in those moments and remind them that even in the darkest times, there’s always a path forward.

Georgia Spearing – 22 November 2024

The Back Flap

Dee’s world shatters in an instant when a devastating car crash leaves her trapped in a mysterious and infinite labyrinth of memories. Each one opens to a different fragment of her past in this endless hallway of doors. As Dee navigates through these poignant and sometimes haunting moments, she is driven by a desire to reunite with her soulmate, Luke.

With each door she opens, Dee confronts the defining events of her life, grappling with the profound questions of existence, love, and destiny. Memories of joy, sorrow, love, and regret unfold before her, challenging her to find meaning and closure.

In this surreal journey through her mind, Dee must piece together the puzzle of her past and face the truths she has long avoided. Will she find her way back to Luke, or will she remain forever lost in the corridors of her own memory?

Soul is a compelling tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of the human spirit to seek connection even in the most challenging circumstances.

About the book

What is the book about?

My book Soul is about Dee, a woman who finds herself trapped in limbo after a devastating car accident. She stands in a corridor lined with doors, each door leads her to a different moment from her past, forcing her to confront the memories and emotions she thought were long buried. As she travels through the eerie limbo, Dee is searching for answers, all while holding on to the hope of reuniting with her soulmate, Luke. But every step she takes reveals painful truths about her life, love, and the choices she made. Along the way, she uncovers a door unlike any other, one that seems to hold the key to her fate. Soul is a journey of heartbreak, resilience, and redemption as Dee struggles to find her way back to Luke while facing the best and worst of her past. This is just the beginning of The Soulbound Trilogy, a tale where life, death, and love intertwine in unexpected ways.

When did you start writing the book?

I wrote Soul in May of last year with the hope of sharing personal moments that many of us struggle with, yet often find hard to face. Through Dee’s journey in the story, I wanted to create a space where readers could reflect on their own challenges—whether it’s love, loss, or difficult decisions—and feel seen. My goal is to inspire others to find strength in those moments and remind them that even in the darkest times, there’s always a path forward.

How long did it take you to write it?

Writing Soul was a journey that took me five months to complete, followed by two months of self-editing. It required a lot of hard work and dedication, but every moment spent was worth it.

Where did you get the idea from?

I got the idea to write Soul based on my own experiences with fibromyalgia, which I have been living with for almost ten years. The struggle has been incredibly challenging, and I wanted to portray chronic pain in the most honest way possible. However, I also wanted to address themes like loss, regret, missed opportunities, and love. My goal is to show readers that it’s okay to feel these emotions and that life doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s normal to feel out of place and to navigate your own unique journey. I hope to inspire others to embrace their feelings and recognize that they are not alone in their struggles.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Yes, there were moments while writing Soul that were challenging because the story parallels my own life in many ways. However, this process was also incredibly therapeutic for me. As I wrote, I faced my own demons and found healing in the journey. It reminded me of the power of storytelling and how, through sharing our experiences, we can find strength and understanding.

What came easily?

The story itself flowed easily because I drew from my own life experiences. I had already lived through many of the emotions and challenges portrayed in Soul, which made it easier to express the journey authentically. This connection allowed me to share a narrative that is both heartfelt and relatable, inspiring others to find strength in their own struggles.

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

In Soul, I’ve woven in real people from my life, and I plan to continue this throughout the series because I feel incredibly fortunate to have such a strong support system around me. The relationship between Dee and Luke is inspired by my own marriage, reflecting the love and connection I share with my husband. I truly believe in the strength of our relationship, and I feel blessed to have found him.

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?

Throughout my writing journey, I’ve been fortunate to receive guidance from several authors, but one who stands out is Rachel Caine. Growing up with dyslexia, I often found reading challenging, but discovering her books changed everything for me. Her storytelling made the words come alive, allowing me to escape into the enchanting world of fantasy. Rachel’s work inspired me to embrace my love for writing, proving that literature can be a powerful tool for connection and understanding. I hope to share that same magic with others through Soul.

Do you have a target reader?

My target readers for Soul are primarily young adults and adults who are drawn to emotional and relatable stories. I want to connect with those who experience chronic pain, like fibromyalgia, as they may find peace in Dee’s journey and the honest portrayal of her struggles. Additionally, I hope to captivate fans of fantasy romance who enjoy the supernatural elements and the deep emotional bond between Dee and Luke. My goal is to inspire readers seeking hope and resilience in their own lives, as well as those who appreciate character-driven narratives that focus on personal growth and connection. Ultimately, I want Soul to resonate with anyone who seeks a heartfelt story that reflects the complexities of life and love.

About Writing

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

I don’t have a strict writing process, especially with my one-year-old daughter running around. However, I do make an effort to outline my ideas before diving into the writing. This helps me stay focused and organized, allowing me to make the most of my writing time.

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

Yes, as I mentioned before, I enjoy outlining my book. I organize it chapter by chapter, writing a one-sentence summary for each chapter along with key bullet points highlighting the important moments in the scene. This method allows me to map out the story and see how everything connects, ensuring that each chapter flows smoothly into the next. It’s a valuable tool that helps me maintain focus and clarity as I bring my narrative to life.

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

I make a conscious effort not to edit while I write, and I’m grateful for this approach. By waiting until I finish the first draft, I gain a clearer understanding of the overall story. This allows me to see the narrative as a whole and makes it much easier to identify areas that need editing. It helps me stay focused on the creative process and ensures that my ideas flow freely, ultimately enhancing the quality of my work.

Did you hire a professional editor?

Yes, I do seek out a professional editor to review my book. Having a fresh pair of eyes helps ensure that the manuscript is polished and refined, allowing me to see aspects I might have missed.

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

Yes, I love listening to music while I work because it keeps me focused. I primarily gravitate towards indie music, as it perfectly suits the emotional depth of my book. Artists like Birdy, Daughter, and London Grammar are always my go-to choices, helping me immerse myself in the scenes I’m writing. Music truly enhances my creative process and allows me to connect more deeply with the story.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

No, I have self-published.

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

Deciding to go indie as a self-published author was a gradual process for me. Throughout my writing journey, I realized that I wanted complete creative control over my work, from the content to the cover design. I also wanted to share my story on my own terms and reach readers directly, allowing for a more personal connection with my audience.

After spending time researching the traditional publishing route, I discovered the flexibility and opportunities that self-publishing offers. It felt empowering to take charge of my journey and be able to share my voice without compromise.

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

I designed my book cover myself, with my husband’s help. Together, we worked tirelessly, exploring different graphic design websites and tools to create the perfect image. It was a collaborative effort that truly reflected my vision for the book.

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

Yes, I always like to have a plan before I take any action. With my book Soul, I have countless plans for various aspects, from marketing strategies to promotional events.

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

To any indie author hoping to write their own book, I want to say: don’t give up and keep pushing forward! The truth is, if something is challenging, it’s worth pursuing because overcoming difficulties teaches you invaluable lessons along the way. Embrace the struggle, and remember that each step brings you closer to your dreams. Your journey is unique, and the hard work you put in will make your success even more rewarding.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I was born and raised in Maidstone, UK, but I moved to Chatham as I got older.

Where do you live now?

I now live in Strood

What are you working on now?

I’m excited to share that I’m currently working on the second book of the Soulbound Trilogy, told from Luke’s perspective! In addition, I’m also crafting a unique Greek mythology book with an unexpected twist, which I can’t wait to announce next year.

End of Interview:

For more from Georgia Spearing visit her website and follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

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