Nov 21, 2012

Legends On LoveCats . . . . Valerie Parv

On LoveCats DownUnder today we have the wonderful Valerie Parv. Valerie is truly one of our greatest romance legends and we are all delighted that she is with us to answer our questions.


1/ Please tell us a little about your journey to first getting published?

When I started writing romance novels, there was very little information available about markets and editorial needs. I think if I’d known that for every 10,000 books submitted, Harlequin’s London office was accepting about ten in a good year, I may have been daunted. But probably not. My motto has always been “bite off more than you can chew, and chew like crazy.” I believe in writing what you love, never tongue in cheek or to meet a market. This believe no doubt led to my first acceptance,  Love’s Greatest Gamble, which broke a few moulds at the time.

 Every year of my career has seen me try something different, starting with non fiction books such as Growing and Using Herbs (my very first published book) to my writing guides, most notably The Art of Romance Writing and Heart and Craft, the anthology I edited containing practical advice and experience from some of Australia and New Zealand’s best-loved romance writers. Lately I’ve ventured into near-future romantic suspense with Birthright, which features what Erica Hayes calls, “aliens and evil astronauts” set in my fictional south pacific kingdom of Carramer.

 
2/ How many books have you had published so far in your career?

Over 50 novels, 25 nonfiction titles, novellas, dozens of short stories for major magazines, an award-winning travel documentary and most recently, a movie script currently in pre-production.

 
3/ The world of publishing is ever evolving, how have you stayed on top of trends and continued to give your readers what they want?

I believe a good, page-turning story is always key, no matter whether it’s in an ebook, a movie script, a print book or a holonovel (still waiting for that though). I’m always interested in what’s happening in the world. For many years I belonged to the World Future Society. I’ve also been a Star Trek fan since forever, helping to organise conventions in Sydney and once entertaining actor, George Takei, in my then-unrenovated terrace house in inner Sydney. Low light, lots of candles and champagne made that work, not to mention a life-sized Dalek.  I love Twitter @ValerieParv and Facebook, and blogging, just wish there were more hours in the day to keep up with it all *and* still write.

 
4/ What has been the highlight of your publishing career so far?

I still get a kick out of holding each new book, or in the case of Birthright, linking to its shiny new Amazon page. The print edition will be along soon. And I love seeing new translations of my work including my favourites, the Japanese manga editions.  A career highlight was speaking at RT Book Reviews Convention in Los Angeles last year, where I was presented with a Pioneer of Romance Award, the first Australian author to be so honoured. Being invited to become an Australia Day Ambassador is also a special thrill. 2013 will be my sixth year.

5/ Which of your books is your favourite, and why?

That’s like asking a mother to choose a favourite child. My favourite is usually either the one I’ve just finished, because it feels so good having it in existence, or the one I’m about to embark on, because everything is still possible and the hard grind of producing words has still to set in.

 
6/ Are you a plotter or a panster?

I started out the most fanatical plotter in existence. I would outline, then outline my outlines until they grew into books. With experience I learned to let my characters guide me through their story. I start out with an idea of the overall story arc but am open to unexpected twists and turns as they reveal themselves to me. I’ve also learned that if a character throws something at me out of left field, such as a hobby or sibling I didn’t know they had, it’s best to let it stand. Invariably, it will turn out to be exactly what the story needs, nudged along by my subconscious.

 7/ What’s the one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?

 Write what you love even if it’s not what the market currently wants. Eileen Dreyer was on the panel I chaired at RT and said her editor many years ago had told her Harlequin wasn’t ready for a dead body in a Harlequin romance, especially not one that had caught on fire. These days we’d call it a romantic suspense or a paranormal, depending on what caused the flames. I had a similar experience with a hero who just might have arrived by UFO – Star Trek influence here LOL. The book, The Leopard Tree, got all the way through Acquisitions until Alan Boon decided UK readers weren’t ready for a UFO in a romance. The book was published by their sister house, Silhouette, in the US and started me on a career that led directly to my new romantic suspense. Sometimes you just have to write other stories and wait for the market to catch up with you.

 8/ What do you love most about being a romance author?

What I love about being an author in general is the freedom to create your own worlds; to right the wrongs we can’t do a lot about in real life; and to make things come right in the end, as they rarely do in life. I love the meme going around the net which says, “I’m a writer. What’s your superpower?”
 
Thank you Valerie for answering our questions.
 
To celebrate the release of Valerie's latest release Birthright, the lovely team at Corvallis Press is giving away a fabulous $50.00 Amazon voucher to one lucky commenter!
 
