Timi Waters is an independent author with a knack for telling intricate stories about human emotions and vulnerabilities. She is also the author of a trilogy series, ‘Red Lines.’
I came across her profile on Instagram after she did a live Instagram session and we started to chat about the writing process. I loved picking her brain because she had so much wisdom about the the pros and cons of being an independent author and the self publishing process . I know you will learn a lot by reading this too – so enjoy.
Tell me about yourself
I’m a coffee lover and writer who enjoys writing stories that speak to human vulnerabilities and emotions. Other add-ons to my personality is my love for lip-syncing rap lyrics, reading psychological thrillers and thought-provoking books, travelling, watching documentaries, and scouting out one-star reviews on Goodreads to add to my TBR list.
When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I remember my Mum being scared that I was schizophrenic when I kept telling her things, ‘one old woman’ said and pointing to someone sitting on our couch. I was about three or four when this began. It would be years later, almost into my teens, when I learned this to be the workings of an active imagination.
When I enjoyed the company of the people in my head more than those around me, for a long time, I thought this was me being crazy, or worse, seeing things. I remember my Mum being scared that I was schizophrenic when I kept telling her things, ‘one old woman’ said and pointing to someone sitting on our couch. I was about three or four when this began. It would be years later, almost into my teens, when I learned this to be the workings of an active imagination.
Before learning to write, I told tall tales to my younger ones, neighbours, and anyone willing to listen. Most of which I culled from movies I’d watched whilst others were simply from my imagination. My fan base grew as they all relished my tales and would gather around at twilight to listen to my stories, especially my retelling of Lady Koi-Koi.
As soon as I learned to express myself in words, I started penning these thoughts, ideas, and imaginations into stories. All of this was way back in 1994.
Would you say the writing process gets easier the more books you publish?
I challenge myself to do more than I did with my last book regarding research and authenticity. As soon as I click “publish” on one, I stretch myself further to make the next one better than the last.
Writing, like childbearing, comes with distinct challenges with every book. While you become better at crafting the words, using better imagery, and churning out well-structured plots, you never relax and say, “I’ve published three books; book number four would be a breeze through.”
That does not happen; ever!
I challenge myself to do more than I did with my last book regarding research and authenticity. As soon as I click “publish” on one, I stretch myself further to make the next one better than the last.
A writer who does this is the writer that keeps and attracts more readers.
Out of all the books you have published, which one stays on your mind the most, and why?
Many Nigerians believe married couples facing infertility automatically become religious, practice dark magic, or both—as is often depicted in books with such themes.
The Red Lines Trilogy. It’s the story of three people torn by love, lust, obsession, and fits of all-consuming jealousy.
Other than it being my debut, it took a lot from me emotionally and mentally as its major theme—infertility—was based on my experience.
Another reason I especially love it is the character depth.
My main characters, The Ajibade twins and Bekere, were people whose vulnerabilities are infamous in Nigerian society.
Many Nigerians believe married couples facing infertility should automatically become a religious, practice dark magic or both—as is often depicted in books with such themes. My characters broke the mould by doing what humans do when at crossroads. They simply made mistakes, and learned from them.
In addition to writing a book series, you recently published a standalone book. What would you say is different about writing a standalone book vs a book series?
There’s a world of difference between writing a series and a standalone. Two of which are not having to worry about cliff-hangers and whether the story’s plot is intriguing enough to get your readers chimping at the bits for the next one.
Writing a series takes you through worrying about the story’s strength and not running out of steam. This means every word, phrase, line, and paragraph must transcend into keeping your readers on the edge of their seats and getting them to hunger for the next one and the next until they heave a satisfying sigh of contentment. And, perhaps, a wistful smile or two when they close the last book in the series.
These things take practice, endless rewrites, restructuring, cost of editing, proofreading, and, yeah, migraines.
Writing a standalone book gives you less of these worries. All you focus on is the story flow and a satisfactory climax.
Do you think novel series tend to be more profitable than standalone books?
Yes, I think book series tend to have more readership as readers believe they have more character depth, imagery, and plot. That they are more profitable than a standalone depends on how successful the author was in achieving all the things I mentioned earlier.
Another reason an author might consider writing a novel series is to fix any plot holes. I’ve read countless books that would have been better served if they were made into series as the author, probably running out of space, resorts to ‘deus ex machina’ to cutely tie all loose ends. If it were a series, none of that would have happened as every plot would have gotten the chance to be well fleshed out.
What advice will you give to other aspiring writers who can’t decide whether to write a series or a standalone novel?
Start small, be it a short story or a collection of short stories. What’s important is to start with what you can finish.
Before worrying about that, I think a writer should first ask what his/her goal for the story is. While writing a series can be exciting, I don’t advise a new writer to begin with it.
To borrow a phrase from Joyce Carol Oates, starting with things you can finish brings about satisfaction. Which is one feeling a writer should not ignore—the satisfaction of completing a book.
So, start small, be it a short story or a collection of short stories. What’s important is to start with what you can finish.
As an independent author, you do everything from writing to promoting your books. What would you say is the most challenging part of being an independent author, and why?
Cost of book marketing and distribution springs to mind. As a start-up authorpreneur, I’m sometimes overwhelmed by the cost of birthing a book. Other than worrying about the cost of pre and post-production, I contend with the cost of running my book business.
Most of which include, but are not limited to:
1. Cost of book marketing.
2. Cost of distribution.
3. Cost of promotion and brand awareness.
4. Creating social media content and engagement to drive sales.
These time and money-consuming tasks drain me, not to mention my bank account (lol).
If not properly handled—keeping your why in focus—these things can discourage you from the writing business to seek other ventures.
What advice will you give to an aspiring independent author?
Write short stories on Wattpad, Webnovel, Booknet, Light Reader, and BUILD READERS!
Don’t cut costs on editing. It’s the hallmark of your success as a writer.
One mistake I made when I started out was ignoring this rule. I figured I could cut corners by relying on editing apps like Grammarly and ProWritingAid. These apps are great for spell checks, basic grammar, and self-editing. They do not and must not replace hiring a professional editor for your manuscript. I say this because there’s more to editing than grammar and punctuation checks.
Another tip is, before launching your book, organically build readers.
I honestly wish someone had told me this. If they had, I’d have used all those years I spent saving up for my writing/publishing business to blog, write short stories on Wattpad, Webnovel, Booknet, Light Reader, and BUILD READERS!
Following this fundamental tip would make your launch easy as you’d have a ready audience when you launch!
What social media or writing platforms will you say have been the most successful for promoting your books?
Authors rarely talk about Goodreads, but it is a great social media tool to find active readers. One way I get the best of Goodreads is by connecting with active book reviewers, checking out their book lists, and sending them a follow request if their tastes are in line with my genre.
That would be Instagram. It allows me to showcase my creativity and helps me find ready readers simply by using relevant hashtags.
Authors rarely talk about Goodreads, but it is a great social media tool to find active readers. One way I get the best of Goodreads is by connecting with active book reviewers, checking out their book lists, and sending them a follow request if their tastes are in line with my genre.
Facebook is OK but requires a lot of work as most of your contacts are likely friends and families. And trust me, few friends and family are keen on reading your book.
Next on my list would be my blog and website. This one is tricky, though, as it’s a broader net that requires time and patience to improve performance.
Timi Waters can be found on Instagram. Sign up to Timi’s bookclub to keep up with her latest projects.