Interview Angela Verdenius
by
Claire Bocardo
Angela, please tell us a little about your new book. Is it part of the series that's available at Wings ePress, or is this something different?
Soul of a Hunter is book 5 in the Heart & Soul series (futuristic romance), and is available at Wings ePress. This particular story is about a Daamen woman who was kidnapped and orphaned at a young age, and the hardships she has endured. She’s now a bounty hunter. When she is shot by outlaws and left to die, a past friend finds her--the Daamen trader, Cam. But he has to convince her to exchange vengeance for love. Meanwhile, there’s a plot afoot to overthrow the Intergalactic Peace Ship, and control the Lawful Sector. I love a mix of pirates, outlaws, bounty hunters and Daamen traders! Always makes things interesting LOL.
So far, you have stayed in the futuristic fantasy genre. What are the pleasures of writing about other worlds and other times?
Being able to make my own rules, not having to write to a formula, and exploring all the possibilities that abound in this genre. It’s freedom to create my own worlds, cultures and species!!
If you were to write in another genre, what would it be?
I lean towards horror--I’ve been cooking up a horror story for awhile now. But I also have a fantasy bubbling away on the back burner--so many stories, so little time...<grin>
What made a writer of you, and how did you recognize your "calling"?
Hmm, I’d say being an avid reader, and a daydreamer. I don’t know that I actually recognized my ‘calling’ as much as that I’ve always written stories as far back as I can remember. If I didn’t have a book in my hands, it was a pen or pencil.
At what point in life, and why, did you become serious about writing fiction?
I really became serious about 6 years ago. I had this story in my mind, and I needed to write it all down. Every spare second I had, I sat and wrote. I ‘lived’ my characters and story in my head when I wasn’t writing. I just knew I had to finish the story. From there, I was on a roll. I’d done it once, and I knew I could do it again--I’d proven it to myself. As for why, I’ve always wanted to be a writer. It makes me feel complete.
What have you learned about yourself through writing fiction?
That it’s good to daydream LOL. That it’s okay to let my imagination soar, and to savour personal experiences--even the bad experiences--to use on my characters later. That there are no limits to what you can write with fiction. Oh yes, I’ve also gotten to the stage that I don’t worry about what other people will think of my sex scenes... except my mother. I worry about that!!
If you could be somebody else, who would you be?
I’m happy being me. I’d just like to be able to make a living from writing, and have a lovely big stone house, and an animal sanctuary, on about fifty acres, in the country.
What is a good day for writing, and what's a bad day? What are your favorite conditions?
A bad day is when I work--because I do nights, I go to sleep about 9 in the morning and get up at 3 in the afternoon. As I have to be back at work by 9 pm, it doesn’t leave a lot of time for checking emails, writing, cooking my meals, and being with my animals. A good day is a day off, with nothing on the agenda but writing!! Favorite conditions? Rainy weather!
What do you consider your greatest strength as a writer? Your greatest weakness?
Hmm, my greatest strength would be my determination to finish each book, and not give up on it when the going gets tough. My greatest weakness--doubting myself.
What is your proudest accomplishment in life?
Bottle-rearing an orphaned kitten from 1 day old. He’s now a healthy three year old, and my ‘baby’. I’ve bottle-fed a few abandoned kittens. To see them grow into strong, healthy cats is a miracle.
What do you wish I'd asked, that I didn't?
Nothing--you did a great job!! I wish I’d thought of some of these questions!