I’ve featured a number of her books as part of Critters on Tour. Here’s a chance to get to know more about romance author, Valerie Ullmer.
Thanks for dropping by again, Valerie.
Do you have any quirky writing habits?
I don’t know if you would call it quirky, but there are several steps I have to go through before I start writing my book. I write out all the ideas I have for story, then I write what if questions to try and fill in the holes that bother me, and after that, I outline using plot points. All of this is written freehand. Once I am finished with my outline, I enter it into Scrivener and go over it to see if I am missing anything and only then do I start writing. Being so detailed oriented allows me to write the story faster and with fewer problems.
What’s the biggest surprise you had after becoming a writer?
That if you want to be a writer, you have to write. For years, I studied different books on how to write a novel, how to be a romance writer, and everything under the sun on plotting, outlines, character arcs, you name it, I read about it. But it wasn’t until I sat down and wrote my first book (which I have to admit it was horrible), that I realized that the only way you become a writer is to just write. I still study material on writing, but nothing compares to putting something on the page.
Tell us a fun fact about writing your book.
Well my entire Dark Assassins series has a completely different spin than most paranormal romances. Vampires and shifters work together as immortal assassins, but they are also close to each other and care for one another. They are family to one another. Also, while they feel a pull to their mates, there isn’t an instant connection or automatic knowledge that they are meant for one another.
What do you struggle the most with when you write the story?
There is always a spot, usually around the first plot point or midpoint, when I notice there is a lack of conflict or tension between the characters. I have to take a couple of days to work through it, but my story is always stronger after. But it’s a little frustrating.
Which kind of scenes are the hardest for you to write? Action, dialogue, sex?
I would have to say action. It drives me nuts when I read over an action or fight scene and it makes no sense. Instead of writing too much, I tend to write very little and add more later. I end up with a scene that lacks flow, and it takes me a bit to fix it, but it’s worth it.
How do you keep from resenting your duties and every human’s sleeping requirement when you have to stop writing to take care of them?
I’m very lucky that I have such a supportive husband who encourages me and my writing. He’s also is very good at telling me when I need to quit or gives me encouragement when I need motivation to finish. Errands and other responsibilities make for a good break from sitting in front of the computer, but I usually wait until my husband is with me.
How long does it take you to write a story?
I learned the hard way to make an outline and to have as much information as possible before writing the story, so between outline and finishing the first draft, anywhere between 3 months for novellas or 6 for novels.
Pen or computer?
Pen for outlining and computer for writing.
Music or silence?
Music, silence drives me batty.
Alone or in public?
Alone, while I love music I can’t stand low-level conversation, it’s very distracting.
Routine or when inspiration strikes?
Routine, every day, even on the weekends. It’s like my favorite quote about writing: “Waiting for inspiration to write is like standing at the airport waiting for a train.”
You are stranded on a deserted island and can have only 2 people with you, a person from your book and a person from any other book. Which would they be?
The only two people that come to mind is Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. I think they are the epitome of love and it would be interesting to hear their conversations. I love the characters in all my books, but it would be hard to pick only two.
Have you ever found someone in a story who’s exactly like you?
To be honest, no, I’ve never met a character that resembled me, but I have read author interviews and I have noticed that I have a lot of qualities that other authors have: a wicked sense of humor, I’m an introvert, a love of reading, and a love of writing.
Thanks so much for this insight into your writing habits, Valerie.
Valerie’s Dark Assassins Novels have featured on my blog. You can check out “Kai” and “Reaper” now.
For more information about Valerie and her books you can find her below:
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