Hi all! Today, I have Astrid V.J., the author of short story “In Pursuit of Independence” in Iron Walls, the dystopian anthology I’m helping to release. She’s going to answer some questions for us about herself and the story she has in the anthology.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I grew up in post-Apartheid South Africa and attended a German foreign school because my dad is German and that meant my schooling was subsidized. Growing up in the shadow of Apartheid and Nazism has definitely formed me as a person and my university studies in psychology and social anthropology reflect the concerns this background raised within me. My specialization in social anthropology is in Post Colonialism, Identity Construction and Migration, topics that still form the lynchpin of my interests today as I work alongside Muslim immigrants in Sweden. My writing has always reflected these interests, but In Pursuit of Independence is the first time I dig deep beneath the surface of human thinking and modern theory.
What kind of dystopian did you write for this anthology, and why did you choose that style or flavor of writing?
I think the closest subgenre I write to is “feminist”, although I have to admit that this particular story, being as it is in answer to some of the extreme postulations of modern feminism, cannot be classified as a feminist utopia, nor is it “anti-patriarchy” per se. It is underpinned by my personal experiences in answer to something I see troubling in the current discourse about “womanhood” and “femininity” and is not in direct opposition to “masculinity” or “manhood” although “the patriarchy” is touched on.
What genres do you read, and do you write the same ones?
I read a wide range of genres including fantasy, romance, dystopian, historical fiction and non-fiction (particularly self-help). My writing tends to span subgenres, weaving between the standard divisions. In Pursuit of Independence has elements of dystopian future, space opera, and women’s fiction, as well as taking into considerations certain postulations from psychology and other social sciences.
What are some of the things you like to do to relax?
I love reading, playing the violin, cross stitching and doing crafts with my children. We’re also frequent duck-feeders in the local park.
Can you tell us about your current work-in-progress?
I’m currently working on Warring Lions, a novella in my The Wordmage’s Tales series. This is an clean LGBTQ+ historical shifter fantasy romance following Alanna in a coming-of-age tale that combines my love of fairytales with my passion for transformational life coaching. This particular tale is dedicated to the principle of transformation: befriending your fear. It’s been a struggle to write. Even though it is one of the first Wordmage’s Tales to come to me, it has proven one of the hardest to write.
If you’ve published (self-published or traditionally published), can you tell us a little about the experience? If this is your first experience, what has that been like?
This will be my twelfth book. I’ve self-published seven books solo and two anthologies so far, as well as having participated in a USA Today list-aiming set. I love self-publishing. I enjoy having artistic control over my work. I thoroughly enjoy the process of working with my editors and my fabulous cover designer and find the process very rewarding. I definitely think the experience is coloured by the team one is able to assemble. I’ve been lucky in that I’ve managed to find the people who work very well for me and who serve my books well. I know others who’ve struggled awfully because those people whose functions should support the publishing process aren’t right for the book, or don’t have the necessary experience to help the author succeed.
What were your inspirations for writing?
In Pursuit of Independence came about as a simple exercise in putting on a particular mindset. In recent years I’ve come across a lot of statements made by hardcore feminists that I cannot relate to at all because they do not reflect my unique experiences as a woman and certain desires I’ve always had. One day, I wondered what it might be like to truly believe these postulations and internalize them, superimposing them on my personal wants and needs. This short story is the result of that exploration and my examination of what would become of me if I were subjected to such a contrast of “conscious thoughts” versus “subconscious dreams”.
Who got you into writing when you first started?
I got myself into writing. Yeah, it’s kinda funny, but I came up with an idea when I was twelve and simply started putting it down on paper. I never stopped. No one encouraged me particularly, but neither was I ever discouraged. It was just my thing and people around me accepted that. My parents did encourage reading, though, and I think that is definitely an important factor in my growth as a writer because I’ve had a solid background in a wide range of genres thanks to my parents.
Was there anyone who came alongside you at any point when you were struggling in your writing journey and made a real difference? If so, who and why?
In my twenties, I stopped believing in my writing. I considered that becoming an author was a pipe dream and not something worth pursuing. Taking the Ultimate Success Masterclass by Natalie Ledwell in 2018 helped me shift that thinking and allowed me to not only embrace my true nature as a writer, but also helped me find my calling: transformational life coaching. I have since become a certified life coach as well as having published my books.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors and writers just starting on the writing journey?
I know I’ve said this before, but I consider it of utmost importance. Write from the heart! When you’re writing what you truly believe in and what is important to you, your book can stand on its own once its been sufficiently polished. It will move people. Your truth will speak through it. That is meaningful. And it is powerful. Everything else will fall into place when your book is capable of moving people.
What is one thing you wish someone had told you before you started writing?
It’s okay to stumble and even fall. You don’t need to be perfect. Even your book doesn’t need to be perfect. There is such a thing as “good enough”, and finding that sweet spot (or lagom as the Swedes say), is crucial. Pushing yourself too hard doesn’t do you or your writing any good. It’s also not great for your social relations. Not doing enough is no good for your book or your reputation. So, trust your gut. When it says it’s “good enough”, go with it.
What’s your favorite book, and who’s your favorite literary character? Why?
This is such a difficult question for me. I have been moulded by so many books and characters, but I think today, I must honour a very influential book (and character) from my childhood. Momo by Michael Ende (yes, that’s the author of The Neverending Story) took me by storm and I recently realized the power it has exerted over me. Thanks to that book and the wonderful character, Momo, I was able to say “no” when I realized I’d been taken advantage of and that things could have ended up with me accommodating things that simply weren’t necessary. It also reminds me constantly of the importance of creativity and fun. So, I’m off to have some fun with my children, because they totally deserve to have more time with me, which has been sorely lacking for the past year and a half (due to my day job, not my writing 😉)!
Well, thank you for being here today, Astrid! It was a pleasure to learn a bit more about you and your writing. Readers, check out the new anthology here. It releases on October 26th, so pre-order a copy and check out Astrid’s story! All the proceeds are going to Voice of the Martyrs.