Interview with author Victoria Danann

What or whom inspired you to become a writer? 

I think writers are born, not made. My theory is that, if you watch closely, people will usually tell you who they are supposed to be by age eight or so. At that point I was penning Bobbsey Twins stories that would be called fanfiction today.

What types of books do you read?

I stay up on PNR. I need to know what other people are doing so that I can avoid that. My interest runs in phases. I spent a decade on the classics, another decade on Anne Rice, Stephen King and other paranomal authors. I spent a long time on nonfiction: religious studies, mythology, Viking sagas, early Germanic poetry, etc.

What well-known authors do you admire most? 

Stephen King, Isaac Asimov, Shakespeare, Gloria Steinem

What were your writing habits while writing A Summoner‘s Tale? 

Since I run and contribute to a couple of businesses, manage a band, and play Classic Rock sometimes, I write when there's time.

How did you come up with the plot? 

This book is the third installment in a serial saga. It was the natural progression of events and life patterns established in the first two books. I can't address your question properly without major spoilers.

What is your favorite part in A Summoner‘s Tale? 

The conversation between Istvan Baka and Elora Laiken near the end of the book.

What was the hardest part to write? 

Again, hard to answer without spoiling. This was an emotional book for me because I have come to love these characters. I admit that there were a couple of times when I was crying so hard I could barely see the computer screen.

What character is the most/least like you, and in what ways? 

Elora is my "perfect world" alter ego. I share a couple of traits with her - fear of being restricted, loyalty, impulse to nurture those she loves.

What would your ideal career be if you couldn't be an author? 

Studio musician.

Do you read reviews of your books? 

If so, do you pay any attention to them, or let them influence your writing? I wish I could stay away from reviews, but they're like a drug. Yeah. I'm really sensitive to the nasty ones, but I'm not apologizing for that because, if I wasn't sensitive, I couldn't write sensitive material. There was one reader posting on Amazon UK who practically declared war on my writing and wrote a review that involved several scroll-downs. It crossed a line so many times that I was glad s/he doesn't know where I live. I never let reviews influence my writing because opinions are all over the place. On my first book one reader left a review on Amazon that said "too much description". On the same day another review posted that said "not enough description". I commented about this to both of them. One wrote back and said, "LOL. Well there you have it. What do I know? You're the writer." However, knowing that there are people who are just dying for the next installment, is a big motivating factor and keeps me coming back to the keyboard.

Do you find it hard to balance your writing with your personal life? 

Not really. I think I've got a pretty good balance between work, social, and romance, but sometimes I do get up at 2:30 am to make it happen.

Do you have any other books in the works? 

Book Four in the saga releases on May 25th. Moonlight: The Big Bad Wolf.

Do you have a blog, website, or links to share? 

WEBSITE: http://www.VictoriaDanann.com
BLOG: http://VictoriaDanann.me
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/vdanann
TWITTER: @vdanann

About the Author:

For the past fourteen years, Victoria has illustrated and authored Seasons of the Witch calendars and planners and written several non-fiction books on magickal arts. She lives in a town north of Houston known as The Woodlands even though the idea of the witch in the woods may be a cliché. She owns 7th House Publishing and contributes to its enterprises. In addition to art and writing, she plays Classic Rock music (keys, rhythm guitar, vocals) and manages one of Houston's premier party bands. Married. Four children.