Best of Family & Relationships
Best of Family & Relationships
"So Many Books, So Little Time!"
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Exclusive Interview with
Vicky Walklate
When did you start writing?
I was a voracious reader as a child and when I ran out of things to read, I started writing short stories. Then in my late teens/early twenties, inspired by Regency romances and other novels I loved, I decided to have a go at writing full-length stories. I now have Sacrifice (Book 1 in my fantasy romance series) Hellion Pride (Book 1 in my Regency mystery series), and All Yours (Book 1 in my monster romance series) out in the world. And there are lots more books to come!
What makes writing your passion?
Sitting down at my desk to start a brand new story, work through edits or promote a published book is something I love. When it feels like a reward or treat rather than a hassle, you know it's a passion.
How long have you been writing?
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
There's nothing like seeing your name on a book cover for the first time, knowing your story is out in the world for others to read. It was simultaneously terrifying, exhilarating and very fulfilling.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
As enemies to lovers is my favourite trope, I love writing contrasting characters who you wouldn't think at first glance could get along. The sunshiny human with a core of steel versus the grumpy dragon who's soft as butter on the inside; the independent hellion versus the over-protective duke; the shy, anxious human versus a dominant crocodile monster! The themes of found friendships and inner strength also play a big part in my stories.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
Finding time to do it! Juggling writing with the day job, family life, housework and everything else can be exhausting. To Do lists and stern reminders about self-care and prioritisation are my lifelines.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
I get writer's block when I'm over-tired or if I've written myself into a corner. I take a break from the screen and either have a shower or take the dog for a walk, where I can think about the overall story. This usually helps the answer to reveal itself. Then it's just a case of writing it down before I forget!
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
My advice to others is the same as what I tell myself: just keep writing! It’s easy to be distracted or derailed by imposter syndrome or writer's block. But no one else can get YOUR story down on paper, so even if you take a break, don't give up entirely. And don’t be afraid to let others see your work. Good critique partners and beta readers are worth their weight in gold, often spotting things you don't notice. Trust me, it's very easy to miss things when you've read your story a million times!
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
I don't seek them out, but I am grateful for every single one. I have no issue with bad reviews as everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Also it's important to remember that one person's 1-star read is another person's 5-star delight! I've picked up many a book after reading a negative review and thinking that the things the reviewer disliked are right up my street!
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
The buzz from a good review keeps me smiling for days. As I said, I don't seek reviews out, but coming across a good one and knowing that my work has resonated with a reader is an amazing feeling.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
I think there is a little bit of me, or who I'd like to be, in many of my characters. I like to think I have the natural optimism of Libby, the MC of Sacrifice. Having the courage and natural confidence of Tamar, the MC of Hellion Pride, would be amazing. My family would probably say I have her bossiness...
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I love connecting with readers. I'm very active on Twitter, and I also have Instagram, Facebook and TikTok accounts, so feel free to come find me and say hi.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
I think the massive grin that spreads across my face makes it obvious! It's wonderful when people appreciate my books and seek my out to tell me.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
To be able to give up my day job and write full time would be wonderful. At the moment it's not on the cards, but I'll keep putting out what I hope are fun, good quality, interesting stories in the meantime. To be asked on to a panel to talk about my books would be a particular milestone.
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
I already have! My first book, Hellion Pride, was self-published in 2013. After I signed with the wonderful Champagne Book Group for Sacrifice, I rewrote sections of Hellion utilising everything I'd learned about writing over the years. It has now been republished with Champagne Book Group, and I'm even happier with it than I was before.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
What would you say to your readers?
Thank you for reading! Choosing a book is no easy task - I’m honored that you gave mine a go and hope you enjoyed them. If you have any questions about my books or characters, let me know!
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I live in the beautiful county of Norfolk in the UK, with my husband, two children, madcap dog, diva cat, extremely patient guinea pigs, an apparently-immortal hamster (seriously, he's SO old) and about 20 goldfish. As a family we're messy, busy and loud. Oh and we love reading :-)
What is your day job if you have one?
I work in admin, and like to incorporate my love of lists and spreadsheets into my writing prep!
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
In my spare time I read, predominantly romance, fantasy and historical fiction. I also have fun with my family and go on long walks or training sessions with my dog. Occasionally I attempt a jigsaw, which usually ends one of two ways: 1) me getting frustrated and giving up or 2) the dog eating one of the pieces. Whatever I'm doing, you can usually find me with a cup of tea in hand.
Did you have a happy childhood?
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
Yes, the sequel to Sacrifice is currently with my publishers for consideration, and I'm working on two more stories: the sequel to Hellion, and Book 2 in my monster romance series. I'm also playing around with an idea for a paranormal romance series which I do NOT have time to write, but can't get out of my head!
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
I guess I'm not allowed to wish for more wishes! So I'll pick three writing-related ones: 1) to write full time; 2) to reach #1 on a book bestseller list and 3) for one of my series to be adapted into a film or TV show.
What is your favorite music?
Anything that matches what I'm writing at that moment. I have huge, eclectic playlists for all my series :-)
Share a secret with us 🙂
I've had several comments from readers about how much they love Dax and Fen, two of the supporting characters in Sacrifice. I can confirm that both of them feature in Book 2!