Indie Author Interview
Elle Vickery
He Was Handy!
Congratulations, Elle! Your book is now available on the Amazon bookstore. How did it feel to see it there for the first time?
It was amazing to see the final version available for other people to open it up and read. I felt both nervous and excited as reality sunk in, wondering if anybody would actually want to buy it. I am now waiting patiently for feedback and reviews.
Can you tell us a little bit about your book and why you wanted to write it?
My book is the story of a normal woman, Viv. She is in her 50s and experiences the usual changes and health issues that are brought on by the menopause. Added to that she finds herself living alone and dealing with daily drama and challenges of maintaining a property and just life in general. The unexpected attention of a young handy man takes her on a journey of rediscovery of body confidence and sexual desire. It is intended to be lighthearted and humorous with some underlying issues that might be uncomfortable to some.
I wanted to write this story as there aren’t enough central female characters of this age. I love to read and enjoy a good rom com but as the years have passed I found it more difficult to identify with the heroines. I also wanted to challenge perceptions and judgements – was she in the wrong?
Have you always been a writer / wanted to become an author?
This is my first book and while I have considered writing before, the time and content has never been right. I have written things down on scraps of paper as they come to me over the years. Mainly just one liners or odd words that I have found amusing. I love to tell a good story to make people smile and evoke emotion.
What made you take that leap and publish your book?
I really enjoyed the writing process despite the hours of work involved. I can’t remember the number of times I rewrote whole sections of conversation and the first chapter changed beyond recognition in the final stages. The decision to publish was my acceptance that this was it. I couldn’t make it any better. This was the final result of the 2 years it had taken.
Have you any more book plans in the pipeline?
Yes, I am working on a follow up that explores Viv’s past and future. She makes reference to things that happened that shaped her life and I am hoping that having read this book people will want to know what happened to her.
What advice would you offer other aspiring authors who want to self-publish their books?
Use the resources that are available to learn about the whole process, from writing to publishing options. Join a writing group, attend webinars, listen to others that have been there already. Be prepared for the rollercoaster of emotions that you will go through. Ultimately, be realistic in what you expect to achieve but be brave and believe in yourself.
Thanks very much, Elle! All the best with your book! Buy your copy from Amazon here >>>
ABOUT THE BOOK
Viv is officially a man-free zone.
And she couldn’t be happier. If every man of a certain age is like her estranged husband, she couldn’t care less if she were forced into celibacy for the rest of her life.
She’s got her beloved pussy cats to take care of and her work to keep her busy, and that’s more than enough, thank you very much.
Until …
… the younger, married, fit handyman, who’s worked for her before, calls round offering his services (knowing her husband has left – thanks, Facebook) and menopausal Viv basks in this unexpected attention.
Their relationship escalates from flirting and saucy text messages to a full-on, physical relationship (which, to be honest, challenges her poor menopausal body, but she won’t let a few hormonal changes dampen her excitement).
And thanks to WhatsApp (and a steady stream of innuendos, dirty messages and eye-watering photos), the lust-fuelled pair can’t keep their minds on anything but their next get-together.
However …
… as the relationship develops, something starts to niggle away at Viv.
Will she keep ignoring it?
Will she have to deal with the inevitable?
Or can she and the handyman continue to be friends with benefits?
Find out this (and a WHOLE lot more) in this steamy, adventurous and exhilarating adult read where, just like Viv, you’ll get way more than you bargained for.
Would you like to self-publish your book on Amazon KDP?
Get in touch today to see how I can help you make it a painless, enjoyable process.
Michelle
Self-Publishing Services for UK Fiction Authors
