Around The Fire Goes Around The World With Today's Guest Vida Li Sik.

The three H's are in full swing here in New Jersey, USA. Hazy, Hot, and Humid are the July go-to for weather. Thankfully, after a few dry weeks we've received some rain. After returning from our last camping trip, hubby and I have been in a lull. Things will be winding up soon though. Starting in August, campfires will be on the agenda. But while we wait out the H's, it's the chilly season in South Africa from where my next guest comes to us. This is her first time at the fire so please give her a warm welcome. 

Hi, Vida! I'm so glad you could join me at the fire. While I pour some tea, can you tell our other guests who you are other than your bio?
I am a wife, mother of two young adult men, a light sleeper, but a big dreamer. Living in the City of Gold—Johannesburg—you have to be resilient and laugh about all the social challenges we face, otherwise you’d cry.

Ugh, the world is in such turmoil. But we need to soldier on. Humor is a good way to go as well as focusing on good things. So in that light, what other things take you from the challenges besides? 
I enjoy baking, often without a recipe, and “throwing things together” to see how it turns out. The results are often interesting but tasty. Wait! That sounds a bit like my writing. I start with an idea and know how it will end, but the bits in-between are a mystery. I also love hiking and exploring new trails with my friends and family. While I usually stick to 5km to 10km (3 to six miles) routes, my dream is to do a three or five-day hike.
 
We need to cook together. I love creating in the kitchen. I'll do the meals if you do the desserts or breads. Then we can go exploring. You know the kitchen is often called the heart of the home. It's where we gather and enjoy the company of others. Where we commiserate and share. Who's in your kitchen of support?
I’m a multi-genre author—writing romance, women’s fiction, and Christian devotions—and am blessed to have other South African authors on whose shoulders I can cry on (virtually). I have a romance author friend, Francine Beaton, who I speak to more than my extended family (*smile*). She’s written more books than I have and is my unofficial mentor. I’m also part of a group of Christian authors who mainly interact virtually as we live in different cities. They’ve been a great support in bouncing off ideas, reading each other’s work, and offering support with book covers and launches. I’m super thankful for all of them.
 
It's sounds like you have a great posse to lean on. Who or what books or authors are your inspiration?
At school, I loved William Shakespeare’s plays. I also love Mark Twain’s humor and dream about being the South African version of Nora Roberts. Their common factor is a prolific output—something I aspire to.
 
LOL! my hubby and I cringe when the Jeopardy categories include Shakespeare. Do you have any fun or outrageous talent?
Does testing my husband’s patience count as a talent? He finds it outrageous.
 
I'm going to say yes to that. My Pete often gives me the look that says really. Tell us about Johannesburg. What is your neighborhood like? Are there any places you frequent?
There is a hill close to my house that is 1 750m (about 6 000ft) above sea level and offers a 360-degree view of our city. It’s my favorite place to sit and recharge, dream, and pray. It has featured in nearly all of my stories that are set in Johannesburg.
 
Now on to my quickie insight questions. If they made a movie about your life, what would the title be, and who would play you?
Eighty Days Around the Globe—Mistletoe Adventures. The story would be about a love guru who travels to different countries to help men and women find their happily ever after while she battles to find her own. Naturally, she’d have mixed results. I’d pick Sandra Bullock to play the lead role. She’s my favorite actress and very funny.
 
What is your favorite mug or teacup?
A friend gifted me a mug painted with flowers and inscribed with “Joy springs from a grateful heart”. It reminds me to look beyond my present circumstances and to rather find things to be thankful for.
 
If you could eat anything in the world right now, what would it be?
Chocolate. Chocolate is a vegetable. Right?
 
What is your worst household chore?
Ironing. It’s mind-numbing. My husband recently bought me a vertical garment steamer to make it easier. Oh, man! There goes that excuse…
 
What website or app doesn’t exist, but you really wish it did?
It’s not an app, but I wish teleporters existed to make traveling between places easier. That would be so cool! Who needs jetlag when traveling overseas?
 
Who is the most interesting person you’ve met and talked with?
Mrs. Rosalynn Carter, the former US First Lady. She’s been a champion of mental health for decades and has done a lot to affect public policy and to bring together families of those with mental illness, professionals, and the media around the world.
 
What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?
What money? I used bonus money from my day job to buy a spinning bike as I don’t like going to the gym and prefer exercising on my own at home. The second “investment” was joining an author’s marketing platform so I could connect with readers and other authors. That has helped me not feel so alone when it comes to writing and publishing.

Authors often forget the selfcare part. Thank you for the reminder as well as joining me at the fire today. Before you spin away (see what I did there?) please leave us some information about your book and where we can find out more about you.

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Remember Me
One decision. Will their love survive?
By Vida Li Sik
Adult Friends to Lovers Sweet Romance (Remember Series Book 1)

Emma
Two years. That’s how long I waited for Marc to see me as more than just a friend. Impatient, I let the school’s star rugby player side-track me. I’m finally free from that disastrous relationship and have Marc’s full attention. One person stands in our way. My mother opposes our relationship. Now, I must make a choice.

Marc
I let Emma slip out of my hands once before. That won’t happen again. I’m from the wrong side of town, but we click on every level. She’s the one for me. The end of our final school year edges closer. Every minute we spend together is precious. But time is not on our side.

What others are saying.
“This book reminds of young love, its trials and tribulations, and of the hope that goes along with it... just hold on to your heart as you read it.” Shenn—Amazon review
Get a copy today
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zAnYY6
Books2Read: https://books2read.com/u/b5k0xl
 
Follow the Author
Website: www.vidalisik.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vidalswriter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vidaandcoffee

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