Creator Spotlight with Author Vicki Kelly
This week we would like you to meet author Vicki Kelly.
What was the inspiration behind becoming a creator? What do you enjoy most about the creative process?
I have always wanted to become a published author. I wrote my first story at 14 years old. It was a sad love story about a teenage girl who lost both parents. She used to visit their graves often. That’s where she met a teenage boy who was always there. They became fast friends and every time she visited her parent’s graves, she would spend time with him. On one occasion she was almost attacked by a stranger and the teenage boy saved her life using incredible strength. He proceeded to confess that he had been killed and was stuck until he could find out who murdered him. She was able to help him find his murderer, but it became time for his soul/spirit to move on. They were both sad, but the experience taught her how to be strong. From then on when she visited her parent’s graves, she would also visit his because she knew he was there for her. My English teacher loved my story and said if I kept practicing that one day, I could become a published author.
Can you take us through your creative process? How long does it take? Does everything you produce make money?
I get my inspiration from dreams or music, especially new age music. I had a dream back in 2004 while living in Virginia Beach, VA. I jumped up, sat at my laptop, and spent eight hours writing it down. Then I accidently deleted it without saving a copy. But it was in my head. On Thanksgiving Day 2020, the inspiration returned, and I rewrote the story from 2004 and completed it in 30 days. It is currently waiting in draft until I get my “City in the Sand” series completed.
Back around June 10, 2020, I had been working from home due to the pandemic. I had lust logged off from work when I heard a song on the Soundscapes channel. I jumped up, ran to the television, and just stared. Then I started to cry, and I have no idea why. But a story was forming in my head about a different life I had. All I could do was sit down and start typing. I found the song on YouTube, as well as more like it. I completed my first book, “A City in the Sand,” in 45 days. But the story was still unraveling in my head, so I continued and completed the second book in the series, “A City in the Sand – The Lost Years,” in 30 more days. It is coming out in May 2021. The last book in the series, “A City in the Sand – The Beginning,” is halfway complete. But it isn’t due to come out until 2022.
Since I am self-published, I haven’t made any money from my first book yet. If I do, that’s great. If not, I have created something that will outlive me while also succeeding in achieving my dream of becoming a published author.
What do you think is the biggest misconception about your line of work?
Some people can write a story in 30 – 45 days, while others may take 10 – 20 years. There is no set time when the inspiration is going to hit. But you must have a passion for writing.
When did you first become aware of copyright, and why?
When I was getting my first book published, I was sent information on obtaining a copyright for it. I went on the U.S. Copyright Office website, paid the fee, and filed my paperwork.
What is the best piece of advice that you would give other creators in your field about copyright and how to protect themselves?
Visit relevant websites that offer copyright-related information and educate yourself.
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