Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Victoria Stevens, originally a geologist from the UK but now based in Cape Town where I’m researching earthquakes at the university. I’ve written one book so far based on my travels around South Africa, but I hope to also write up my travels around Botswana soon.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Chasing Ostriches: A Two-Month Road Trip through South Africa. I have a travel blog called ostrichtrails.com and I wanted to include ostriches in my book title somehow. As I was brainstorming, Chasing Pavements by Adele came on the radio so I thought, ‘Chasing Ostriches’, why not? On my travels I did end up chasing ostriches a few times – they can run really fast! So this title seemed perfect.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My book is a travel journal so I write for a few hours every few days while on the trip. When I write I write fast, 2000 words per hour. I don’t stop and think too much but try and record what has happened in the most interesting way possible. I don’t like taking notes because it confuses me – I can never remember if I have written up an experience or only made a note about so more often than not, if I write a note then it doesn’t end up in the final book!
What are you working on now?
I’m currently editing my second book, No Footprints in the Night, in which I travel around Botswana for a couple of months, escaping lions and puff-adders and elephants.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela. Since living in South Africa I love learning about its history and politics. I’m surprised at myself for not having already read this, it’s way better and more interesting than I thought it would be.
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 Famished Road, by Ben Okri
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, by Robert M. Pirsig
Earthsea Quartet, by Ursula Le Guin
Author Websites and Profiles
Victoria Stevens Website
Victoria Stevens Amazon Profile