Author Interview with Vanessa Wester

 

Today, we have an interview with the lovely Vanessa Wester, author of the Evolution trilogy.

So, what exactly do you write?

Mainly romantic suspense with a paranormal slant aimed at adults and young adults. Although I have also written short stories for children and one horror story.

How would you describe yourself in a short third person bio?

Vanessa Wester is bilingual in English and Spanish, since she was born and raised in Gibraltar. She first moved to England to further her education and obtained a degree in Accounting and Law from the University of Southampton, in England, United Kingdom. Initially, she embarked on a career in Chartered Accountancy. After a couple of years it became 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, which she loved. For many years, she has been a stay at home mum and gives up a lot of her time towards voluntary organisations. She still teaches maths as a private tutor and has many hobbies which include swimming, walking, reading, singing and acting. She is also a qualified A.S.A. Swimming Teacher and volunteers on weekends at her local swimming club. Writing is her passion. The day she decided to start writing was the day she found an outlet for her imagination. It is the best way she can think of to express herself and escape from everyday life. She now lives on the Isle of Wight, another island. It’s a small world.

What made you initially want to write? Has your motivation changed since then?

I started writing as a form of escapism. My brain needed an outlet! Since I decided to take writing more seriously it has taken over my life to an extent. In a good and bad way at times…

What do you think is the most important part of writing?

Consistency. I work very hard to make sure my stories make sense – I hope they do.

What is your favourite part of writing?

Complete and utter escapism! A world where kids and life have no part to play – my own personal playground.

Tell us an interesting fact about you.

Only one? HA… I played the part of Sandy in an amateur production of Grease many years ago.

Do you have a day-job, (other than writing)?

I am a full time mum. I tutor some evenings (since I used to be a Maths teacher) and teach swimming as a volunteer on weekends.

Do you prefer a physical book or an ebook? Why?

Physical – it’s the only way I switch off from electrical things!

Tell us about your novel, Hybrid.

University. Land of opportunity? For Steven Thorn, it’s the start of a new life. Just not the one he anticipated. As his resolve is put to the test, he ends up losing everything. For who could live a normal life as a HYBRID?

Steven Thorn has no trouble settling in at university, until Caitlin Chance catches him off guard. She’s the first girl he has ever felt an instant attraction towards and the more he gets to know, the more he likes.

When Caitlin leaves university after a suspicious suicide the romance grinds to a halt. Now Steven is alone, Ingrid gets her chance and it doesn’t take long for her to discover that Steven is a HYBRID. However, when his estranged mother Emily, convinces Ingrid to lie about Steven he obtains a short reprieve.

Unfortunately, Ingrid does not intend to let Steven remain in the dark for long. She has other plans. The wheels are set in motion for his radical upheaval.

Steven will become a stranger to everyone. He will be forced to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. He will come face to face with his past and future.

Now they know he exists, they will come to get him. Everything will change…

Reviews

‘The Hybrid series is sure to keep the reader on edge throughout the chapters, and leaves you wanting more at the end. This, to me, is the mark of a true bestseller. It leaves me wanting more, and will leave any reader wanting her to hurry up and release the other books! Any fans of The Hunger Games and/or Twilight will instantly be captivated. I will state, I am NOT a Twilight/vampire fan AT ALL, but I was captivated by this book. You must read to know more! I recommend this book to anyone who wants to ‘get lost’ in a new book, and for any English teacher looking to get their kids hooked on reading. I’m confident in recommending this, and look forward to many more works in this series and by this author.’

“Can’t quite believe that this is a first novel, the quality of writing is smooth and vivid, and the characters solicit sympathy and emotion in various degrees. This is not really my kind of book, my kind of genre, but I must confess to having become engrossed in the style and the well paced delivery of discovery.”

 

‘Hybrid is engaging from the start and is an exciting read…Once I started reading I didn’t want to put the book down as I wanted to know what would happen next.’

 

‘A great twist on the usual vampire tale.’

 

‘This is a very exciting read. Would appeal to the Twilight fan-base, but has definitely put its own twist on the genre. A very well constructed piece, all the more impressive for being a debut novel.’

 

‘I loved this story! It was a fantastic start to a series which I hope to see more from soon, and I loved the characters! There was also a great twist in the tale, and it was original and well-thought out. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something new in their paranormal romance/fantasy section, and I can’t wait to see what this author comes up with in her next books!’

 

‘I really enjoyed the characters, settings and narrative and couldn’t put it down. So many little twists and details all the way through, super. I can’t wait to read the next in the series and would love to see it as a film.’

So, how long does it take you, on average, to complete a first draft?

 

Difficult to say. Hybrid took less than few months, but then had extensive editing for a year. This last one is looking at a year.

Which projects are you working on at the moment?

The last book of my Trilogy and short stories for charity.

How do you come up with the titles for your books? And do you have the final title beforecompleting your book, or after?

Not fixed on this… sometimes before, sometimes during, sometimes after… ha ha

How has writing changed your life?

You have no idea… I am a much happier person. I have an outlet for my thoughts, and ultimately something that is mine. When you become a mum a part of you gets lost for a while.

Where do you get inspiration for writing from? Do you listen to music whilst writing or havea ‘writing cave’?

Music is a MUST for me…

Is there a particular form, style or genre that you’d like to have a go at writing? Why?

Books about explicit crime or murder. I am too squeamish.

Favourite book and/or author(s)?

So many… but, my favourites at the moment at Sarra Manning and of course Jane Austen (always).

Do you think it’s necessary to have a degree (of any sort) in order to be a successful author?

Possibly… I think it’s more important to be a reader.

What would you say to those who want to become a writer? Any advice?

Write because you enjoy what you do, not to make money.

Thank you very much for your time.