Saturday, May 19, 2012

Meet LaVerne Clark

Hi LaVerne,

It's great to meet you. Thank you for sharing your Adventure in Authorland with us, and for sharing your latest release.

It’s a pleasure to be here. Thank you Jean!

What inspired you to write your first book?
Guardian of the Jewel was written in response to a submission call put out by The Wild Rose Press. My friend and writing buddy, Cherie Le Clare, challenged me to write a story for them. I’d never submitted anything to a publisher before even though I’d been writing for years, so this gave me the kick-in-the-pants I needed to take the plunge. Imagine my surprise and delight when they came back to me saying they wanted my book. There was much screaming and dancing around the house that night!

What book are you reading now?
Two years ago, just before becoming published, I became a preliminary reader for TWRP. I read and evaluate manuscripts that writers have sent to the publisher for consideration, giving the editor and the reading coordinator my honest opinion on the book’s good and not-so-good points. I have a read I’m in the middle of at the moment which is pretty good. In between that and critiquing my writing buddies work, I don’t have as much time as I used to in reading for pleasure. The most recent book I read and enjoyed immensely was The Help. Loved that book! And I’m eyeing up Jodi Picoult’s latest.
Can you give us some details about your upcoming release/s?
Thanks for asking J  Here is the blurb on my June 27 release, Affinity, a romantic fantasy set in Auckland, New Zealand.

In the wrong hands, Jenna Thomas’s legacy could be a curse—in her mind it already is.

As a child, a routine x-ray awakened an abnormality in Jenna’s DNA giving her the ability to “call” creatures and take on their attributes. Labeled a freak since then, Jenna’s learned to keep everyone at a distance. But all that changes the day she saves a young boy from drowning, and the story goes viral.

Nick Hawke, an off-duty policeman, witnesses part of the drama. Captivated by Jenna’s exotic beauty, he decides to investigate, not sure what to believe. Jenna puts his cynicism to the test—even as the attraction between them grows.

As word of her extraordinary rescue spreads, a dangerous man who will stop at nothing to control Jenna’s abilities draws near. With her feelings for Nick putting him in danger too, can Jenna risk everything to protect them both?


When you are not writing, what are your hobbies, passions, etc?
I own a retired greyhound. We adopted her when she was four and we all fell completely in love with her and the breed. I’ve just recently resigned from my position as Area Coordinator for Greyhounds As Pets, but I’m still actively involved in spreading the word of how amazing these dogs make as pets. We go to things like A&P Shows, Women’s Expo – basically, anywhere to show off our hounds and to remind people they are an incredible option when thinking of taking on a dog for the family. You’ll find a certain animal finds itself a bit of a star in each of my books!
I also play social netball twice a week – but very badly J
 
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up? Writing, or something else?
As a horse-mad girl, I grew up reading Patricia Leach’s “Jinny” stories which I devoured. I was a capable pencil sketcher and would spend hours filling whatever bits of paper I found within reach with drawings of horses – just like the heroine Jinny. Back then, I thought I’d like to be an artist. 

What historical person would you want to meet and why?
Ooo – great question Jean! I’d love to meet Mary Magdalene. There are so many conflicting stories about this woman. I’d love to hear her own story in her own voice. I don’t have any particular religious leanings, so finding information on her that strikes me as true rather than elaborated on frustrates me!

I love to meet new friends, so feel free to come and visit me at my homes on the net:


Thank you LaVerne. It's been great to meet you.

Jean




13 comments:

  1. Thanks Jean for having me - and Mac - you clever lady! Glad you've got a handle on your site now Jean. Ahh, technology. Some days I just want to go back to my cave and bury my head! ;)

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  2. Nice interview ladies :)
    Good luck with Affinity, LaVerne! The blurb sounds fantastic. I hope you sell loads!

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  3. Hi ladies! Good to know more about you LaVerne! Best wishes with your latest release. It sounds great.

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  4. Hi ladies! It's good to learn a bit more about you, LaVerne. Best wishes with your latest release!

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  5. Hi Sherilee and Nancy! Thanks so much for your good wishes. I adored writing this story and am excitedly awaiting its release :)

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  6. Sweet LaVerne, I'm eager for your release, too. I know it'll be a fantastic read. Your chosen historical figure intrigues me. I've never heard anyone chose her before. I love your individuality. Yay you!

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  7. Hello Vonnie, my release day sister! :)
    Thank you so much for popping in to visit! I'm so lucky to count someone such as yourself as my friend.
    Do you know, I've often thought about writing Mary Magdelene's story myself - but I'm a romance writer through and through - and her story is definitely NOT a romance. I think I'll keep trying to hunt down a good book on her with soneone else's hard work instead :)

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  8. Hi LaVerne,
    Lovely interview. I certainly think Mary Magdelen's story would be an interest one.
    Good luck with your release, sounds fascinating.

    Regards

    Margaret

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    1. Hi Margaret! Lovely to see another 'Downunder' writer here :)
      Wouldn't it make a wonderful, interesting story! If only I were capable of telling it how I believe it should be. Maybe one day...
      Thanks so much for your good wishes. The days can't go fast enough at the moment!

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  9. Hi LaVerne

    It's always so interesting to meet other authors and learn about them. What a great person to want to meet. I'm sure Mary would have wonderful gossip to spill. Can't wait to get your book. The blurb sounds fabulous. Where can we buy it from?

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    1. Hi Bron,
      Wow! And I thought I was a night owl ;)
      Both my books are available from The Wild Rose Press - well - Affinity isn't until June 27th - sigh....wish patience was one of my virtues!
      Thanks so much for stopping by - and for your compliments!

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  10. Hey LaVerne, popping in a little late but enjoyed your interview. Good luck with your new release, sounds intriguing. I'm like others, never thought about Mary much, although I agree, would she be able to tell us heaps, talk about providing light...

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