Interview with dark paranormal romance author, Vivi Anna

Today I have a fellow Nocturne author visiting! Vivi Anna writes sexy adventurous tales that everyone needs to check out. Her third Nocturne, third in her Valorian Chronicles series, is available right now through eHarlequin.com.

And it will be in bookstores in just a couple of weeks. Look for it!

Author of: the Valorian Chronicles and Hell Kat
Favorite Candy: gummie bears
Favorite Cartoon Character: Wolverine
Super Power Most Covets: to manipulate people’s minds

Q.) First tell us about your books.

V.A.) My current releases from Silhouette Nocturne are the Valorian Chronicles, which are a series of books revolving around a paranormal CSI team working in a secret city called Necropolis. They are led by a 300 year old vampire named Caine Valorian and solve crimes in their own city and have helped the crime team in San Antonio on a case or two.
The third book, VEILED TRUTH, which is out in October, centers around the witch on the team, Lyra Magice. She thinks she’s figured out the key to all the murders plaguing the two cities. But what she didn’t figure on was sexy Frenchman Theron LeNoir wanting to help her with the case.

Q.) Are you a plotter or a pantser? Character-driven or plot driven? Ever try to be the opposite? Do you have a set method you use when starting a book?

V.A.) I’m a little of both a plotter and a pantser. For the last three books, I’ve used this method—plotting three chapters, then writing them, plotting another three, then writing them…etc.

I don’t do extensive plotting, just a few sentences to state what the scene is about and whose POV its in.

I do a lot of character development though before I start any book. I usually spend about 2-3 weeks on developing my characters, depending on what kind of deadline I am facing.

But the latest book I’m writing, a UF YA, I have been pantsing it. And it’s awesome. I’m never written a book so easily, that has flowed out of me so fast and furious. I love it. And I love this new genre.

Q.) Your current release is Veiled Truth for Nocturne, but you also write erotica. How do the books for Nocturne differ from your other releases?

V.A.) I wouldn’t call my other books erotica per say…but erotic adventures. Hell Kat and Inferno are definitely action packed futuristics first, with hot sex as a bonus.
Probably the big difference between my Nocturne books and my others is the language I use. I confess I curse a lot in my other books and use explicit words in the sex scenes and in the action scenes. Language is a powerful thing.

Q.) Which comes first in your books spice, adventure, romance or something else? In other words if you had to describe your books in just one or two words, what adjective would you use?

V.A.) Action adventure

Q.) What do all your books, no matter the publisher or genre, have in common? How does a reader know it was written by Vivi Anna (besides the name on the cover)?

V.A.) All my books contain powerful characters, and non-stop action. Also the prevalent theme in all my books is redemption. Either main characters, or both, are atoning for something they did in their past.

Q.) What is the smartest thing you’ve done so far as advancing either your writing or your writing career? What is something you wish you had done differently?

V.A.) I had an epiphany about a year back. I realized that I couldn’t control anything in this business except for what I wrote. So, I decided to quick chasing the market and write what I wanted to write. Either it was going to get bought or it wasn’t. But I had to stay true to myself and my voice.

I wish I wouldn’t realized that earlier.

Q.) What do you like best about writing? What do you like least or find the most challenging?

V.A.) I love creating new characters and submersing myself in their world, losing myself really. LOVE IT. I do it all day, every day. I’m a constant daydreamer. Always have been. Oh, also, I can wear my PJs while I write. Very cool.

The most challenging part—the waiting. No matter where you are in your career, you will always have to wait for things…the new contract, edits, cover art, the AAs, the back cover copy, the reviews, the next contract, and around and around we go. It’s never ending.

I hate that part. I’m usually a patient person, but sometimes it gets ridiculous in this industry.
Q.) Where can readers find you on the web? How about in person, any appearances coming up?

V.A.) Readers can find me at www.vivianna.net, and at a blog for a bunch of authors repped by the same wonderful agent Laura Bradford, www.thebradfordbunch.com/

If any readers are in the Alberta Canada area, I’ll be signing my new book VEILED TRUTH at the Signal Hill Chapters in Calgary, on Friday October 17th, at 4-6. There will be some other awesome authors there as well, like Rebecca York, and Kimani author Pamela Yaye, and Superromance author CJ Carmichael.

Thank you again Lori for hosting me today.