TQ: What inspired you to become a writer?
Virna: I've been an avid romance reader since I was twelve years old. I've always loved words, so it made sense that I was an English major, and then a lawyer. Writing fiction, however, didn't seem "practical" or, to be honest, attainable. I always thought writers had to be creative geniuses with intelligence beyond anything I possessed. But then I discovered that lawyering wasn't for me. I wanted to try something creative that I could be passionate about. I tried a lot of things (painting, acting, singing) until finally writing was the only thing left. I told myself, "just write something you'd like to read," and once I did, I was hooked!
TQ: What is the most challenging thing for you about writing?
Virna: Trying to keep ego and pride out of it. I'm a perfectionist and I'm a people-pleaser to boot. So getting negative reviews or feedback can play havoc with my confidence. Then again, even good reviews create pressure to do that much better. And of course, what one reader loves another hates, so there's not even a definitive answer of what's "good" or "awesome." Ultimately, I always have to get back to the place where I started--writing because I love it.
TQ: What writing achievement are you most proud of?
Virna: Writing for both Harlequin's category and single title line was always a big dream of mine. I grew up reading Linda Howard and Nora Roberts, and that was the path they followed. I'm proud to be taking a similar career path. I'm also really proud of two other things: 1) that I took a risk by writing paranormal, a genre I never thought I'd write, and ended up loving it; and 2) that my novella, Molly Wants A Hero, is included in Lori Foster's upcoming pet anthology, Love Bites. I know that's three, and there are many more--I couldn't pick just one! ;P
TQ: What one thing should everyone know about your writing?
Virna: That I like to explore tough issues. That I think we're all a mix of perfect and imperfect, light and dark. That I believe in redemption and true love and empowerment, but only because someone's willing to dig deep and work hard for it.
TQ: Please tell us about your latest and upcoming works.
Virna: Most readers know me for my Para-Ops series, and book 3, Chosen By Sin (Dex Hunt's story) is now available on Amazon and www.chosenbysin.com. I'm also launching a new contemporary romantic suspense series that follows a team of agents with the California Department of Justice. Shades Of Desire, my debut single title with HQN, just launched May 22, 2012, with the first book in the Special Investigations Group series. In this story, a famous photographer who's just lost her vision is asked to help a sexy homicide detective solve an investigation. The next book in the series, Shades Of Temptation, releases in September. Finally, a deal is in the works to bring a slightly different paranormal romantic suspense series to readers. I'm super excited about it and look forward to sharing the details soon.
TQ: Thank you for joining us at The Qwillery.
Virna: Sally, thank you so much for interviewing me. It's always a pleasure to work with you and get in front of your readers.
Special Investigations Group
Shades of Desire
Special Investigations Group 1HQN, May 22, 2012
Mass Market Paperback and eBook, 384 pages
Natalie Jones is the lucky survivor of an elusive killer who preys on young women and then disappears from view. And since her harrowing ordeal, the once gutsy photojournalist has remained isolated in her home, paralyzed by fear and her failing vision.
Special Agent Liam "Mac" McKenzie has scars of his own. But despite his efforts to ignore the attraction that simmers between him and Natalie, he needs her help to catch a predator. Soon, they will forge a tentative alliance—charged with desire. Through a soft-focus lens, Natalie dares to envision a future with Mac beyond the investigation…never guessing that the clues hidden within her photographs are drawing them into an explosive confrontation with a madman.
Para-Ops
Chosen by Sin
Para-Ops 3
December 2011
Paperback and eBook, 256 pages
The longest life isn’t always the happiest one…
For now, werebeast Dex Hunt serves on the Para-Ops team, but his true purpose is to kill the werewolf leader he blames for his mother’s death. Biding his time, Dex keeps his emotional distance from his team members and anyone else he might care for, including a mysterious vampire he met in L.A.
As a doctor, vampire Jesmina Martin has dedicated her immortal life to healing others. As a scientific researcher, she’s trying to prolong life spans, in particular those of her adoptive dragon-shifter family and the werewolf who saved her as a child. Her greatest hope lies with Dex, a werebeast she believes can gift immortality to others.
Only Dex knows nothing about his gift or the fact Jesmina wants to harness it. After a passionate night together neither expects to see the other again. Weeks later, they are reunited in France and forced to acknowledge a fragile miracle—a new life struggling to survive. At the same time, they must stop a group of rebel shape-shifters hoping to unleash every demon in hell. But before Dex and Jesmina can save their child or the world, they must relinquish their secrets, face their fears, and open themselves to love.
Chosen By Fate
Para-Ops 2Berkley, October 4, 2011
Mass Market Paperback and eBook, 320 pages
Although he keeps company with a vampire and a were, human Shaman Caleb O’Flare can definitely hold his own. But neither his psychic ability nor his healing powers can help his sexy-as-hell teammate, Wraith—a ghost with no memory of her human existence, who cannot experience touch without pain. No wraith has managed to exist past its tenth year, so her time is about to run out. She wants only two things before accepting her fate: to learn her human identity, and experience one night with Caleb...
Chosen By Blood
Para-Ops 1Berkley, May 3, 2011
Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages
Five years after the Second Civil War ends, humans and otherborn—humanlike creatures with superhuman DNA—still struggle for peace. To ensure the continued rights of both, the FBI forms a Para-Ops team with a unique set of skills.
About Virna
Virna DePaul is a former criminal prosecutor and now national bestselling author of the Para-Ops Novels (Chosen By Sin, Book 3 now available; see www.chosenbysin.com.)
Virna also writes contemporary romantic suspense for Harlequin Romantic Suspense (It Started That Night, May 2012) and HQN (Shades Of Desire, June 2012).
Finally, Virna is a national bestselling author of numerous indie published novels. Sign up for her mailing list for access to her monthly writing cheat sheets and reader contests.
www.virnadepaul.com
Virna's Links:
Website
Facebook Books That Rock Fan Page
Thank you for spotlighting me, Sally!!
ReplyDeleteHi Virna - Great interview. I have to get Shades Of Desire. Love your work :).
ReplyDeleteThank so much, Victoria!! :)
ReplyDelete