Interview with Author Verna Clay:
Hi Verna. Thank you for doing this interview. I would like to welcome you to the Romance at Heart Interview and Author Grilling session. *bg* We are interested to find out as much about you as we possibly can, so lets get started...
- Please tell us about your latest book.
My first published ebook is titled Far Into Yesterday. It is a time-travel romance with an unexpected ending. The history of writing this story is interesting; it spans thirty years. Thirty years ago I wrote a poem with the same title as the book. It was one of my favorite poems and I often wondered what the story around it would be. Over the years, I occasionally came across the poem. About a year ago, after having two novels accepted by Echelon Press scheduled for release in 2011, I was ready to begin a new project. I had no preconceived ideas for the story, except that it had to be a time-travel romance because of the words of the poem. As the book’s characters, Ella Montclair and Lord Wallace Hastings, began whispering their romantic story in my ear, I merely penned their words.
While perusing publishers suitable for submitting this novella, I came across Solstice Publishing. I was impressed with their website and followed their instructions for submission. When they emailed and said they could not open my attachment, I was mortified. Since I had read so much about how important it is to make a good first impression, I thought, “Well, I’m toast.” However, they were very gracious about my “goober” and asked me to resubmit. Thank you Solstice Publishing!
Anyway, back to the plot of the story: Ella Montclair is an educated woman who feels a force beyond herself to pen haunting words to a poem. She completes the poem and searches for its meaning, to no avail. To save her sanity, she stashes it and refuses to dwell on the words. Years later, after being hired as research assistant to a famous historian in England, she comes across the poem while packing. She is tempted to toss it in the trash, but at the last minute throws it in with her belongings.
As she settles into her new position and new home, she feels drawn not only to nearby Farnham Castle, but also to the country manor where she is residing, Thomas Manor. Sir Thomas, her employer, is writing the history of Farnham Castle and he requires her to schedule a private tour. When her tour guide is called away on an emergency, she is left alone in an unrefurbished wing of the castle. While waiting for the return of her tour guide, she begins exploring and enters a chamber with a painting in a far corner. Irresistibly drawn toward the portrait of a lean, muscular, eighteenth century gentleman casually leaning against a pillar, she touches his face. And so begins the story of Ella and Lord Hastings…
I am an avid researcher. In all my stories I integrate fact with fiction and fantasy. Farnham Castle and Farnham Village actually exist and I tried to stay as factual as possible in their descriptions.
- What can we expect from you in the future?
In March, 2011, Echelon Press is scheduled to release 11:11 ‘Countdown to 2012’ as an ebook. In August they will be releasing The Theory of Everything, also as an ebook. I originally self-published these books, and since Echelon Press is publishing only the ebooks at this time, the paperbacks remain in my control. Links to purchase the paperbacks can be found on my website.
- How do we find out about you and your books?
I have a website at: www.vernaclay.com. I also have a Facebook page and a Twitter page. At my website you can follow my blog. I am currently doing a weekly blog titled PARANORMAL TEASERS “A – Z”. Each week I select a paranormal topic that begins with the current week’s letter of the alphabet. Some of the topics covered so far have been: Atlantis, black holes, crop circles, dimensional travel, EVP recordings, and frequency machines.
- Do you allow readers to contact you? If so, how do they reach you?
I love for readers to contact me. My email addresses is: vernaclay@vernaclay.com. You can also join the members section of my website.
- Do you have a favorite comment or question from a reader?
Yes. It was written by a guy who wouldn’t normally choose a romance novel to read. I left part of his comment blank because it gives away too much of the plot. His response is exactly the effect I want to achieve with my books:
“Just finished 11:11. I rarely, if ever, pleasure read. Since it sounds like a great idea I start books but never get past chapter 2. So, to finish a book says a lot about my resolve and your writing. Yes the first few chapters were written by a chick for chicks, but then it got me hooked. Travel to exotic places I have always wanted to go, mysteries, suspense, crop circles, ancient cities and (blank)... heck, my kind of stuff. I think it would make a great movie. Seriously, not just saying that.”
- Why did you decide to write romance novels?
