So, Vijaya, what inspired you to become a writer?
I always wanted to write. I read fluently at age three and started writing poetry at six. I read extensively as a teen, and I admired authors, especially the classics. Although I thought I could write, I didn't realize at the time that writing could become an occupation.
When did you attempt your first story? What length was it? What's become of it?
My first poem at age six was a rhyming Christmas tale, but after so much time and so many travels, it disappeared long ago. Just as well. It was probably humiliating.
How many stories did you complete before you sold your first?
My first book published, Ashes for the Elephant God, was the fourth novel I completed. Later I rewrote the other books and they are now published as well.
What genre(s) do you write in? What drew you to write in it/them? What’s your favorite genre of all to write in?
I like to write action and romance, whether it's in futuristic, historical, or contemporary settings. Although I am known for my sci-fi romance, I also have contemporary romantic suspense novellas, paranormal shape shifters, and I'm working on a medieval fantasy series based on authentic post Arthurian legends.
What are the best and worst pieces of writing advice you ever received?
Best: write every day
Worst: write what you know. I would say write what you want to know, because through research and travel you can become familiar with anything, if you are passionate about it. I write about space travel, yet I've never been in space. That's a big item on my bucket list.
How do you celebrate/deal with acceptance/rejection letters?
You can't please everyone. Rejection is a fact of life. As long as my readers love my books, I can handle rejection. I celebrate both with chocolate and wine. For acceptances, I do a little dance around my home office. Sometimes I shriek, often I sing. I treat myself to a nice French Restaurant.
In regard to the book you’re promoting, which actor and actress do you envision playing the roles of your hero and heroine? If there’s a villain or other characters who are pertinent to the story, who would play those parts?
My April 1st release, NOAH'S ARK, is the prequel to the Chronicles of Kassouk series. Kostas, the hero, is a Space Marine with a terrific physique and a deadly secret. For him I would picture some hunk like John Cena of The Marine action movies (love the cleft in the chin) or maybe The Rock. My heroine is a no-nonsense ship captain with sassy short blond hair and daddy issues. She is an optimist with a good heart. I could see Charlize Theron in that role.
The book you’re promoting, is it a stand-alone story or part of a series? If it’s part of a series, please list the order the books need to be read in for maximum reading enjoyment.
NOAH'S ARK is the prequel for the Chronicles of Kassouk series. It takes place centuries before the first book. It's the story of the human settlers who colonized this farflung planet. Book One in that series is White Tiger, Book Two: Red Leopard, Book Three: Black Jaguar, Book Four: Blue Lioness. All these books are available in all eBook formats. Noah's Ark is coming to eBooks April 1, 2012, and White Tiger, the first in the series, is coming to paperback this spring, to be followed by the other books in paperback soon after.
Thank you for joining us here today, Vijaya! It was a pleasure getting to know you and your work.
Vijaya says, "I always have a contest going on my website. Just click on CONTEST at top right at: http://www.vijayaschartz.com."
1 comment:
From Vijaya Schartz:
Thanks for the interview, Chris. I enjoyed answering the questions.
Wishing you all a great day.
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