1) Who is your favourite author and why?
Do I really
have to narrow it down to just oneJ Hmm; I would have to go with Janet
Evanovich. I just love her quirky
Stephanie Plum series.
2) When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I joined
my local writers group, some of the members would refer to us as being
“writers” whether we were published or not. At first I felt a little weird about that, but I’ve since
come to realize how right they were.
Now, that said, the day I held my first published book, COOKIES
FOR SANTA(a Nick Spinelli Mystery), in my hands was a very
emotional experience for me. I
just kept staring at it thinking “I finally did it!”
3) Describe your writing space?
I like it quiet
when I write so I usually lock myself in what we call the “computer room” which
is a tiny room furnished with a desk and book shelves. It is also home to my ironing board
which isn’t used so much for ironing but more for the cat to sleep on or to
give her access to the window so she can watch the birds carry on outside.
4) What are you reading now?
Right now I’m
reading Janet Evanovich’s Notorious Nineteen and James Patterson’s 11th
Hour. For some reason I tend to
read a couple of books at one time.
5) How many books have your written? Which is your favourite?
I have written
three novels and two novellas. The
first novella in the Nick Spinelli Mystery series was published by Melange
Books last November. The second is
scheduled for release this fall.
Just this week
I contracted with Whiskey Creek Press for two novels, UNFORESEEN OBSESSIONS,
a romantic suspense novel, and TAKEN BY SURPRISE, a
contemporary romance with suspense elements.
I’m currently
seeking agent representation for the remaining novel, PLAN INTERUPPTED.
As for my
favorite, I would have to go with the first novel I wrote, UNFORESEEN OBSESSIONS. The sense of accomplishment upon
completing that first novel is indescribable.
6) What comes first, plot or characters?
Definitely the
characters, I start with the hero and heroine and as I type they begin to tell
me what is going to happen. (I hear voicesJ)
7) Do you ever suffer from writer’s block?
On occasion I
do, so I just step away from the project for a couple of days, maybe a week,
and then I get back to it.
Sometimes I’ll start a new story in the meantime just to keep my mind
active.
8) What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
In my spare
time I like to read and watch movies.
Additionally, my husband and I are outdoorsy people so we spend time at
our cabin in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
9) Tell us about your latest book?
My latest book is CRAVING VENGEANCE, A NICK SPINELLI MYSTERY. It is the second in my novella
series. The book is set in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin and features Detective Nick Spinelli and his love
interest, Shannon O’Hara.
Spinelli had hoped to spend his first Valentine’s Day with Shannon
in a traditional manner, starting with dinner out and then perhaps a long warm
adventurous night in her arms. His
plans quickly change when several cupids are murdered. Shannon’s close proximity to the
victims causes Spinelli to go undercover as a singing valentine dressed as cupid. The stress ignited by the day’s events, triggers
a great deal of friction to fly between Spinelli and Shannon. Spinelli
struggles to hold it all together while searching for the killer before another
cupid is murdered. And with himself parading about town wearing a set of wings
and carrying a bow and quiver full of arrows, catching the killer before the
next cupid is murdered becomes all that more vital.
10) What’s next for you?
In addition to
seeking agent representation for PLAN INTERRUPTED, I’ve also
begun writing the third novella in the Nick Spinelli Mystery series.
She holds a Master of Business
Administration degree and works as a Finance Director. She is a
member of Romance Writers of America and the Wisconsin Romance Writers of
America. Her publishers are
Melange Books and Whiskey Creek Press.
Contact Information:
Twitter: @VClarizio
Wordpress
Website/Blog: http://valclarizio.wordpress.com/
Buy Links:
Val,
ReplyDeleteI love how you describe your emotions about your first book. I think all of us "writers" hold the first one in a special corner of our hearts.
And the ironing board? Too cute...
Hi Casey,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you stopped by. Yep, the first is always special:)
Val
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for allowing me to visit your lovely blog.
Best wishes,
Val