Interview With Author Val Tobin
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Val studied general arts at the University of Waterloo, then went to DeVry Toronto to get a diploma in Computer Information Systems. She worked in the computer industry as a software and Web developer for over ten years.
In October 2004, Val became a certified Reiki Master/Teacher. She acquired Angel Therapy Practitioner® certification in March 2008, in Kona, Hawaii from Doreen Virtue, Ph.D.
Val started work on a bachelor of science in parapsychic science from the American Institute of Holistic Theology in March 2007 and received her degree in September 2010. She also obtained her master’s degree in parapsychology at AIHT.
At the end of October 2008, Val returned to Kona, Hawaii to complete the Advanced ATP® training and in April 2010 to take the Spiritual Writing workshop and the Mediumship Certification class. Val wrote freelance for online magazine Suite101 and was Topic Editor for Paganism/Wicca and Webmaster Resources at Suite.
A published author, she contributed a story to Doreen Virtue’s Hay House book Angel Words. Her novels are available in both e-book and paperback format.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, The Magician: Infinity’s End, is book two in my urban fantasy series, Tales from the Unmasqued World. Each book in the series takes inspiration from a different card in the tarot’s major arcana.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, nothing unusual.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Authors who’ve inspired me are Stephen King, Margaret Atwood, Nora Roberts, Michael Connelly, Lee Child, and too many others to name. The books that have influenced me are The Lord of the Rings, Gone with the Wind, Watership Down, Rebecca, every Nora Roberts book, Salem’s Lot, and many more.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on book three in the Tales from the Unmasqued World series. It’s called The High Priestess: Persephone’s Return.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I do well promoting my books at live events such as book signings.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Work on your writing project every day. Even if you can only do a little, it adds up.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write the first draft with the door closed. That’s from Stephen King’s On Writing. When I first started writing, I wanted to get feedback immediately and would show people the first chapters of my rough draft. That’s not helpful. The first draft is for me only now. This way I barrel through without second-guessing myself and the work gets done.
What are you reading now?
Daphne du Maurier’s Echoes from the Macabre
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m working on a non-fiction book about the aftereffects of near-death experiences. I also want to write a sequel to my romantic suspense novel You Again and write book four of my UF series.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
My Valiant Chronicles (it’s three books in one) book, so I’m cheating. Also the Lord of the Rings (okay, cheating again because that’s three books in one too), Gone with the Wind, and Rebecca.
Author Websites and Profiles
Val Tobin Author Profile on Smashwords
Val Tobin’s Social Media Links