Vered Neta Author Bio:
I am an author, scriptwriter & speaker I write character-driven drama stories focusing on women and the challenges they face in today’s society.
In my work, I focus on bringing kindness and positivity into the world. I am the co-founder of Open Circles Academy, located in Amsterdam. I have worked with more than 150,000 people and have written several books on motivation and relationships. My book, “Financial Independence for Women” has sold more than 50,000 copies.
In 2010 Vered was awarded the TIAW World of Difference Award, an award given to women whose efforts have advanced the economic empowerment of women locally, regionally or worldwide.
I’ve been an archaeologist, a top manager in high-tech companies and health institutions and, for nearly 30 years, a personal coach, trainer, and motivational speaker while owning and running the fastest-growing training centre for entrepreneurs in The Netherlands.
But after doing all that, I came to realise that I’m not growing anymore. I still had more things I wanted to learn and develop, which is how I came to challenge myself with a new career as a writer. Being heavily dyslexic, as a non-native English speaker, writing novels or scripts seemed like a Mission Impossible for me. Add to it years of non-supportive beliefs that I’m bad at writing and that I am not creative enough, and that sounded like a good challenge to tackle and grow through.
Since I started on this journey in 2017, I’ve written 4 movies and TV scripts, 2 novels, and I am now developing a TV series and writing my 3rd novel.
What inspires you to write?
The main reason I started writing at the late age of 57 was that I wanted to use this medium of stories, whether as novels or movie scripts, to inspire people to live a full life. I believe we all deserve to live up to our potential. I believe that when humankind focuses on fulfilling their potential, we can create a better world. My main purpose in writing is to bring more kindness and harmony into the world.
Tell us about your writing process.
In the battle between “Plotters” and “Pantsers”, I am definitely on the side of the “Plotters”. I can’t think of starting to write without a structure or a goal for that specific writing period. The thought of staring at the blank page is so scary for me. I have to start by having a clear idea, structure and goal in front of me before even sitting to write the poetic part of the writing.
I start with a huge Whiteboard that I have on my wall in my office, and from there, I use the Beat sheet option in Final Draft Software, whether it would be for scripts of novels, I MUST have a beat sheet before I start writing.
As part of my "Plotter", I create what is called "Bible", where I describe the characters in general, but not to too many details as otherwise I will get lost. That way, I know where I am going, but I leave space for the creative part to appear once I start writing and the characters take off the page and lead me.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
I'm a very auditory person, so when I finally sit to write, it's a dangerous period at home as I keep on talking as I write. Therefore, there is always a sign outside my office on the door: "If you hear any loud talking from this room, it's only me talking to myself, so there is no need to take it to heart or respond."
Who are your favorite authors?
This is an unfair question. I have so many of them. I used to be a lonely child, and books were my haven. I used to say that people can disappoint and betray you, but books are always there for you, so I surrounded myself with books.
I would go through periods of reading the Classics like Dickens and Jane Austin and the Bronte Sisters, and then expand to Dostoyevsky and Tolstoy and Kafka and, on the other side of the world, authors like Gabriel García Márquez and Paulo Coelho.
Today, my favourite genres are historical fiction, fantasy and women's literature, but I also read many non-fiction books about philosophy, personal development, spirituality and, of course, the craft of writing.
So, as you can see, I have an eclectic influence. What they all inspired me to write about was human nature and human relationships. They inspired me to write stories that would bring light into the world, even during hard and dark times, stories of hope, kindness and love.
What genres do you write?
Historical Novels, Family Saga, Family Drama, Chick Lit, Women's Fiction, Historical Romance
How did you choose the genre(s) you write?
I write on topics that I can relate to. As I said, what inspires me is the belief that there is more light and goodness in the world than darkness. I want people to strive to fulfil their greatest potential. I believe that when we do it as a society, the world will become a better place. My purpose in writing is to bring kindness and positivity into the world.
What three things are on your writing desk at any given moment?
Coffee, Chocolate and Post-It notes
What hobbies do you have when you need a break from writing?
Working in our Homestead farm, walking in the mountains with my dog and dancing to tribal music
What formats are your books in?
eBook, Print
Website(s)
Home Page Link
Follow On Amazon
Link to Author Page on Barnes & Noble
Author’s Social Media Links
Goodreads
Facebook
All information is provided by the author and is presented as it was submitted so you the reader get to hear the author’s own “voice” in their interview.
