Interview With
Vijaya Schartz
Interview by Jenna Glatzer
Vijaya
Schartz is an author of visionary fiction novels, including Ashes
for the Elephant God, Archangel Crusader,
and Archangel Checkmate. She is also the host
of a new radio talk show program for authors: Authors' Secret Radio, which
broadcasts live on KFNX 1100AM in Arizona, and on the Internet at www.NABCInc.com
on Wednesdays from 11am to noon.
What inspires you to write?
Stories and characters haunt my dreams, demanding to take life on the page. They torment me until I give them a voice. I use all my personal resources, exotic settings from previous travels, psychic experiences, athletic prowesses. Sometimes, a piece of music gets my creative juices going. Sometimes a smell or a fleeting impression will bring an image, an idea. I love movies, and when I write, I actually watch the story unfold on my computer screen like a movie. Sometimes, I write in a trance with no idea where the words are coming from.
How did you sell your first book?
I first submitted to various big publishers, with very little success, but I kept submitting while writing more novels. The first break was finding an agent. Even then, I kept pitching my books to editors at writers' conferences. Whenever I contacted a potential editor, my agent followed up with a submission.
Archangel Crusader and
Archangel Checkmate were initially accepted by Dell Rey. The editor loved it and tried to give it a slot, but their schedule was full several years in advance. They wanted to buy a 5-year option. When my agent and I refused, they offered to wait for a defection. It almost happened, but after several deadline extensions, the scheduled author came up with a book. The editor didn't like that book, but the author had a name and I didn't. The author's following tipped the scales. My agent was greatly
disappointed, but I never lost hope. I just kept writing. Ashes for the Elephant God
was first considered by an editor I met at a Romance Writers conference in Phoenix. She kept the manuscript for many months on the corner of her desk. Then Blue Planet Books came along, offering to publish the three titles. Although the advance wasn't great, I saw an opportunity in starting with a promising small press. I could grow with them, become their leading author.
You're the President of the Arizona Authors Association.
Tell us about the benefits of joining a writers' organization.
Such an organization is a wonderful vehicle for learning and spreading knowledge. From the newsletter articles, workshops, meetings, conferences, critique groups, contests, to the camaraderie, motivation, and support you get from other writers, the benefits of a group are immeasurable. I wouldn't be successfully published today if it wasn't for the great bunch of authors and teachers who taught me the craft. I can't imagine writing a book without the feedback of my critique group. My fellow writers helped me every step of the way. Thanks, I love you, guys!
You've also got an exciting new endeavor going: you're the host of a new
radio talk show in Arizona (and broadcast online). Tell us about that.
It's a show designed for aspiring as well as experienced writers. During the first half-hour, we discuss a topic like writer's block, handling rejection, submitting children's books, doing research, writing the synopsis, etc... Listeners can call with questions. The second half-hour, I interview an author whose expertise usually relates to the topic of the day.
How did you get this job?
The phone call came as a total surprise. Why would KFNX offer me to host an educational talk show for aspiring writers? Of course, I knew hundreds of other authors, I gave workshops, wrote articles on every writing topic, judged writing contests and presided at literary award ceremonies. I had been on several radio and TV shows as a guest, and I had an acting background, but still... When I asked the executive producer, she said: "According to our research team, you are the most qualified local author for the job. Besides, listeners will love your French accent." Go figure! I always considered my French upbringing a handicap for my writing career.
What kinds of guests have you invited?
Marshall Terrill, best-selling author of numerous biographies and an authority in his field, is also a reporter and writing teacher. Joseph Nassise, author of
Riverwatch, a supernatural thriller published by Barclay, also published short stories with many horror magazines and is the editor of Fear of The Dark, an online publication. Dianna Gabaldon, the celebrated author of the famed
Outlander time-travel historical series. Betty Webb, author of mysteries
(Desert Noir - Poisoned Pen Press) and feature writer for the Tribune. Tara Taylor Quinn,
New York Times best-selling romance author of over twenty-five titles. Debbie Allen, author of
Confessions of shameless self-promoters, book promoter and publicist. Mari Koski, author of the
Impatient Pamela book series (Good Housekeeping award, endorsed by the police and firefighters for children safety education, available in all Target stores). Violet Ramos, authors of children's books and educational books for writers on how to write children's stories. I have contacted many more, but all these authors are already booked.
If someone wants to be considered as a guest, what should they send you?
I'll need a media kit with a bio, particular areas of expertise, a few of their books, press releases, a portrait (or a link to a website where portrait and book covers are posted, so I can update our website). A list of topics of classes, talks, workshops they've given, topics about which they feel comfortable answering questions from listeners.
Can people who are listening via the Internet call or write
in to ask questions?
Absolutely. They can call the toll free number (866-277-5369). Just remember that the show is live, and Arizona doesn't practice light-saving time. All questions should relate to the topic of the day.
If you could get anyone you wanted on the show, who would it be, and what
would you ask?
Stephen King. I bet he has a few secrets we would all want to know, like the secret of his success. I read an article about his writing habits in Writer's Digest recently. The man is an incredibly prolific writing machine.
Many authors are afraid of live interviews. Any tips for
authors about how to be a better interviewee?
It's a lot easier than pitching your book to an agent or an editor, on the phone or at a conference. The secret is to be prepared. I usually email the questions in advance to my guests, so they can think about their answers, write notes. We meet at the studio one hour before the show to go over all the details, relax, establish trust. I want them to shine and I do everything I can to help them. The better they sound, the better it is for the show. I am on their side. I know how they feel. If they'd rather not answer certain questions, I won't ask them. When the guest author is comfortable with the subject and the host, it becomes a conversation. The guest forgets about the microphone.
What are your goals, personally and profesionnally?
Always the overachiever, I want to be the best I can be in everything I do. My priorities have shifted over the years, from career to spirituality to relationships off and on. But I finally discovered that they are all important and often interwoven. Supernatural elements intersperse my novels, the people I love inspire my characters, what I do in my spare time feeds my inspiration. Professionally, I shoot for the top. Perfection in story-telling and financial success. I write the most exciting stories I'd love to read, knowing that millions of readers out there will delight in them.
What's one thing you wish you'd learned earlier about the
business of writing?
I wish someone had told me sooner that I could do it. But then I may not have led such a colorful life. Without my extensive travels and daredevil experiences, I would not have as many stories to tell, as many characters in my head.
Anything else you'd like to add?
I learned today that Ashes for the Elephant God is a
finalist in the visionary fiction category of the IPPY (independent publishers literary awards). They'll have a big celebration party during BEA (Book Expo America) in Chicago June 2nd. Since Blue Planet Books invited me to autograph my novels for this momentous event of the book
industry, I will be attending. It should be a lot of fun. Maybe I'll see some of you there... On Friday June 1st, stop by
autographing table #7 between 4:30 and 5:30, say hi, and get a free copy of my books.
Visit Vijaya's website at www.vijayaschartz.com,
and visit the website for her radio program at www.authorssecretradio.com.
The show is broadcast on Wednesdays from 11:00 am to noon.
