Interview with: Victoria Riley
Author of: Babs
I had such a great time talking with Victoria Riley today. She is the author of Babs, a biography Victoria wrote in honor of her Native American mother. It is truly an amazing story that talks about some burdensome times of poverty and racism. Ms. Riley, not only talks about her mother’s hard life in this book, she also talks about her mother’s great love for her family and God. In addition, she mentions some painful facts from our history that are, at times, hard to swallow.
Ms. Riley, why don’t you begin by telling us a little about yourself?
I live in Minnetonka, MN. I have 4 children and have been married for 18 years.
When did you decide you wanted to become an author?
I have always been a writer on some level. I’ve kept a personal journal since the age of fifteen.
Do you have another job besides writing?
I am an Organizer, offices, closets and parties.
Were you an avid reader as a child? What type of books did you enjoy reading?
I did not like to read as a child.
Tell us a bit about your latest book, and what inspired you to write such a story.
My latest book is about my mother and the reservation she grew up on. It tells of the trials and tribulation she experienced there. I am finishing my 2nd book now.
Oh, that’s great! What’s your second book about?
My second book is about raising children with old school values. Today’s children are lost in technology and the art of writing letters, reading books and sitting together at dinner time are long gone. I bring ideas to the table for modern day parents to re-connect with their children and how to enjoy parenting again.
How would you describe your creative process while writing this book? Was it stream-of-consciousness writing, or did you first write an outline?
I do not use outlines. I write raw and as ideas and thoughts come to mind. It feels authentic that way.
Did your book require a lot of research?
My first book did, my second, not so much.
Why do you write?
I am compelled to.
Who are your literary hero’s and why?
Earnest Hemingway, Isabell Allende, Elizabeth Edwards and Sanela Jurich.
Oh, wow! Thank you! I feel so honored to have my name mentioned in the same sentence as Hemingway, Edwards, Allende… thank you so much!
Well, all of your stories have moved me in some way and I lost my breath while reading each of them.
If you could have any vice without repercussions, what would it be?
I would probably have a glass of wine after each finished chapter.
What kind of promotions do you do for your books?
I work with Tate Publishing.
What is the funniest/most embarrassing/scariest story from one of your books signings or events?
My first in KC, Kansas. I sold one book from my table and just 4 at check out in Barnes and Nobel. We drove 8 hours to be there.
If you could have been the servant to any famous person in history, who would that be and why?
Earnest Hemingway. His brilliance and writing ability.
How do you research?
Reading.
What would you tell aspiring young writers about the publishing business?
Don’t expect too much.
Tell us five random things about yourself.
I don’t sleep. I get exited when I open a new book. I need alone time daily. I am a clean freak. There is always a book brewing in my head.
What type of writer are you—the one who experiences before writing, like Hemingway, or the one who mostly daydreams and fantasizes?
All of the above.
When do you get your best ideas and why do you think this is?
A.M. after I have slept a 2-4 hours.
From the moment you conceived the idea for the story, to the published book, how long did it take?
Three years.
Describe your working environment.
Dim lighting, quiet, hidden, cool room temperature.
Do you write non-stop until you have a first draft, or do you edit as you move along?
Non stop.
They say authors have immensely fragile egos… How would you handle negative criticism or a negative review?
After I pick myself off the floor, I jump back in.
As a writer, what scares you the most?
Criticism.
Are you a disciplined writer?
Yes, its the only area in my life that I am disciplined.
How do you divide your time between taking care of a home and children, and writing?
Get up before the children do, at 4am.
When it comes to writing, are you an early bird, or a night owl?
Early bird.
Have you ever suffered from writer’s block? What seems to work for unleashing your creativity?
I walk away from it until I am inspired again. Once it took 4 months.
Technically speaking, what do you struggle the most with when writing? How do you tackle it?
Bringing the story altogether. I have to use an editor.
What is the best writing advice you’ve ever received?
Keep writing, there is tomorrow to change, edit and re-write.
What book are you reading now?
French Lessons.
Where do you find ideas for stories?
My head.
Thank you, Victoria. It was a pleasure talking with you today.
Purchase Babs on Amzon.com
Connect with Victoria on Facebook and Goodreads.
______________________________________________________________________