Meet A. Skoda
Indie Author Spotlight
Welcome to Indie Author Spotlight where I interview talented writers I’ve met online who have valuable insights to share on their writing process, publication, and what it means to be an indie author.
A. Skoda is a freelance writer specializing in educational writing, short stories, and poetry. Skoda graduated with a Master’s Degree in English from Arizona State University. When she’s not writing, she is usually baking or exploring Tucson’s rich food and music scene with her kiddos. Unskilled is her debut novel.
How did you initially get into fiction writing?
At the end of the day, I think fiction calls to me simply because I can create stories from mere daydreams or go off on tangents based on my observations and experiences. There are no limitations and there is so much beauty in that.
Briefly tell us what Unskilled is about and what inspired you to write it?
Unskilled is a fictional portrayal of my time in the grocery retail industry. Readers are exposed to the good, the bad, and the downright ridiculous expectations and situations retail workers find themselves in. There are many reasons why I chose to write this the way I did. First of all, this novel is more than just one person’s experience. I know that the situations I found myself in are not singular incidents and thousands of people have gone through similar or even worse treatment. This is a novel that is meant to raise the voices of service industry workers and to empower them to begin speaking up as well.
What has been the most rewarding feedback you’ve received about this book?
Oh gosh, I have been getting feedback that has blown my mind. Besides a stranger running up to me to tell me that this is the best book he ever read (if he is reading this please know my odd response was because I was at a loss for words), the most rewarding feedback has been from people who worked in or are working in the industry saying that they finally felt like someone was speaking up. Many people have told me this novel is triggering because of how open I was when writing. Lastly, people have begun telling me that after reading my novel they now understand why those who are serving them are probably less than pleasant towards them. When readers tell me things like they understand or that they finally felt seen, it tells me that my goal of writing this novel has been met.
What’s your writing process? Do you start with characters? Plot ideas? How do you get started on a project?
Word vomit first, edits second, third, fourth, and fifth. Inspiration tends to strike at the worst times like being on Oracle during rush hour, trying to be present for one of my kids' activities, writing an essay that I needed to write for a class I was taking, or simply going down a rabbit hole from daydreaming. I typically start projects at different places depending on the inspiration or idea that pops into my head. As you can see, I think I am more of a chaotic writer and let the story take over me. The editing and fine-tuning of the project come after I splatter the pages.
Tell us about your writing routine. Do you have any creative rituals or a favorite place to write?
Once again, the curse of being a chaotic writer means there is no real routine and therefore no set place to write. I wish I could set aside time each day to write. I wish I could be like King and have a word goal for each day. But when I structure time like that or find myself in the same spaces over and over again, I find myself choking on my words. My pages stay blank. For that reason, the places that I write change. I love writing at home because I do not get as distracted and can change the scenery with ease, but I also find myself at the neighborhood park, local bookshops, and coffee shops.
What criticism have you received that has helped you grow as a writer?
There is so much great advice I have received! But, I have to say the best criticism I have ever received was from my creative writing teacher in high school. He sort of called me out in front of the entire class (in a fit of passion not because he was an ass) that I was not being honest enough in my writing. That I needed to trust myself and hold no bars. Since then, I have been brutally honest and have often been praised for my sharp observations and feelings.
What are some of your writing influences? Favorite books?
Chuck Palahniuk, Sylvia Plath, Hunter S. Thompson, David Sedaris… the list goes on. I just cannot get enough of their works and have met Sedaris and Palahniuk and they were incredible people! Picking a favorite book is an unfair question and I refuse to answer that one!
What role does social media play in your marketing efforts?
Social media is my only form of marketing right now (please find me and share my posts 😊). Being an indie author, I do not have the same resources as seasoned writers do. I love the challenge and have been enjoying learning how to curtail my posts to help promote Unskilled and learn how to engage with my readers more easily. There is a huge learning curve because I truly am the worst millennial.
What’s your approach to marketing? What has worked or not worked for you?
My approach is simple: Just be yourself. I post things that are on my mind and constantly play with different ways to engage with current and potential readers. Sometimes, I post silly things, sometimes I post sneak peeks and other times, I allow myself to be human and just post about my life. Sometimes it works, other times, it doesn’t and that’s okay too.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out as a writer?
Do not be the writer everyone likes. Just don’t fall into that trap. If you truly feel like you need to be liked by everybody then you are setting yourself up for failure.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I am working on a poetry book that will focus on psychology as that is something I have always been fascinated with and have studied a bit in college. It is going to be very real and raw but also filled with spite and wit. After that, I have several other top-secret projects I would like to work on.
Where can readers find you?
Readers can find Unskilled anywhere online! In Tucson, they can find it at Stacks Book Club, Antigone’s, Mostly Books, and Barnes and Noble off La Cholla. They can also find Unskilled at the local libraries in Tucson, San Diego, and Seattle. I encourage readers to request the novel at their local bookstore and library- everyone deserves access to literature. If they want to follow me, my handle for all social media platforms is @askodawrites.
