Interview With Author Vicky Zander
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a debut author, and this is my first published book. Writing has always been a quiet passion of mine, but Possession: Olivia’s Trap is the first time I’ve taken a story from that initial spark of an idea all the way to a finished, published novel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Possession: Olivia’s Trap. It began as a question: How far can someone be led away from who they are, without realizing it’s happening? From there, I wanted to explore relationships built on power, trust, and control, and how those lines blur when emotions get involved.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t outline in the traditional sense. Instead, I start with vivid “anchor scenes” in my head—moments I know I want the reader to feel deeply—and then I write toward them, letting the characters take unexpected turns along the way.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been influenced by authors who excel at intimate, psychological storytelling—like Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl for its sharp relationship dynamics, and Donna Tartt’s The Secret History for its atmosphere and tension.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m letting ideas breathe while I enjoy the release of my debut. But I’ve started sketching out concepts for a follow-up novel that will explore similar themes of psychological tension, but in a very different setting.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Since I’m brand new to publishing, I’m focusing on connecting with readers through interviews like this one, and on making the book’s online description and sample chapters as compelling as possible.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t wait for permission to start writing—and don’t wait for everything to feel “ready” before you publish. The act of putting your work into the world will teach you more than years of thinking about it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Write the book you’d be desperate to read if you found it on a shelf.” It’s a reminder that passion for the story is the most sustainable motivation.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides—it’s masterful in how it keeps the tension simmering while revealing just enough to keep you turning pages.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep writing. This first book was a leap into the unknown, but now that I’ve made it, I want to see how far I can take these themes and characters in future works.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
• The Secret History by Donna Tartt (for atmosphere and depth)
• Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (for razor-sharp character work)
• 1984 by George Orwell (for its chilling clarity)
• A massive, well-annotated anthology of world short stories (for variety and inspiration)
Author Interview Series
To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!
If you are an author and want to be interviewed just fill out out Author Interview page. After submitting we will send it out in our newsletters and social media channels that are filled with readers looking to discover new books to read.
If you are looking for a new book to read check out our Featured Books Page.