Author Interview – Vidya Math – The Ring

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, Vidya Math discusses her enchanting novel The Ring, where protagonist Raura navigates a magical wedding band and a mysterious fate in the spellbinding land of Leylan.

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed Vidya Math about her life and career, the inspiration behind her new book, The Ring, and her creative writing process.

Tell me a bit about who you are.

My name is Vidya Math and I am a Scottish-born, Cambridge-based author.

When did you first WANT to write a book?

I first thought of writing a book when I was 7 years old.

When did you take a step to start writing?

I started writing as a child – my first works were poems.

How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?

My first book took 5 months to complete from concept to finish.

How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?

My latest book took 6 months to complete.

Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write The Ring?

I had the idea for the book and it was unlike anything I’ve come across before. The concept was so delicious and inviting and I really wanted to share the story with readers, so they could visit the amazing land of Leylan and have adventures there with the main character, Raura.

What were your biggest challenges with writing The Ring?

My one challenge with writing this book was that I was already invested in 2 other series of books and so it took me a little while to connect with this wonderful, new story. A bit like meeting a new, adorable pet after losing a previous beloved pet. I could see and feel how enchanting this story is and it flowed so easily while writing it, but a part of me still felt deeply attached to the previous books, I guess. I spoke to my sister about it and she loved the book and her reaction helped me overcome the very unexpected challenge.

Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?

I have been a very creative and determined person (in a good way) and I guess the main character draws from some aspects of my personality 😊

Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?

The antagonist in the book is a situation and this was inspired from people’s lives in general, where people are just trying to live their lives, but they are landed with what can appear to be insurmountable challenges.

What is the inciting incident of The Ring?

The inciting incident is when the main character discovers that someone has put a wedding ring on her. She cannot remove it herself and does not know who has put the ring on her.

What is the main conflict of The Ring?

The main conflict in the book is the mystery as to who has put the wedding ring on Raura’s finger.

Did you plot The Ring in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?

The concept was in place before writing the book, but the book also wrote itself and I could not have predicted the level of magic and clever mystery and enchantment the book would end up containing.

Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did The Ring need?

The publisher does assign a proofreader while publishing the book, but I am a native English speaker, so the book needed minimal editing, in terms of grammar.

What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?

Your story is important. Don’t let anything or anyone put you off writing the story you wish to write.

Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?

There are 6 or 7 books currently in the making. It looks like the next book to be published, after this one – The Ring – will be The Train Station Café & Other Stories.

And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

Writing books can be deeply challenging with lots of hurdles to overcome, but I am so proud of the achievement and, at the end of the day, it is totally worth it.

Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3JTKCF6

Paperback: https://amzn.to/3Ia9M1I

Olympia Publishers Book link: https://olympiapublishers.com/book/the-ring

The Ring Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580199093672

Author Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/vidya.math.1/

Author YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@vidyamath8907