Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve forgotten how many books I’ve written, but 5 are available. The Witchstone was traditionally published, and amazingly enough, there are still copies around.
The Ring of the Dark Elves was published in POD. That book is way too expensive and I may make it into an ebook eventually.
The Children in Hiding series, a trilogy of dystopian thrillers, more or less young adult.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
City of Hidden Children is Book 3 of the dystopian trilogy. It was inspired by the comments on news sites: whenever the news reported a child injured or abused, people would without fail write: You should have to get a license to have a child.
I started thinking about what results that would produce, to get the government involved in permission to have children, as in China. The result was the trilogy.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I write when I can squeeze a few minutes in.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love thrillers, science fiction, and some fantasy: C. J. Cherryh, especially the Foreigner series, Ursula Le Guin, especially The Left Hand of Darkness and The Lathe of Heaven. C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams’ spiritual thrillers. Tolkien. Also Robert Crais’ books, such as The Monkey’s Raincoat.
What are you working on now?
A short book of short stories : Shadowcat: Tales from the Edge of Sleep. Just for fun.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m not too good at that. I go into marketing mode, and mention my books everywhere I go. When my friends start avoiding me, I relax a bit.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read books about writing, read a lot of good writers.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Don’t pee on an electric fence.” Contributed by my son.
Oh, you mean for writers?
Write what makes you happy, what you would like to read.
What are you reading now?
I just finished That Hideous Strength, the third book of C.S.Lewis’ space trilogy. It’s much better than I remembered it.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing. I love using Createspace and KDP for both print and ebooks.
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?
The Bible.
Shakespeare’s collected works
Crime and Punishment
Author Websites and Profiles
Victoria Randall Website
Victoria Randall Amazon Profile