Talking with Vijaya Schartz

Welcome to Love Romances and More reviews Vijaya Schartz.

To get us started can you tell us a little about what you are working on or have coming out?

LADY OF LUXEMBOURG, Book 4 in the Curse of the Lost Isle medieval fantasy romance series, just came out this spring. A few days ago, I turned in my latest BOREALIS novella, AKIRA'S CHOICE, to be published by Desert Breeze on September 1, 2013. It's part of a publisher series, set on a decrepit space station at the fringe of conquered space, in the 2600s. It's a fun theme. I wrote a previous novella for this series, titled BLACK JAGUAR. And I plan to write more in the future. These are fun to write. The universe is already defined. They are sweet romances, no love scenes, but lots of action and adventure. I also include cats in most of my novels, small cats, bit cats, alien monster cats… Like on the covers of my Chronicles of Kassouk series.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

A tropical beach, with my laptop and my kindle, listening to the trade winds and the surf, and watching the palm trees sway to the sound of a Ukulele. Hawaii is my favorite place on earth. I lived there once for a few years and now live in Arizona. I love the heat, but I miss the Pacific Ocean, I miss the waves, I miss surfing. A psychic once told me I had sand in my shoes, and I would return to live on the beach someday. I believe it.

Could you tell us a couple of favorite books that inspired you to write?

As a child in France, I devoured the classics from Balzac to Victor Hugo (Les Misérables). Then I read a lot of Epic Fantasy and Women's Fiction, and discovered science fiction. I loved it. I missed the deep emotional connection of falling in love, though. And the ending wasn't always happy. I cannot stand depressing endings. It makes me want to throw the book across the room (I restrain myself with my kindle, though).

Coming to America, I quickly became an avid fan of Marion Zimmer Bradley, Ann McCaffrey, Diana Gabaldon. I like the heroes to get their rewards at the end. That's why I write the books I want to read. If you don't find the perfect book you'd love to read, write it.

Do you have a book that was easiest to write or one that was the hardest?

They are all difficult to write. It's like giving birth. The process is painful, but the results are so rewarding. Ashes for the Elephant God was the book of my heart, and it came naturally to me. It's a reincarnation love story that stemmed from my extended stay in India… my tribute to coming of age, and to a culture I fell in love with. It was my fourth finished novel, and the first to get published in 2000. But I cannot say it was easy to write. Good writing is never easy.

If your muses were to talk behind your back, what secrets would they tell?

They'd say I do a happy dance around my office every time I get a five-star review or one of my books is nominated or is a finalist, or wins an award. They'd also say I'm a workaholic, I spend too much time in research, especially when writing historical novels. They'd say I fall in love with my characters and don't want to let them go when the book is over. They'd say I'm a perfectionist. I would rewrite all my books all over again if my publishers would let me. Fortunately, they have the good sense to tell me when the book is ready. Otherwise, I would keep rewriting until my fingers fell off, and I wouldn't have over twenty titles published.

Are your characters able to love, or do they need to be taught?

Neither. They usually are not ready when loves crosses their path. No one really is when it comes to the real thing. But deep inside, they have this need for a relationship, even though they may not be aware of it. I make it difficult for them to take the leap of faith, to deserve their happy ever after. Besides a strong plot, I give my characters strong internal conflicts. Damned if they do, and damned if they don't. It makes the rewards so much better in the end.

What can readers expect next from you?

More action, adventure, medieval novels, and science fiction, all including lots of romance, of course. I'm starting on CHATELAINE OF FOREZ, Book 5 in the Curse of the Lost Isle medieval fantasy romance series. It should be out from Books We Love this winter. Then I have to write another book in the Chronicles of Kassouk sci-fi romance series, tentatively titled SNOW CHEETAH, to be published in November 2014. Yes, I thought this series was over, but guess what? It still wants another story. Then, probably another Borealis novella not titled yet. And in between, more books in the Curse of the Lost Isle series. I love deadlines. They keep me writing when it would be so easy to take the day off. I haven't taken a break from writing since my last trip to France in 2005, to visit my family and do some research in Europe. You didn't really think I would take a true vacation did you?

CURSE OF THE LOST ISLE SERIES - what it's about:

From history shrouded in myths, emerges a family of immortal Celtic Ladies, who roam the medieval world in search of salvation from a curse. For centuries, imbued with hereditary gifts, they hide their deadly secret, stirring passions in their wake as they fight the Viking hordes, send the first knights to the Holy Land, give birth to kings and emperors... but if the Church ever suspects what they really are, they will be hunted, tortured, and will burn at the stake. 5 stars on Amazon "Edgy Medieval!"

Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick
Find more at: http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/vijayaschartz 
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/vijaya-schartz

Catching up With Vijaya Schartz

How would you describe yourself using only five words?

 

Hard-working, passionate, confident, thrill-seeker, traveler.

Physical description: petite, blond, pixie, athletic, French accent

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

 

A long bath by candlelight, with a glass of wine, a good book, and one of Chopin’s piano concertos in the background.

Name one thing readers would be surprised to know about you.

 

I once jumped in free fall, off a perfectly good airplane, more than two miles above the earth.

How do you get yourself in the mood to write?

 

I write better and faster when I know what I’m going to write, so I usually brainstorm my scene before hand. I sometimes meditate for inspiration. But when all else fails, I resort to chocolate, sweet vermouth, teramisu, ice-cream. These are my writing drugs of choice.

 

If someone hasn't read any of your work, what book would you recommend that they start with and why?

 

If they like and edgy and realistic medieval romantic fantasy with immortal Celtic ladies, I’d tell them to read PRINCESS OF BRETAGNE (Curse of the Lost Isle Book 1). If they like it, four books are already out in this series and more will come this year and next year.

 

If they like sci-fi action romance, then NOAH’S ARK, the prequel to the Chronicles of Kassouk series would be the best way to start. Here again, if they like it, five books are available in the series, and one more will come out sometime next year.

 

Thank you for having me.

 

 

Princess of Bretange

A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS by Vijaya Schartz

Publisher: Sapphire Blue Publishing
Date published: November 2008
ISBN 978-1-934657-09-6
Short Contemporary Romance
E-book
Reviewed by Val


CLICK TO PURCHASE!
It’s Christmas and Kaitlin Harrington is on Border Control. Her partner is trying to come on to her and Christmas is an anathema since her boyfriend, in a drunken stupor, kicked her in the belly and she lost her baby. Now she’s sworn off men and Christmas. Coming from a military family, Kaitlin is bound to do her duty, even though her partner wants to call it a night. After he leaves, some people arrive and Kaitlin is forced to handle the situation alone. Unfortunately, she’s captured by a band of smugglers and its leader, Miguel is not only big and strong, but much too attractive. Miguel is not who he seems to be and Kaitlin finds herself helping him to capture some seriously bad people. But is there a future for them?

A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS is a great seasonal read and is just right for a cold winter evening when you’re looking for a good story to warm up your night. This is a story with suspense, adventure, action and a great romance. The sexual tension sizzles and pops and I was rooting for Kaitlin and Miguel the whole time. At first I was wondering what the heck, she’s falling for a crook? But it soon turns out that Miguel is not what he seems. But you dear reader, will have to get this intriguing little story and find it out for yourself. Vijaya Schartz is a talented author with a number of good books under her belt. You should get her back list, sit back and enjoy her work. I’m looking forward to more.