Birthright, a near-future romantic suspense, available now on Amazon http://amzn.to/WDRPdW



43 comments:

  1. Hi Valerie (and Lovecats), it's great to meet you. I heard about you about a week ago for the very first time.. I was reading a post by Juanita Kees and she mentioned that your romance writing craft book was a great inspiration to her when writing her novel FLY AWAY PETA. So I checked it out and put it on my wish list. You have an interesting backlist and your range is quite fascinating. Congratulations on the release of your first book

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  2. Thanks Maria and indirectly, thanks Juanita. "The Art of Romance Writing" includes everything I wish I'd known when I started out. I love hearing how it's helped so many writers on their journey. FYI Birthright is my first paranormal romantic suspense, the latest of more than 70 books I've written overall...so far.

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  3. Birthright sounds great. Have put it on my wishlist!

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  4. I can't WAIT to hold *Birthright* in my hands. I'm holding out for print, so it can join my Valerie Parv collection.

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  5. Birthright looks fantastic and I'm looking forward to reading it! My fave book of yours??? HOW DO I LOVE THEE ;P

    Kelly Ethan

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  6. Thanks Nell and Laura. I'm getting lovely feedback from Birthright already. Planning two more related books and been asked when the second will be ready. Where's a clone when I need one?

    Thanks Kelly, I had fun with How Do I Love Thee. Some amazing authors in there.

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  7. I have Birthright on my Kindle, and as soon as I get these two current books up on Amazon, I'm going to settle in for a good read.

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  8. Hi Valerie - thanks you so much for joining the LoveCats today. Your Art Of Romance Writing was like gold to me when it came out - and I am so looking forward to reading Birthright.

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  9. Congrats on publishing so many books and stories!

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  10. Good luck with your latest books, Tori and I hope Birthright is a good incentive.
    Thanks Chey. And Helen, it's a pleasure to be here. Hope you enjoy my new book, too.

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  11. Valerie,

    It's wonderful to read this interview and hear a little about your remarkable career. Your book on writing romance was what helped me begin to take my writing seriously and to find Romance Writers of Australia. Thank you!

    I'm so excited at the idea of the film in pre-production and I love the way you tackle such a variety of projects! I'm wondering too, where I can get my own life-sized dalek. I've wanted one since I was a kid. Just what every home needs. Good luck with the release of your latest book.

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  12. *Hugs Annie* thanks for the compliments. Dalek was cool after we explained to George what it was, US hadn't seen Doctor Who then LOL

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  13. I should add I also had a replica Captain's Chair from the Enterprise, great for pondering story ideas. No wonder I was eager to take my romances into the spec fic world.

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  14. Thanks for visiting the LoveCats, Valerie, it's wonderful to have you here! The Art of Romance Writing was my best friend when I was first finding my feet in the delicious world of writing romance. :-)

    And I have to say, what a huge thrill it must've been to have been presented with a Pioneer's Award! I hope the champagne flowed that evening!!!

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  15. It was amazing, Michelle, given the talent in this industry. The Bonaventure Hotel in LA was a super place to receive such an honour, and I may have flirted with a frozen margarita or two.

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  16. Hi, Valerie. Didn't know you'd written quite so many books, just that the ones I'd read were great. Eager to read Birthright, but will probably wait for paper. Guess I'm old-fashioned (or just old).

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  17. Will let Corvallis Press know they have a waiting list, Nancy. Thanks for liking my books.

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  18. You said, "Over 50 novels, 25 nonfiction titles, novellas, dozens of short stories for major magazines, an award-winning travel documentary and most recently, a movie script currently in pre-production."
    OMG! That's incredible! At first I was going to comment on how 25 non-fiction titles must be very "exacting" work, with attention to various details, but then your list was so long that I just stopped there. I could comment on ALL those things you've done (but I'll spare you) and simply say, "Congratulations! That can't be easy to do, but wow, is that ever cool that you've done so many things!"
    Thanks for a lovely interview.

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  19. Great interview! I am jealous of oh, so many things... the life-sized Dalek (if it says EXTERMINATE! I may have to fly to Australia and steal it), the dinner with George Takei, and oh yeah, your HUGE writing success! I cannot wait to see your movie. Here's a question for you, is there any kind of writing you haven't done yet that you want to?

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  20. Thanks Laney4, sometimes I look at the list and wonder how it all happened. One book at a time, or as Ann Lamott would say, "Bird by bird."
    *Waves to Amelia*
    Glad you finally got past the robot-guards. Is it me or do those captcha things get harder every time? Wow, tough question you pose. I'm dying to see my movie in production, of course. I'd also like to write a manga as opposed to having my work translated. I have scripted a comic strip for a cartoonist friend (he gave me a credit IN the strip) but writing a new manga would be uber cool.

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  21. Wow, Valerie, you always amaze and inspire me! I think you and your writing are awesome. I can't wait until Birthright is in print, but I'll probably get the Kindle version for myself for Christmas.

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  22. Good to hear and thanks Tina Louise. Amazes me that I can "autograph" the electronic copies on request via http://www.authorgraph.com so I can do that for you, too, when ready. What a world!

