Author Interview ~ Valerie Hansen

Valerie Hansen's books reflect her growing faith and a joyful appreciation of the life the Lord has always provided for her, even when she didn’t have a clue what was going on - which was most of the time. And it still is! She believes in happy endings, endless possibilities, perseverance, romance, and looking for the best in every situation. She loves her family, friends, animals of all kinds, gardening, chocolate, and writing the books of her heart. Now, if chocolate weren’t fattening, life would be just about perfect.

What new book or project do you have coming out?

In 2007 I’m scheduled for four releases so far. In Jan. there is the “Love Inspired Classic” featuring 2-in-1 reprints of SECOND CHANCES and LOVE ONE ANOTHER, two of my earlier titles.

In May I have DEADLY PAYOFF, book #5 in the “Secrets of Stoneley” series, a Love Inspired Suspense.

Then, in June comes SHADOW OF TURNING, also a Love Inspired Suspense but set in rural Arkansas in the fictitious town of Serenity, as are many of my other books. Sept. 2007 brings me back to Love Inspired Romance with A TREASURE OF THE HEART, again set in rural Arkansas.

And that’s just 2007. I have more scheduled for publication in 2008, including my first Love Inspired Historical.

How did you come up with this story? Was there a specific 'what if' moment?

Many of my contemporary titles are based on the small town life in “Serenity”, while the series books take me to many different places. Those are a challenge but fun because I get to work with five other authors to make the series fit together, although each book must also stand alone.

DEADLY PAYOFF is about one of six sisters whose mother has been missing for most of their lives. It’s a fascinating premise.

Then, in SHADOW OF TURNING, I deal with a storm-chasing meteorologist and an antique dealer. I’ve been personally certified as a “Severe Weather Storm Spotter” by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce and that training led to some of the basics in this book.

Tell us about your publishing journey. How long had you been writing before you got a contract? How did you find out and what went through your mind?

I’ve been writing for some time but the first Love Inspired contract was still special. I had felt for some time that I belonged in Christian publishing and had been studying the market. I had an appointment with an editor at a Memphis writer’s conference and had planned to pitch a historical ms. when I was told that that editor had just been assigned to head the new Love Inspired line! I had the appointment before she even had the job!

In the thirty minutes I had to prepare, I managed to pull my thoughts together and convince her I could provide exactly what she was looking for. That was in 1998 and I’ve been writing for that line ever since.

Do you ever struggle with writer's block? If so, how do you overcome it?

Writer’s block can be tricky. I either hike in the woods behind my house or ride my bike or exercise or vacuum --- anything to free up my mind and relax. If none of those thing work I sit down at my computer and just write!

Where do you write? Do you have a dedicated office or a corner or nook in a room?

My husband built a room onto our old renovated farm house and I work there. Best of all, he’s retired and has discovered that he loves to cook so I’m free to concentrate on writing.

Do you have a word or page goal you set for each day?

No. Daily goals don’t work for me. When I have a contract for a book I’m obsessed until I finish it. Then I take a little time off before starting another project.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I stay up late and start my day later than most. I’m usually done checking email by 10 am and then open my files to start work. My most productive times are afternoons.

What’s the best writing advice you’ve heard?

READ. I dedicated reader has all the tools she needs to write, even if she does have to bone up on English and punctuation a bit.

What do you wish you’d known early in your career that might have saved you some time and/or frustration in writing? In publishing?

I was very naïve at the beginning. If I had dreamed how hard it was to break into the business I might not have tried. By the time I figured it out, I was already published!

How much marketing do you do? What have you found that particularly works well for you?

I keep a personal website at www.ValerieHansen.com and try to update it regularly, although it does sometimes suffer when my contract schedule is too full. Beyond that, I answer all my fan mail myself and do autographing when asked.

Do you have any parting words of advice?

Looking back on my writing career I’m struck by the way things have fallen into place for me. Why? I believe it’s because I was ready. Prepared. I wish I could remember where I heard this quote so I could attribute it to the proper source but I love it. “Success is when preparation meets opportunity.”