Interview With Author Victoria Clarke
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My first book was written in 2020/21 and was taken up by my publisher in March of 2022. I only submitted my manuscript to four publishers and was lucky enough to hear back almost right away – it was this publisher that I signed on with! As a first-time novelist you are warned to expect many rejections before you get a contract, so I was mentally prepared for that. It just didn’t happen…!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book Exceptionally Unconventional is my debut novel, however I am working on my second manuscript which I hope to have completed soon.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I use a lot of exclamation points when I am doing my first draft – my editor describes my writing style as “wildly excited”!
I also tend to play out scenes in my head if I get stuck; I imagine them different ways before I put it in words!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My all time favourite author is Georgette Heyer, followed closely by the redoubtable Jane Austen. But, for an interesting turn, I am also a GRRM fan. I also love Timothy Zahn, Kathy Tyers, Michael A Stackpole, James Luceno and Alan D Foster are also massive favourites for me in their Star Wars novels!
What are you working on now?
I am currently writing my second novel. It is also a Regency era novel, but I am not creating a series currently. I hope in the future to expand the story in Exceptionally Unconventional to write a back-story for one or two of the characters that it features.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I did a great little book blitz with Expresso Book Tours when it was first published, but I am very new to this so very much still learning!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. And just keep writing!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The word THAT is not as necessary as you think that it is. 😉
What are you reading now?
I just finished re-reading Georgette Heyer’s Sylvester. If you haven’t read it before, do.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to finish my current manuscript before June, which means I really need to focus on it. Am I doing that? No, not as much as I ought! I’m a little distracted by the publication of my first novel.
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?
Pride and Prejudice
I, Jedi
The Grand Sophy
Author Websites and Profiles
Victoria Clarke Amazon Profile
Victoria Clarke’s Social Media Links