Interview with Kevin Rau

Vanessa Wester Interview Date: 5/3/2012

Biography
Vanessa Wester obtained a degree in Accounting and Law from Southampton University, England, United Kingdom. Initially, she embarked on a career in Chartered Accountancy. After less than a year it was obvious she was not cut out to work in an office! A change in vocation led her to become a Secondary School Teacher of Mathematics. Her favourite hobby is swimming and she is a qualified ASA Swimming Teacher. Writing is a way to express herself and escape from everyday life. She was born and raised in Gibraltar and now lives in the Isle of Wight, England.

When did you start writing, and was there a significant event that prompted you to do so?
I used to write stories and songs all the time as a teenager. It was at school where I lost my confidence. I decided I was rubbish and binned the idea of becoming the next Agatha Christie. It took me 18 years before I wrote again. I was inspired by Stephenie Meyer. I also had three children, had an education and was a stay at home. I just thought... I wonder... So I wrote. Three books later.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be? (Assuming said power would be reasonably "powerful.")
To be able to travel back through time - definitely.
Kev's response: You didn't mention coming back...! o.O

Do you have a favorite superhero from novels, comics, or movies?
Superman, definitely.
Kev's response: So ... you have a thing for guys wearing their undies on the outside? :) All kidding aside, he's one of my favorites as well.

Where do you get your inspiration for writing? What motivates you?
Conversations, people, youth, sport, trying to create a mystery or puzzle. I love to escape in to my own little world.

Do you pre-plan your stories, or are you a by-the-seat-of-the-pants style writer?
By-the-seat-of-the-pants
Kev's response: So ... what happens if someone writes while pantless? Now that is the question!

Do you write only when inspired, or do you have a set schedule where you sit down to write?
Schedule - with three kids! You are joking right? I write when I find time - anytime!

Do you have a favorite genre to write in? To read?
I am still tapping into my creativity...so I don't know what I prefer to write yet. Depends on my mood... I was recently obsessed with vampire young adult novels, but I do love John Grisham and Jeffrey archer.

What do you enjoy the most about writing?
Escapism, developing conversations... I can see them so clearly in my head.

Is there any part of writing that you don't enjoy?
Editing, editing, editing!

Can you tell me something odd about yourself?
Sometimes I prefer my own company to being with friends.
Kev's response: Err ... does that "company" reply to your questions and comments?

Do you write one story at a time, or do you have several novels in the works at one time?
Several novels in the works...

In my evil plot to take over the world, do you advise I use highly intelligent, self-motivated minions, or simple ones, and why?
Simple ones... They will do what you say, no questions!
Kev's response: Making a note, and scheduling the early demise of a few highly intelligent minions now!

Where do you see the future as far as paper books versus digital e-books?
There is room for both...but new authors are likely to try self-publishing first. Why waste the postage?

What are your current projects?
Too many... Finishing the second book in the Evolution Series, a romantic novel and children's book. Is that too many?
Kev's response: Not at all. Perhaps the "company" helps keep them all on track! :)

Do you have any advice for others about self-publishing?
Go for it - you have nothing to lose. But, be warned. It's not that easy. Expect to be baffled by social networking...

Do you have any online sites where readers can find out more about you (and your books)?

Hybrid, available on Amazon
www.smashwords.com http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/145641
www.blogger.com http://vanessawesterwriter.blogspot.co.uk/
www.thewordcloud.org http://writing-community.writersworkshop.co.uk/members/profile/4791/Vanessa
Kev's response: Vanessa, thank you for joining me, and I wish you luck on your variety of books!