It’s my privilege to interview Valerie King today.
Valerie has always possessed a vivid imagination and a mind full of stories waiting to be told. As life moves forward, her pen has finally hit paper and incandescent sagas are being written. Her passion has transformed itself into the Fatum book series, the Unseen Wings Trilogy as well as a number of short stories and an online novel that is being written piece by piece. May you find a fable of deceit or perhaps a love story to fill your heart. Welcome to her journey…
Valerie lives with her husband and their three children in Dallas, TX.
Where were you born and where do you call home?
I was born and raised in North Texas, and I still happily call it “home” today along with my husband of thirteen years and our three boys.
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?
“The Gift of Fate” is my very first YA fiction novel. A twisted story that is beautifully woven with petals of romance and dangerous corners, “The Gift of Fate” is a page-turning love story and dark thriller that will leave you wanting more.
Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
Yes! “The Gift of Fate” is book 1 of 4 in the Fatum Saga. Book 2, “The Power of Suggestion” is well underway.
What books have influenced your writing?
Honestly? None. I wanted to try and step outside the box, creating my own writing environment. I believe have developed my own writing style that is unlike any other.
Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?
Paperback. There is simply no comparison to holding a beautiful book in your hands.
Are you a self published (Indie) Author?
Yes I am. For now. I would love to fall into the hands of a publisher someday though.
What book are you currently reading and in what format (ebook/paperback/hardcover)?
“The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien in hardcover. I am reading it aloud with my three children. We homeschool, so I have weaved this incredible piece of literature into our curriculum.
Do you buy a book by the cover?
Book covers are certainly a draw factor for me. An exquisite cover begs for me to lift it from the shelves of a bookstore.
Do you have a book trailer?
Yes I do! I have a rich marketing and social media background. I do believe book trailers are extremely important nowadays. I wrote and directed the trailer myself.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Never ever take no for an answer. If you have a dream to write a book, do it. If someone tells you that you simply aren’t good enough, turn the other cheek and keep writing.
Do you write under a pen name?
No. I was told by several individuals I had a cool name. So, I stuck with it.
What date were you born? – you can leave off the year if you like.
October 20th
Do you ever write in your PJ’s?
All the time! I write best in comfy clothes and loud music playing in the background. Big Pandora.com fan here.
Coffee or tea?
Chai Tea with a spoon of brown sugar and a splash of milk.
Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream?
Chocolate with chocolate sauce and M&M’s. You can NEVER have too much chocolate.
What are 4 things you never leave home without (apart from keys, money and phone)?
Chapstick, my Kindle, pad and paper for idea sketching and a bottle of water
Sleep in or get up early?
I’m an early riser. Always have been.
Laptop or desktop for writing?
Desktop
Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?
Between the hours of 8pm and 1am. I write best at night when the house is quiet as a mouse.
Where is one place in the world that you would really love to visit someday?
Europe. All of it. Since my children homeschool, I would love to spend 2-3 weeks backpacking the magnificence of Europe. Maybe some day!
One of your favorite quotes-
I must say I find television very educational. The minute somebody turns it on, I go to the library and read a good book. Groucho Marx
List 3 of your favorite movies?
Jurassic Park, Father of the Bride and Robin Hood Prince of Thieves
If your book was made into a TV series or Movie, what actors would you like to see playing your characters? Feel free to add pics.
This is a tough one. But, I would honestly like to see a bunch of fresh new faces. Not traditional hollywood actors and actresses. My books are unique, I would love for the characters in my TV series or movie to be the same.
Where can your readers stalk you?
Lots of places!
My blog: www.valeriekingbooks.com
My facebook page: www.facebook.com/valeriekingbooks
My Goodreads author page: www.goodreads.com/valeriekingbooks
Twitter: http://twitter.com/valeriekingbook
Lulu: www.lulu.com/spotlight/VSKing11
Other: www.youtube.com/valeriekingbooks
Is your book in Print, ebook or both?
Both
Very interesting interview. Keep up the good work Tom with all your interviews and Valerie with your writing. By the way I am enjoying the serialisation that you are doing on your blog.
Thanks for stopping by, Yvonne.