What could be better than a well-written pirate story? Nothing! From the first page of Victoria McCombs‘ Oathbound, I was swept away on an adventure. The dialogue is spot-on, the descriptions are captivating, and the characters are both interesting and exciting. If you’re looking for a FUN high-stakes, swashbuckling adventure you won’t be disappointed! If you’re a fan of Pirates of the Caribbean movies you won’t be able to put this down.
Be sure to read to the end of this post to find out how you can win a signed, personalized hardcover and book swag!
The Writer’s Desk with Victoria McCombs
Victoria McCombs is the author of The Storyteller’s Series from Parliament House Press and Oathbound. She writes young adult fantasy and adores stories about treacherous pirates and traitorous princes. Her favorite things include peppermint hot chocolate, peanut butter ice cream, game might with family, and Jesus. She has her mom to thank for allowing so many medieval weapons inside the house as she was growing up, which curated her love for that time period. She is a mom of three little boys and a wife to the handsomest accountant there is. Together they live in Omaha, Nebraska. Connect with Victoria on her website, Instagram, and sign up for her newsletter!
Q&A with Victoria McCombs
TG: Everyone always asks for an interesting fact, we’re going to flip the question. What is one boring fact about yourself?
I have a freckle on the inside of my cheek. None of the doctors, dentists, or dermatologists can figure out how it got there but they are all assuming it’s harmless.
TG: Where did you get the inspiration for Oathbound?
When looking for something to read, I found myself craving pirates and realized I’d never read a pirate book. The idea took off from there. Of course, then I saw pirate books being released everywhere, but I was already so in love with these characters that I had to write it.
TG: Do you have any habits or rituals as a writer?
Coffee in the morning, and having a clean workspace. Even with kids around, I need at least a small circle of clean around me to work!
TG: What habits would you encourage others to take up to be a more productive writer?
Outlining! If you come up with a solid outline beforehand, not only will that save you time during editing because you created a well-rounded plot before writing, but it gives you confidence going into the book that it’s going to turn out the way you want and it takes away that sluggish part in the middle where you aren’t sure where to go next. I write books in three months because I first create an outline.
TG: What do you snack on or drink while writing?
White chocolate mochas in the morning and peppermint hot chocolates in the afternoons. I’m drinking one right now!
TG: How do you overcome writer’s block?
Outlineeeeee. I’m very obsessed with having an outline first. It tells you exactly where you are going next, and you can be certain you hit all the points you want at the pace you want and gives you a chance to see the entire book before it’s even written!
TG: Are you an “edit-as-you-go” writer or do you wait until the very end before you do any editing?
I edit as I go. This could stem from my odd hatred for editing, or it could be my need to have a clean environment, but I like knowing that the document I’m working on is polished as I’m writing, and not that I’m leaving a mess in my wake.
TG: What would you say is the most common mistake new writers make?
Not understanding the market. A lot of the bigger plot errors in your book come from not knowing what things people like. This can be fixed by reading the reviews of books on Amazon! Go read the reviews to see what things other readers didn’t like about books, so you see common mistakes to avoid. Or you can see what things people really liked so you know what to include in yours! More than just, love triangles or enemies to lovers, but things like if your character is passive or active, the dynamics of character relationships, pacing, character arcs, use of descriptions—it’s all important to remember what the readers like, and it can save you time from making those bigger errors in your book!
TG: What is the best piece of writing advice you’re ever received?
The plot should be driven forward in each and every chapter, starting with the first, and let it be the character’s (preferably the main character) actions and decisions that advance the plot, not them reacting to outward influences happening.
TG: What is coming up next for you?
Wow, where to start! Oathbound is a trilogy, and I’ve yet to write the third book. But beyond that, I have a four-book series and the final one releases this May! I might or might not have some secret projects brewing as well.
Enter for a chance to win a signed, personalized hardcover copy of Oathbound + fun book swag!
*Due to shipping costs, the giveaway for the physical copy is open to US mailing addresses only.
More about Oathbound
Beware the waters. The dangerous deep brings ruin to all.
Emme has spent her life avoiding anything to do with pirates. But the fates are cruel, and now a hidden sickness leads her to partner with pirates for the one thing that can save her—a cure on an island none are certain exists.
The pirate captain’s secrets are darker than the deep and threaten to kill them all. His obligations are tinged with betrayal, for his oathbind must be fulfilled. To ignore it is to invite peril of unimaginable destruction.
As the adventure unfolds, the sea takes more than she expects and the sea gives more than he wants.
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