I think I was born romantic; it must be in my DNA (LOL). From my earliest memories, I was always inventing stories in my mind. As I moved into my teen years, I started reading medical romance stories. I thought I wanted to be a nurse. After volunteering at a local hospital, however, I quickly changed my mind. I have literally written thousands of stories in my mind. My mother was always basically saying, “Earth to Verna…” However, it wasn’t until two years ago that I seriously put the stories in my mind to paper. In romance novels you can become whoever you want, and go wherever you want. You can transcend the daily grind. You can escape. You can also become a better person.
- How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?
At first, I didn’t think there was much of “me” in the writings, but as I go back and reread, I see more and more of myself. However, I won’t embarrass myself by going into detail. I’ll leave that for readers to wonder.
- When did you first think about writing and what prompted you to submit your first ms?
I experienced a long illness. It was during that illness that I suddenly realized writing could be crucial to my recovery. When one is ill, there is a tendency to concentrate on the illness. When one begins writing, their concentration is redirected to the unfolding story. Instead of thinking about how bad I felt, I transcended into my story. I lived my story and not my illness.
- Generally, how long does it take you to write a book?
In the two years since I started writing, I have completed two novels and two novellas and the first novel in a series of four books. The longer works can take eight months to a year, and that includes a lot of editing. My last novella was done in about two months because I wanted to enter it in a contest that had a deadline. It paid off, I was one of five winners and the story will appear in a holiday anthology by Solstice Publishing this December. I work on more than one project at a time so that’s how this was all done in two years.
- Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?
I fluctuate between the two. When I am more structured, I like to hang out at Barnes & Noble with a frappachino and write to my heart’s content. Other times, especially when my day job is demanding, I go with the flow.
- What is your writing routine once you start a book?
I can actually start more than one book at a time. I can have three projects going at the same time. My routine depends on the demands in my life. Low demand gives me more energy to write.
- Does your family bother you when you are writing - are there constant interruptions?
No. My husband is very supportive.
- What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries?
On the weekends I love going to garage sales and browsing the Goodwill Store. There are always interesting finds. In fact, when I was writing my story Jazmine, one of the winners in the Solstice Publishing contest, I combed the Goodwill and garage stores and the Dollar Store for anything having to do with fairies—Jazmine is a fairy who visits the human realm. I created my own fairy village as an inspiration for the book. I found little houses, little fences, little shovels, carved wooden flowers, a tiny birdhouse, a tiny gazebo, baby fairies, adult fairies, and a big shell for a tiny mermaid and water creatures to inhabit. It was tons of fun and I’m always adding to it. It makes me want to write another fairy story.
- What truly motivates you in general? In your writing?
I am motivated to inspire others; to create a sense of wonder in my readers. There are so many mysteries that seem unexplainable. I enjoy finding the answer to the mystery, even if it’s a fantasy. The piece de resistance, however, is the romance discovered along the way.
- Where do your ideas come from?
They just pop into my mind. Usually, I get the title first, and then the story follows. For example: my husband and I were driving to town and I was in a funk. I hate hostility and the inhumane things that misguided persons do. I suddenly said aloud, “This is not a gentle planet!” As soon as I said the words, I knew it would be the title of one of my books. Gentle Planet is the first book in a four book series about the Knight Brothers. In one of my blogs I describe this series.
For 11:11 ‘Countdown to 2012’, I was searching for a mystery to write about. I had experienced the 11:11 enigma myself, and thought it would be a great title for a book. As I began investigating the 11:11 mystery, and saw how it tied into the year 2012, the complete title was born.
The same thing happened for The Theory of Everything, I thought it would be a great title.
- Do you feel humor is important in women's fiction and why?
I love humor and feel it is very important in women’s fiction. Laughter is healing for the spirit, soul, and body. I incorporate humor in all my books.
- What are your thoughts on love scenes in romance novels, do you find them difficult to write?
Love scenes are wonderful in romance novels. However, imagination is the best writer. I lay the groundwork and imagination completes the scene.
- What kind of research do you do?
Lots and lots of internet research. I have also collected many books about unexplained mysteries: everything from crop circles to EVP recordings to UFOs to DaVinci and much more.
- Would you like to write a different genre than you do now, or sub-genre?
I am happy with what I am writing now. I call what I write realty/fantasy.
- What does your husband think of your writing?
Sometimes I think my husband gets more excited than I do when something positive happens with my writing.
- Do you ever ask him for advice?
All the time; he’s great for bouncing ideas off of.
- Please tell us about yourself (family, hobbies, education, etc.)
