Interview with Virginia Welker

Author of Lethal Relations

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I am originally from California and I now live in California.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

I don’t live there now, but I lived in Sicily, Italy, for almost 16 years. I returned to California in 2002.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I’ve always been writing. I did have a couple agents, but they didn’t sell my first book, so I published it myself.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

My books are mysteries with a female Private Investigator protagonist, Terry Strong.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Anyone who likes to read mysteries with PI protagonists.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

My imagination takes me to unexpected places. It’s as if my fingers type the story they want to write. Publishing is easy if you self-publish. Getting a traditional publisher is much more difficult.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

Write more, write faster.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

Everyone, ideally. I just want people to read and enjoy what I write.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

Inability to traditionally publish has been my biggest frustration. My biggest challenge is to finish the three books that are lingering in my head right now.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My strength is in writing. Publishing and marketing, not so much.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My biggest weakness is not having enough money to advertise my books as much as I’d like to.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I’m in the process right now of putting three books out of my head and into a written form.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

Right now, I am self published.