Virginia A Barlow Interview Published on: 11, Apr 2022
What was your childhood like? How has it been conducive to your career as an author?
I have two older siblings and I idolized them. I couldn’t wait to go to school so I could learn to read like they did. I vividly remember my first day of school, I was so excited. When I returned home and Mom asked me how school was, I answered it was dumb because they didn’t teach me to read. I have always been a voracious reader and that created the need to write.
Who taught you to crochet?My grandmother on my mother’s side. She grew up in Amsterdam, Netherlands and worked in a knitting factory during World War ll.
Out of all the jobs you have had, which one was the most challenging?I would say being a mother is both the most challenging as well as being the most rewarding. Kids do not come with user manuals.
Which is one incident in your life as a lieutenant with the local fire department that you will never forget?I would say it’s a toss between a rollover where the occupants wore a seat belt and walked away while their vehicle looked like a semi ran over it and smashed it flat and delivering a baby. Both were memorable for different reasons.
What inspired the plot of your novel, A Fallacious Seduction?My husband liked the word fallacious, so I thought up a story for it.
How did you come up with the title, Wylder Bachelor?Wylder Bachelor is part of a miniseries with The Wild Rose Press. The series has a committee who approves story ideas and titles. They presented the authors with a list of acceptable titles, and I chose Wylder Bachelor for my story.
What are some things to keep in mind when writing a historical romance?Historical accuracies. The couple can’t dance a waltz if it hasn’t been invented yet.
What would be the first thing you do if you, like Lady Jane Lenwood, were abandoned and left penniless at Rathborne Castle?I would evaluate my situation and come up with a plan for survival.
What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?The story has to have a beginning, a plausible plot, conflict, character development and clear, concise sentences.
Do your book ideas usually start with the characters, story/plot, historical events, or something else?My stories start with story/plot, then characters. I add in historical events and secondary characters next.
Do you remember the first romance novel you ever read?No, but I’m pretty sure it was one I snuck out of my mom’s room and read.
What's the best parenting advice?Never act in anger. Take a deep breath, try to look at the situation form every angle and answer with love.
How often do you find time for knitting?I knit when I travel. It’s the only time I’m not writing or doing something else.
Which is the next project you are working on?I am in the middle of another western historical romance.
How did you first come across the AllAuthor website? What do you like or dislike about the site?AllAuthor was recommended by The Wild Rose Press. I enjoy the site a lot.