I enjoy photography very much. I want to write a book that incorporates my photos. As for my family, my children are grown and have families of their own. They are also very supportive. My husband is a composer/musician/singer and very creative. He created the music for my two trailers.
- Fill in the blank favorites –
Dessert - Anything Chocolate.
City - Bend, Oregon.
Season - Summer.
Type of hero - Confident.
Type of heroine – Searching.
- What are some of your favorite things or hobbies to do?
As previously mentioned, I enjoy photography. I also enjoy watching programs about UFOs, the Bermuda Triangle, crop circles, alternative Egyptian history, pyramids. Other fun programs are Meteorite Men, American Pickers, and Pawn Stars.
- Do you have a favorite author? Favorite book?
My favorite author is Susan Elizabeth Phillips. My favorite book is The Host by Stephenie Meyer. Another book is The DaVinci Code. I was absolutely fascinated by that book.
- Who are some of your other favorite authors and genres to read?
Some of my favorite authors are: Lisa Kleypas, Mary Balogh; Sandra Brown, Catherine Anderson, and Dan Brown.
- Who, if anyone, has influenced your writing?
I attended a writer’s conference in San Diego and had a critique done by an editor. The critique was very informative and greatly influenced the way I write.
- Are you a member of any author groups - RWA, critique groups, etc.?
Not at this time. I recently moved to a new city and would like to find a group to associate with.
- What do you think of critique groups in general?
Since I have never been a member of a critique group, I don’t feel qualified to answer.
- Do you think critique groups are a necessity to becoming a good writer?
I don’t know. However, the critique I received helped me immensely.
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself sitting at Barnes & Noble with a frappachino and working on my latest novel.
- Have you always wanted to be a writer?
No. Although I have always enjoyed writing, I didn’t get serious until two years ago.
- How long have you been writing and working to that goal of being published?
Except for a few months in my late twenties when I wrote some short stories, children’s stories, and poetry (all of which went into a filing cabinet), I didn’t get started until a couple years ago. I started contacting publishers a year ago.
- How many books have you written, and how many of those have been published?
I have completed three books and two novellas. One novella has been published and the other was one of five winners in a contest with Solstice Publishing. It will be out in December of this year. Two ebooks are scheduled for publication in 2011 with Echelon Press. The third book has just been completed and has no publisher as of yet. I have two incomplete books that I am currently working on.
- After you've written your book and it's been published, do you ever buy it and/or read it?
Yes. I love my characters and want to experience them again and again.
- Among your own books, have you a favorite? A favorite hero or heroine?
I don’t have a favorite book. I love them all. However, Jazmine is my favorite heroine.
- Which of your books has been the easiest to write? The hardest? The most fun?
The easiest and most fun book to write was Jazmine (coming soon to Solstice Publishing). The most difficult was Gentle Planet (now in the finishing stage).
- Which comes first, the story, the characters or the setting?
The title (I know, it’s weird).
- What part of a book has been the easiest to write? The hardest?
The easiest part is the beginning. The hardest is the middle.
- What are the elements of a great romance for you?
The greatest element in a romance novel is believable tension between the hero and heroine that is resolved in a satisfactory manner by the end of the book.
- Are you in control of your characters or do they control you?
My characters tell me their story in an unfolding manner and I write it. They are in control.
- Have you experienced writer's block---> If so, how did you work through it?
Most certainly. To work through it, I rest from writing. When I start feeling antsy, I visit a bookstore and get excited all over again.
- What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?
The personal joy it brings me.
- If you weren't writing, what would you be doing?
I’d probably still be sick.
- Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?
Don’t let rejections get you down. Keep trying. Keep writing. Stay excited. Envision your future as a writer. Attend writer’s conferences and classes if you can. Get lost in your stories.
Thank you very much for taking the time with us and answering our questions. I really appreciate this interruption to your busy schedule. Good Luck, and we will be looking forward to the next delightful creations from your talented imagination!
Yours in good reading,
Rose!
Author Links:
Website Email Blog Facebook Twitter
RaH Links:
This Interview Review Coming
Purchase Links:
Buy Verna's Books at Amazon
Buy Verna's Books at Lulu.com
Buy Verna's Books at Fictionwise
Buy Verna's Books at Coffee Time Romance
Buy Far Into Yesterday at Solstice
Buy Solstice Publishing Books