Author Interview: Victoria Connelly
December 2nd, 2009 by Leah
I really loved Victoria Connelly’s debut English novel Molly’s Millions so I was thrilled when Victoria agreed to do an interview with us. Now you may have noticed I say her debut novel was her debut ENGLISH novel, that’s because Victoria had her first three books published in German which is a huge shame to us who don’t speak German and who would love to read them! Come on English publishers, get them published! I want to read ‘em. Anyway… let’s get onto the interview:
1. Describe your latest novel in a sentence.
Molly’s Millions is a romantic comedy about a lottery winner who tries to give it all away before her tight-fisted family and the media catch up with her.
2. What, if anything, are you currently working on?
I’m working on the first book in a trilogy about Jane Austen addicts.
3. Where do you get your book ideas?
Everywhere! Places I visit, people I meet, films I watch and books I read. Molly’s Millions was inspired by junk mail. I get so fed up with all the rubbish that lands on the doormat and thought wouldn’t it be nice if somebody posted a fifty-pound note through the letter box for a change. That was the inspiration behind the character of Molly Bailey who does exactly that as she travels the length of the country distributing her lottery winnings.
4. Your first couple of books were published in German in Germany, did you write them in German or were they translated? Will you try and get them published in English?
I write all my books in English and my German publisher translates them. So far, Germany have taken three novels which the UK can’t quite make their minds up about. They’re romantic comedies too but have a touch of magic in them but I hope they’re published here one day because they were so much fun to write.
5. How did you get published, how long did it take?
I’ve been writing stories all my life – my first attempt at a novel was when I was fourteen! I completed my first in 1994 and started collecting those awful rejection letters shortly after. I had success with short stories and won a few competitions too and my first novel was published in 2006. It’s been a long journey but a most enjoyable one and nothing beats that moment of holding your first published novel in your hands.
6. What are you currently reading/who are some of your favourite authors?
I’m reading a lot of Jane Austen in preparation for my next novel about Jane Austen addicts. I’ve just started Emma and I’m loving it. I’m also looking forward to Sophie Kinsella’s new novel, Twenties Girl. Other favourite authors include Arthur Ransome, HE Bates, Miss Read, Julia Golding, Lisa Jewell and Linda Gillard.
7. Are any of your characters like you in anyway?
I think there are aspects of me in many of my characters. The heroine in my first published novel, Flights of Angels, adored MGM musicals just like me. And I think the hero in Molly’s Millions – journalist Tom Mackenzie – is like me. He’s very ambitious and is always on the look out for a fabulous story to tell.
8. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Really enjoy your writing. You’ve got to love it because there are so many potential knock backs when it comes to getting published. Find a genre that you enjoy and make sure you write as much as you can as often as you can. And don’t give up! Keep sending your novel out to agents and publishers. Read lots, write lots and then write some more!
Thanks so much Victoria!
Posted in Author Interviews | 2 Comments »
Thanks for the interview! I’m been planning to read Molly’s Millions for months, but just can’t seem to get round to it!
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