An interview with Vida li-Sik
- Vida li-Sik
- Jul 31
- 3 min read
1.What inspired you to combine elements of faith with romance and women’s fiction in your writing?
I actually didn’t start out combining faith with my stories. My earlier romance and women’s fiction books were wholesome, but faith played only a very small role. That changed when I was invited to contribute to the Christian series Our House on Sycamore Street. Writing The Outsider’s Welcome for that series sparked something new in me — not just the idea for Imka’s story, but also the desire to explore her faith journey alongside her personal struggles. It gave me the opportunity to go deeper, and I found that incredibly rewarding.
2. How do you approach integrating Christian values and themes into your stories while keeping them relatable and engaging?
With The Outsider’s Welcome, I was able to use a situation that’s relatable to so many — moving to a new country and trying to find your place in an unfamiliar community. Imka’s experience of loneliness, building friendships, and finding a sense of belonging is something a lot of readers can connect with. Themes like fear, faith, friendship, and community are at the heart of the story, and they’re universal. I try to write from a place of honesty so that the message feels natural and never forced.
3. What role does prayer or your personal faith journey play in your writing process?
A huge role, especially with this book. I wrote The Outsider’s Welcome during a period of chronic anxiety. It was a tough time, and I had to lean hard into my faith to get through it. Prayer and scripture weren’t just part of my writing process — they were essential to helping me write with clarity and purpose. I poured a lot of myself into the story, and in many ways, it became an expression of my own journey.
4. Are any of your characters or storylines influenced by personal experiences or people in your life?
Absolutely! Imka’s story is shaped by my own experience of moving to a different country, and also by stories from family and friends who’ve done the same. While none of us went through exactly what Imka did, our collective experiences helped bring authenticity to her character. I think that’s why so many readers have said they felt seen in the story — it taps into something real.
5. How do you ensure your stories appeal to both Christian readers and those outside the faith?
That’s really important to me. I focus on making the themes and experiences in my stories as universal as possible — friendship, conflict, forgiveness, growth. These are things everyone can relate to, regardless of their faith background. I’m mindful not to come across as preachy, and I think that helps make the faith elements feel more approachable and organic within the story.
6. What do you hope your readers gain spiritually and emotionally from reading your books?
Hope, above all. I want readers to come away feeling encouraged, knowing they’re not alone in their struggles. If they see how faith and character can grow through tough circumstances, that’s a win for me. And I also hope they have fun while reading — there’s always room for a smile, even in stories that deal with heavier themes.
7. Can you share a glimpse of your next project or any upcoming stories you’re excited about?
Yes. I’m currently working on a new book in the second Our House series called The Baker’s Pickle, and it is set in Scotland. Imka moves to Scotland temporarily, and the story is about her efforts to lose weight after having a baby, while also dealing with sibling rivalry — two things many of us have experienced. It’s heartfelt and full of real-life moments, and I can’t wait to share it with readers.
Website: www.vidalisik.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vidalswriter
Thank you so much for the opportunity to stop by your blog. It's much appreciated.