VALE received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Tessa Bentley.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
VALE, it was published on Oct 16th, 2023.
What’s the book’s first line?
I found myself staring at this grave for quite some time.
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
“When a family curse causes modern woman Vale to lose her children as she is forced back into Victorian England, she comes to understand—she must battle her fear of loving again if she hopes to get them back.”
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
The characters in VALE have been in my mind for some time. For a long while, I would revisit these people and make up stories for them. Honestly, I assumed I was a big day dreamer. Then in 2020, I became depressed. The little stories I created for them became a more solid, distinct saga playing out in my mind. Looking back, I understand I was using the creative part of my mind as escapism from the very unhappy feelings I was dealing with. At some point, I realized I didn’t want this story to go to waste, so I decided to write it down. I think I had written six or seven chapters down when I realized my depression was lifting. I couldn’t believe it. I had always been a writer in my spirit, but always it seemed too far away for me reach. I know no one in the publishing industry and I was encouraged by others to become an RN, which I did. Most people knew (know!) me as a nurse. It was difficult to perceive myself as a writer for a long time. As the depression lifted it was like clarity was left in its place. I knew I was meant to put this story out in the world.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
I think the overall experience I would like readers to leave the book with, is hope. Despite what our pasts have been and whether we were the villain or hero in our own story, we can start again. It may be messy and painful, for the past can’t truly be erased, but the future can be wonderful. As cliché as that sounded, I really do believe it. We move forward with experience and (hopefully) a bit of wisdom by reflecting on ourselves and our choices. With those qualities, I do think we can go forward and seek a happier life.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
I think the most distinctive quality about Vale is her wanting a different life for herself and being torn between expectation (even if they were placed there by her) and desire. She wants a new life; she wants to be happy again. Vale, like a lot of people, would like to begin again. Vale gets to do just that, it is the premise of the book, yet can you really start over without some of your past haunting you? It’s a good question and one I try to address in the novel.
As for who does Vale remind me of—I hate to sound remotely self-indulgent here, but it would be dishonest not to admit the inspiration from my own sadness and discontent I felt at the time. Yet, Vale is so many women. We make a choice about who we think we are in love with when we’re young and so vulnerable. And then you have children, these little people who are a part of you. How do you start fresh when you’re now connected to these beings that need you? And you don’t want to be without them, but you also don’t want to be with their father. It’s a terrible spot to find yourself in and one too easily judged by people who haven’t been in that situation or haven’t experienced emotional abuse. Divorce is neither easy, nor always feasible (at least immediately). I’ve had a few people tell me how much they relate to Vale’s character and that they felt seen. That really touched me.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
VALE is the first book I’ve written. I have since written another full novel that I’m now editing, and have begun writing the prequel to VALE, called Emberley.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
The best part about being indie is probably the most dangerous part—full creative control. For what I write, I felt much more confident in my work, I also had two great editors. My novels are heavily influenced by classic literature, and I do have a Masters in English studying said books. Besides that important part of it, I had to learn market research, which organizations were worth belonging to for their resources, and what advice to take from other authors (both indie and traditionally published). Honestly, I have learned so much and have been very fortunate to work with some great people, and I have barely scratched the surface.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
I’m proud of being indie and putting art first, however, if the right agent or publisher came my way, I wouldn’t say no. Being represented does not mean you can’t indie publish. I would love to be a hybrid author and exist in both worlds. I actually think it’s a great goal to pursue.