After being in an abusive relationship, losing all of her material goods, and ending up in a homeless shelter, Veronica found the will, courage and strength to turn her life around for her children and herself. Her debut novel, “I Know” was released in 2011 and is a memoir of her struggle and her journey to self-empowerment.
A woman who prefers one rose instead of a dozen, Veronica has blossomed into a wonderful, caring spirit with a desire to inspire everyone who crosses her path. Her goal in life is to inspire her children and the rest of the world by being an example of how, with faith and hard work, all things are possible.
Her titles include:
Heed
I Know
About “Heed”
Baggage is a requirement for every journey we take in life. The important thing to remember is to unpack once you reach your destination. Veronica Marshall carried her fair share of baggage with her throughout her life, ultimately overcoming struggles that would crumble - some with less strength and faith. But now she has a testimony of recognition that only the strong can surpass test after test. Her story is one of victory. A message of sharing the lessons we learn in life with others so that those in similar situations will have tools for releasing the baggage of their struggle as well.
“Heed” is a story of triumph. It’s a tool for those that need to embrace self-empowerment. Through personal reflections of a life less than perfect and remedies for all that ails, Veronica Marshall pens a manual of self-growth. It is a road map to inspire others to rise above their situations and their circumstances.
You’ll see yourself through her struggle. You’ll understand her journey. And in the end you will receive tools to equip yourself with in order to move beyond your own personal pain. Life is a destination, we all take baggage with us as we travel, Heed is a means to help you unpack all the things that are weighing you down.
DP: When did you first decide you wanted to become an author?
Veronica: 8 years ago, but I did not have the courage until 2011 to become one. I knew in my heart how bad my story had to be told; to help others get out their own way.
DP: How did you decide on the idea for your first book?
Veronica: It is a memoir of my story, and after inspiring people with my words; I knew it was time to inspire them with my story.
DP: How long did it take you to write your first book?
Veronica: About 4 years!
DP: Did you self-publish or are you signed to a publishing company?
Veronica: I self-published in the hopes that publishing company would pick it up.
DP: How did you decide on the cover for your most recent book?
Veronica: Well, when self-publishing online, you can use their tools; or pay to make one. I used my imagination and was lucky enough to get designs that match my stories.
DP: Tell us about your writing style. Do you write on a schedule?
Veronica: My first book, I was not on schedule; it was whenever I could find free time. With my second book, I was laid off from work; so I could write all day, while the children were in school.
DP: What makes your writing unique?
Veronica: I write from the heart. I didn't write my books to become rich with money; I wrote them to become rich by heart. Helping others is my destiny. Everyone needs help, even if they are the strongest person you know.
DP: As a writer, what motivates you?
Veronica: As a writer, what motivates me is my past, and all the hate in the world. I been through a lot and seen a lot; and I had no one to lean on. People that need help motivate me; my children motivate me. To see someone who came to me in tears and walk away with a smile....that motivates me.
DP: How do you balance your writing and various responsibilities that come along with being an independent author?
Veronica: I don't think about writing. If I thought about what I do as a single mother that works, I probably couldn't do it. I get asked that question all the time, "How do you do it?" I just do it, when you love what you do; you just do it.
DP: When you’re not writing what are you doing?
Veronica: When I am not writing I am thinking of ways I can turn my books into a movie. I am thinking of other projects. My mind doesn't shut down; and sometimes that’s a bad thing. My goal is to open up my own homeless shelter; but to do that I have to keep on working on my dreams.
DP: What’s a typical day like for you?
Veronica: Get the kids off to school and then off to work. Now that I am laid off, I drop the kids off, go walking and then home. I go home and promote my books and work on other ways to get people's attention on helping others. I volunteer at homeless shelters as well.
DP: Tell us about your last book signing.
Veronica: I honestly never had a book signing, but I am working on that now!
DP: Do you have contests or giveaways?
Veronica: I will when that day comes.
DP: Many independent authors find it hard to get readers to buy their books. How did you handle the challenges that come along with being a first-time author in a competitive and ever-changing market?
Veronica: I think it was easier for me because my books had all my business in my books. Who doesn't want to know someone else's business? I have followers for years, and they all told me: "you should write a book."(I am always posting inspirational quotes, about day to day life experiences). You have to have a platform; I have a platform in the making.
DP: What did you do on your 2nd book that you did not do in your first one?
Veronica: What I did with my 2nd book that I didn’t do with my first book is that I hired a REAL editor. A friend linked me to my first book editor. He hit spell check and that was it. Don't just take someone’s word on their editing skills.
DP: If you could give one piece of advice to an up and coming author, what would it be?
Veronica: Just do it. Write and worry about errors when you’re done. After you are done, find an experienced editor. Some editors will do payment plans with you. Ask to see the editors past work, resume etc. If no one buys your books, don't be discouraged; keep writing. Never stop doing what you are meant to do because of others. Always be original and promote with your heart.
DP: Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?
Veronica: http://www.lulu.com/shop/veronica-marshall/heed/hardcover/product-20392655.html?showPreview=true