BookWenches

Interviewed by Bobby

Today, we welcome Viki Lyn to BookWenches. Thanks so much for taking the time to chat, Viki.

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Your new novel The Tiger Within is a mixture of paranormal, superhero, action, and romance. Will you tell me a little bit about what inspired you to write this story?

I'm an avid comic book reader (DC), so that might be why you picked up the superhero/action part of my story. When I write, I don't think of what's influencing me for any particular story. I've always been intrigued with paranormal, and shape shifters, so it was only a matter of time until I tried my hand at writing one. I love the beauty of the white tiger with those icy blue eyes. I like big cats and if I could shape shift that would be my animal of choice!

That sometimes people are not what they seem - think Scarlet Pimpernel. *grin* Antoine is effeminate but has an inner strength, and that's why he's survived for centuries. I also like the pairing of complete opposites - and Jack is such an uptight and emotionally closed individual. A part of him is appalled at being attracted to someone like Antoine. But it takes someone like Antoine to loosen up Jack. Also, a tiger is sleek, elegant and amazingly strong, and so is Antoine. He also has that wonderful mane of hair.

Your antagonist is just plain evil. I looked close and could find nothing redeeming about him whatsoever. In fact, he reminded me a lot of the super villains in comic books. Tell me a little bit about him; is he just plain wicked, or is there something else buried in his motivation?

If I ever write the sequel, you'll learn more about him. He's very, very ancient, and through the centuries pretty much has lost his humanity. I usually don't write villains that are pure evil - not wanting to commit the sin of writing 'cardboard characters', but this was such a short story, I didn't have the word count to go into his character as much as I would have liked! I usually write novel-length stories, and so now that I've switched to novellas, well, it's been a learning experience, for sure. I'm reading lots of well-written shorts to learn better pacing and characterization.

I hope to write a sequel after I finish a couple of other stories that are cooking on the stove, sort of speak. I'd like to get into Jack's marriage, Antoine and Eidolon's history, the reason why the villain is after Antoine...

Yes, publishers do have differences when it comes to specific types. Loose Id so far seems to like my paranormals. As a writer, I like to be with more than one publishing house. It's good to have my books in more than one place and I get a chance at capturing a different readership. 

Like any genre, it's popular now but probably it will subside after a time. There is something very courageous about two men trying to get together in a world not open to same-sex love. I'm a yaoi fangirl (Japanese boy's love) and so I'm influenced by what I read, but it does have a very different sensibility than M/M fiction. My other books have been het historical romances. After writing my first M/M book (Blue Skye) I was hooked on the genre. Why? Not sure I can really answer that question. I love to read it and have my favorite authors. And, it's just so fun to write. Even in my het fiction, I've always been partial to my male characters. 

I began around 2000 with short stories and fan fiction, and have been learning the craft ever since. I have a long way to go, but that's what's so wonderful about writing. It's always a challenge.

I had a wonderful experience. My first book - Long Strange Trip - was published by Samhain. They are a great publishing company and very professional. LST is a trip down memory lane - during the Summer of Love in San Francisco. It's a light hearted romance between a stuffy math professor and a grad student - Rose Red. The book was published in March 2006 to great reviews. The digital book is still available through Samhain. 

It's been a mixed ride for me. Yes, it can be wonderful, but then there are the moments when I wonder if I really have what it takes to be a good writer. Writing has changed me in subtle ways. I can speak in front of a group without hitting the panic button! I have the determination to finish through to the end of a project. Those kind of things...other than that, I'm pretty much the same girl I was before publishing.

I'm a pantster in the beginning of a project then turn into a scheming planner. I get half way through a book then scratch my head at what comes next. This is when my inner plotter comes out!

I have an internal muse which I butt heads with constantly! Right now it's poking me in the ribs telling me to get off my derriere and write. Really, I'm my own worst critic. 

No I don't have an evil day job, but I find I'm busier than ever. I have an active personal life. I have no pets or children but a wonderful husband, friends and family that are very dear to me. I love to travel and try to take an international trip at least every other year. I spent time in Egypt last November and this May just booked tickets to Japan. 

I don't think time is wasting when you're doing something you enjoy! This is what makes life beautiful. But, I play computer games all hours when I need to shut down my brain. Or I curl up and read for hours, sometimes one book after the other...or watch a movie early in the morning instead of writing. 

Ugh, let's see. Butterflies are Free? Because I'm always flittering from one thing to another...actress...probably someone quirky...Drew Barrymore if I was younger...and older actress...hmm...Diane Keaton...Katherine Hepburn. 

Get up and have a strong cup of coffee, do the crossword puzzles in the paper, turn on my computer and check my email...then grab a book or movie, afterwards call a friend for lunch. Then I'd go to my favorite local coffeehouse for a latte and dessert. I'm rarely alone all day without some interaction with people.

They are both reference sites: A site that list names and their meanings - http://www.20000-names.com/ - and a site that list the origin of words which is great when writing historicals - http://www.etymonline.com/

Would you kindly share a word or two of advice for aspiring authors out there?

Have confidence in yourself and never give up. Just keep writing and learning the craft, and someday, you'll get published. And, have a thick skin, because not everyone will 'get' your characters or like your voice. Rejection happens to every writer, and comes with the territory.

I'm on my first round of edits for my vampire M/M romance coming out in February with Loose Id. It's titled Last Chance and is about a seriously smart college student who is morphing into a vampire and a seriously sexy jock who tries to save him. It's my hottest book yet, although it's kind of campy more than horribly dark...but it does have some sinister moments. There are two sub-characters from this book that are just dying to get their own story, so that will be next on my list! I also have a fantasy brewing in the back of my mind - and on my website you can read a free ficlet that is a prologue of sorts. I haven't worked out the plot yet! It'll involve magic rings, a bard/magician and a warrior. I'm also returning to Woodland Village (Blue Skye) and this story is about 2/3's completed, and I hoping to finish it for the editor by the end of November. 

If you go to my website the info is all there! http://www.vikilyn.com/ or join my Yahoo Group!

You've covered pretty much everything. Thanks so much, it's been fun answering your 'silly' questions. *grin*

Thanks so much for sharing yourself with us, Viki! We wish you the very best for the future in both your writing career and your life.