… Virginia Black
1. What’s the time of the day when you feel most like yourself?
Sunset until early morning. Everyone should stop what they’re doing to watch the sun set.
Something about that magic hour brings out a melancholy hope in me. Once the sky fades to indigo and purple, I’m ready to go full steam ahead on whatever creative endeavor I’ve got in progress, and if left to my own devices, will keep working into the wee hours.
2. What’s your coffee order?
Drip medium or bold roast, with cream, and two sugars per 8 oz. Add a shot of espresso if you saw me at the bar last night.
3. How would you describe yourself in three words?
Uh, I don’t—
4. What do you think of possums?
I try not to. I understand they have a right to exist, but I keep my distance and expect them to do the same.
5. Enemies to lovers or friends to lovers?
Enemies to lovers. Gimme the angst! Give me assassins who fall in love with each other after drawing blood, sworn enemies irresistibly drawn to the forbidden no matter the cost, political adversaries who keep accidentally sleeping together, a professor who absolutely should not sleep with the headmistress (HINT), or a rebel who can’t look away from the imperialist who killed her family (HINT HINT). Gimme, gimme, gimme!
6. What makes you smile?
My wife’s laugh. My kid’s dry, acerbic wit. First kisses in romance novels. The Grateful Dead’s “Eyes Of The World” on a sunny spring morning. Mila’s red shoes. Dolly Parton. Also—and in several ways—leather.
(Note: “I loved those shoes. Sad sigh.” M. McKay. End note)
7. Do you believe in soulmates?
Yes, but I also believe that just because someone’s your soulmate doesn’t mean it works out.
8. What author would you switch lives with for a day?
Stephen Edwin King. I broke up with his works years ago (though I’ve long considered reading THE DARK TOWER series as well as a couple of his recent novels) because it terrified me but learned a lot from ON WRITING. I’m curious about how he approaches writing now, and if his methods have changed at all. How does he study the craft after decades of success? And what better way to find out than to peek at his notes?
9. What makes you cry?
Everything. I’m a sap. It’s a secret, so don’t tell anyone. OR ELSE.
10. What’s your best feature?
I have absolutely no idea.
11. What was the best and the worst thing about high school?
Best thing was learning I didn’t fit anywhere so I could fit (almost) everywhere. Worst thing was that I didn’t fit anywhere, or so I believed. Turns out, *everyone* felt that way, but we all think we’re the only ones.
12. Favorite movie/TV show character?
I don’t have one, but if I list a few, I’m sure the pattern will emerge. Aeryn Sun (Farscape). Sarah Connor. Dr. Lena Luthor. Dr. Lauren Lewis. Captain Kathryn Janeway. In other words, brilliant and indomitable women captivate me.
13. In a crowded room, what makes you notice a woman?
The way she carries herself and claims her space. How she gestures and engages with others. I’m instantly intoxicated.
True story: I was at this party once forever ago. I walked through the door, and across the living room, though the open doorway to the kitchen, I saw a woman talking to a friend. Tall, confident, engaged, she smiled as she spoke, and though I couldn’t hear her voice, I thought, “Oh, I HAVE to get to know HER.”
Reader, I married her.
(Now, look, there’s a lot of back story in there, and a whole thing about how I forgot I met her before that night, but such realism detracts from the romance of the moment. In that moment, she was &%#ing stunning, and I HAD to meet her.)
14. What’s your one big regret?
We need wine to talk about that.
15. What would be the title of your autobiography?
“Even Weirder Than You Might Think”
Alternate?
“Give The Daemon What She Wants & Everything Will Be Fine”
16. Three women you’d have over for dinner and what would you serve?
You, Georgia Beers, and Melissa Brayden. Catered, five-course Italian, with several bottles of pinot noir.
If you three aren’t available, Ann McMan, Katherine V. Forrest, and Stephenie Meyer (because I really, really want to ask her why Bella had to die such a violent death, and why that was an essential point to the plot). For that meal, I’m ordering takeout.
Don’t get me wrong — I love to cook, but we’ve got things to DISCUSS, and I can’t be distracted by making sure dinner isn’t overcooked.
17. What would you do with a million dollars?
Travel to every writers’ conference I can. There are so many opportunities to meet other writers and nerd out—I mean, uh, *talk* about the craft, and I’m addicted! This year, I’m planning to attend ReadOut in Gulfport, FL, Saints and Sinners in New Orleans, and GCLS in Minnesota. (I’m also hoping to get to Provincetown this fall.)
With a million bucks, the entire English-speaking world would be fair game, and I could afford to bring a few friends with me. (Wanna go?)
(Note: “I’ll need new shoes” M. McKay. End note)
18. What’s the one thing you don’t leave home without (wallet/phone/keys don’t count)?
Whatever story I’m actively reading, but all writers say this, right? “I don’t go anywhere without a book.” Let’s make it more interesting. I’ve always got a d20 in my pocket (a twenty-sided numbered die for those of you who don’t play D&D or other TTRPGs).
My “everyday carry” is extensive. I’ve always got two notepads in my pocket, as well as a pen, and probably gum. Oh, and AirPods. I never know when I might need to queue up some tunes.
19. If you could choose one song to be played every time you enter a room, what song would that be and why?
“Space Lord” by Monster Magnet. (Close 2nd? “Die With Your Boots On” by Iron Maiden. Distant 3rd? “War” by Joe Satriani tied with Prince’s “17 Days”)
These songs make me feel strong enough to smile while punching through a brick wall. They’re also probably the last songs people would expect from me, and I do like to keep people guessing.
20. What’s the one book you wish you could read again for the first time?
Why do I have to pick only one? (SO UNFAIR.)
Honestly, every book I’ve ever loved. I reread novels and fics so many times, my family questions my sanity. I once read the same series repeatedly on a loop for three months straight. Rereads are comforting, cherished, and reliable. I love that element of surprise in a first read, but oh, how I adore the moments I know are coming in a well-worn and treasured novel.
Virginia’s AMAZING (I’m obsessed with this book, I will scream about it everywhere and this is my website so you can’t stop me anyway) sophomore releases, No Shelter But The Stars debuted 2 days ago and IS AMAZING and can be found here: https://mybook.to/VBlackNSBTS