Vikki Patis is a bestselling author of psychological suspense. She also writes historical fiction as Victoria Hawthorne. She lives in Scotland with her wife, two wild golden retrievers, and an even wilder cat.
Meet Vikki Patis
Questions on Writing
What is the hardest part of your writing experience?
Drafting is the hardest part for me. It’s an incredibly lonely experience, with only your eyes on it, and you live in your own head for months at a time (at least, I do!). I love working with editors as that’s when the collaboration part can begin, and the story doesn’t just exist inside my head anymore!
What have you learned about yourself when writing?
That I struggle to focus, so short writing bursts are key to getting the words down! I’ve got a few writing groups that I can get together with for accountability too.
Do you make yourself write everyday/regularly, or only when inspiration strikes?
I have a dedicated routine, with Friday as my writing day, but I will always find time when inspiration strikes – even if that means just jotting some notes down on my phone!
What does literary success look like to you?
My answer to this seems to change every day! From the outside, seeing a book absolutely everywhere is the dream (that I haven’t yet achieved!), but from the inside, it’s that connection with readers and other writers that I cherish the most.
How much planning/world building do you do before writing, and how much comes along as you write?
I’m a reformed pantser! I plot each book out using the Save the Cat method and also do a chapter breakdown. This doesn’t mean I’m locked in – the stories can and do change, but I find it really helpful to have a roadmap while I’m writing.
You’ve written short stories, non-fiction, and full-length fiction; do you have a favourite out of these, and if so, why?
My personal preference, both to read and write, are novels, but I really enjoy listening to audiobooks of short stories and nonfiction.
How do you celebrate when a book is published?
A few of my books came out during lockdown, so I usually just have a nice meal with my wife to celebrate, but I’m throwing a proper launch party for The Darkest Night at a local bookshop, which I’m really excited about!
Questions on Books and About You
Firstly, the most important question, what books are currently ‘on your bedside table’?
I’ve just finished Estella’s Revenge, a Great Expectations retelling by Barbara Havelock, and I’m now reading The New Girl by Alison Stockham.
What children’s book would you suggest every adult read?
I’m probably not the right person for this question, as I was reading Stephen King and John Saul from the age of 10. I loved the Goosebumps books, I’d love to collect them all and read them again!
What does your writing space look like?
I have a lovely wee office upstairs, with a proper chair and desk and my book covers on the walls, but more often than not I can be found on the sofa, a snoozing dog beside me!
How many books do you think you own?
Too many – my wife will need to build me another bookcase soon!
Who is your literary icon?
Tiffany McDaniel. She writes incredible, devastating books and is rarely seen on social media. Queen energy.
If you could own one rare/1st edition copy of a book, which would it be?
I have it! A first edition of A Storm of Swords, the third book (and my favourite) in A Song of Ice and Fire by George RR Martin.
Is there an author who you always read?
Hannah Kent.
And finally, are there any plans for any new books? If so, what teasers can you give us?
I’ve been working on a book for almost two years now – it’s had a long, incredible journey, and is now a dual timeline Gothic thriller that I’m pitching as Jennifer’s Body meets Carmilla in the Scottish Highlands.
Thank you Vikki😊Can your wife build me a bookcase whilst she’s at it please?
Vikki Patis’ Books
Books By Your Bedside 