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  23. It's so lovely to have you visiting the kitties, Valerie. Of course two of us are past winners of the incredible Valerie Parv award so it's extra special to have you here. Even though I spent the year with you I've learnt so much more about you today! A travel documentary??

    Can't wait to read Birthright. It sounds fabulous.

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  24. Hi Valerie! It's fabulous to have one of my long-time favourite authors visiting us on the LoveCats! Did you know that I saw you being interviewed on one of the current affairs show many years ago ... you planted the idea that maybe I could write a romance! So thank you for opening my eyes to the possibilities! I have several of your non-fiction books, including The Art of Romance Writing - which I originally got in the folder form! It was (and still is) excellent!

    Great interview and great advice! And I'm looking forward to getting my copy of Birthright too!

    Hugs!
    Sharon

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  25. Um...I wrote a documentary on Fiji years ago, the one that won an award. Have also adapted a science fiction novel to film. Dang, so many projects that I forget to list :-) I also enjoyed our year together and am thrilled with your progress. *Waves to Rachel as well* Some talented kitties on this site. Purrrr.

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  26. Hi Sharon, that folder version of my Art of Romance Writing could be a collector's item now LOL Glad I managed to inspire you, though I'd rather not look at some of the TV interviews now. Still waiting for that body double.

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  27. Such a great motto. I am in awe of the 75+ pieces of work. Congratulations on your new release.

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  28. Thanks Mary, that motto has worked for me for a long time, along with a favourite inspirational book called Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway. The title says it all.

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  29. Valerie, if ever you decide you don't need your dalek, just let me know!

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  30. Hee, it wasn't mine, made by one of the gang behind the convention. I adopted the captain's chair from the same event. Nobody else had room LOL. When I parted with it to another fan, he arrived at my door with the words, "Starfleet Removals."

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  31. Congrts on the new release and for Over 50 novels, wonderful :D

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  32. Thanks Eli, this has been a "legendary" day. Thanks everyone who left a comment, will await the kitties' decision on awarding the $50 Amazon Voucher from Corvallis Press. I hope you all enjoy Birthright, one of my favourite books wrapped in the most stunning cover. There's a link on this page and on my website. Hope to see you there soon. Night all!

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  33. Hi Valerie

    Lovely to see you branching out into new worlds.

    The first book of yours I read was The Leopard Tree way back in 1987. I've been hooked ever since.

    Congratulations on a wonderfully successful writing career. I look forward to building my collection with each new release.

    All the best, Juanita

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  34. Valerie, yay another Trekkie fan out there. I met George in Chicago at a Strek Trek convention once. Was a real treat. And wow on having over 50 books sold. Congrats to you!
    Patti Shenberger

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  35. Your advice to push the boundaries and wait for the market to catch up really struck a chord with me. And the cover of Birthright is to die for!

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  36. My gosh Valerie, what a wonderful inspiration you are, especially that you aren't afraid to try new things, push the boundaries, that i believe really does extend ourselves as authors.
    Kind regards
    Jane Beckenham

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  37. Hi Valerie! So lovely to have you visit the LoveCats, but as Barb said, you should feel right at home here with two of your minions (aka past Valerie Parv Award winners) living here. :)

    Btw, am having serious envy about the life-sized dalek...

    Congrats on the Birthright launch!

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  38. That's quite a body of works that you've accomplished. You are a new to me author but it's a genre I like and I think I would really enjoy your story. Congratulations on your newest!

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  39. Helen Lacey told me there were new comments so I checked and wow, you guys are busy kitties. Glad to see you here Juanita, thanks for your kind words. Hi Patti, George Takei is adorable, isn't he? That amazing laugh!

    Hi Lee Christine and Jane, yes pushing the boundaries keeps the writing fresh and challenging. I'm so glad you like the cover of Birthright. Corvallis Press did me proud.

    Yes Rachel, two former Valerie Parv Award winners here is wonderful. Many other Lovecats were also runners-up or finalists at different times. This mama cat loves her kittens LOL And waves to Catslady, gotta like that name. Hope you enjoy reading Birthright too.

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  40. Congrats on the book! Very nice interview.

    bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  41. Birthright sounds like a great read! And I would love to the read The Leopard Tree too!
    Thanks for popping in to The Lovecats, Valerie =)

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  42. "What I love about being an author in general is the freedom to create your own worlds; to right the wrongs we can’t do a lot about in real life; and to make things come right in the end, as they rarely do in life."

    I love that. It's true for many genres, but especially romance. I looked up the synopsis for this book on Amazon - it looks amazing! I love science in romance books - it makes the book so much more interesting. Thank you for the very ncie interivew and giveaway, Ms. Valerie!

    Alyssa <3

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  43. hi val, congrats for the books and thanks for the giveaway. birthright sounds interesting to me.
    x.

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