It’s my pleasure to interview Valerie Comer today.
Where were you born and where do you call home?
I was born in Manitoba, Canada, and now live in the mountains of British Columbia, Canada. My husband and I have a small farm with cows and bees, and grow much of our own food.
Tell us about something that has just happened or is about to happen in your life that you would like to share.
2012 is an exciting year in our family. Our second granddaughter was born in February and our third is expected in June. Also in June will be a big family reunion with my sisters, their kids, and grandkids: 53 people all together! Because three of my four sisters raised their families overseas, and three of THEIR kids are now career missionaries themselves, this isn’t a family that gets together often. In fact, the last time we were all together was in June 1991. Numbers have more than tripled since then, if you count all the spouses, and we do!
What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say?
My fiction debuted on May first with the release of “Topaz Treasure” in the collection Rainbow’s Endpublished by Barbour.
” A closet believer steps out of her comfort zone to help run her church’s geocaching challenge but runs into her former humanities professor who made fun of Christians, only to discover he’s seeking truth–and romance.”
If you gave one of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?
Something my character Lyssa and I have in common is a freedom to talk with people about their food choices while being hesitant to speak of our beliefs. Both of us had fathers who shared their faith with anyone who stood still long enough to listen. I exaggerated the issue in Lyssa’s case, giving her dad a total lack of tact, unlike my father. Lyssa learned, as I have, that God doesn’t give us all the same calling. It’s okay if some are called to preach and others provide further links in the chain that may lead someone to Jesus.
Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
My agent is shopping a series for me right now, and I’m waiting on news. I’ll let everyone know when something happens!
Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?
Most of my recent purchases have been ebooks. My vision isn’t that great, and I love being able to adjust the size of the font. I’ve never been big on hardcovers (too heavy and expensive) but every room in our house has at least one bookcase and, in many cases, several. Books are friends and bring the best personality into a space.
Where do you prefer to buy your books?
If the small town I lived in had a bookstore, I’d do more shopping locally on general principles. In reality, I usually order from Amazon.
What book would you like to read again?
I used to reread books, but I don’t have time any more. There’s a Kindle full of new books waiting for the spare moments when I’m not writing.
What book are you currently reading and in what format ebook/paperback/hardcover)?
I’m currently reading Highland Crossings, another set of 4 novellas in the same Romancing America series as my own debut. In this case, I’m reading an e-version for reviewers from NetGalley.
Do you buy a book by the cover?
Rarely. It may induce me to pick a book up, but I don’t buy it unless the back cover and first page pull me in.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Be patient. Learn the craft, put in the time, and learn from everyone and everything. Don’t be in a hurry to get the first thing you write published. Think of it as an apprenticeship. It just takes time.
What date were you born?
May 22.
Coffee or tea?
I’m a one-mocha-in-the-morning kind of gal. It’s all the caffeine I need (though I’d like more!) and all the liquid calories I allow myself. I make my own, as healthy for me and the planet as I can manage. This is how I do it.
Do you like to cook? Do you have a favorite food?
I love to cook, and my favorite seems to vary by what is in season locally. In May, it is 1001 Ways to Cook Asparagus! I especially like asparagus fajitas. Just substitute asparagus for peppers (or go half-and-half) in your favorite recipe.
Sleep in or get up early?
Neither! I do best on a schedule. This means I get up at 6:30 to walk the dog, shower, and have breakfast. I’ll check Facebook and email while eating, then leave for work at 8:45. On my days off, I might ‘sleep in’ by an hour, but rarely more.
Laptop or desktop for writing?
Laptop, hands down. I write at work (yes, my bosses know!), and my life has simplified a great deal since I got a laptop. No more emailing files to myself or overwriting the most recent file on a flash drive. Plus, our house is very small so having two laptops for hubby and me is way better than using so much space for a desktop. We’ll never go back.
Your favorite gadget?
I’m not sure if you’d call Scrivener a gadget, but let’s pretend. It’s an awesome organizational and writing program that allows me to keep everything I need for a book or series in one spot. By everything, I mean research, character sketches, maps, photos, outline, and text. LOVE this program!
Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?
As I said, I write at work. I’ve worked at a small town flooring shop for nearly eleven years. Sometimes it’s really quiet in the store. My bosses are thankful I can entertain myself, and I do. So that means my writing day begins at 9am and goes to 5pm with a break over noon hour (If the weather and list of errands comply, I go for a walk). I’ve learned to work around the inevitable interruptions and can usually pick up where I was again quite quickly.
Where can your readers stalk you?
Is your book in Print, ebook or both?
Both.
Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview with me. It has been fun, and allowing us a glimpse into your writing word. I hope you share this interview with your friends so we can all get to know you a little better.
Valerie, your book sounds wonderful and I’m following you on Twitter and Pinterest, liked your FB page, and liked all three editions of your book on Amazon. Enjoyed your interview!
Thanks for the comment, Sandra.
Thank you so much, Sandra! I hope you enjoy the story.
[...] 23: At The Write Trail Interview with Tom [...]
Thanks so much for inviting me, Tom! You had some interesting and unique questions for me.
You’re welcome. Glad you enjoyed the interview.