Author's Name: Victoria Dahl
Website: www.VictoriaDahl.com

Victoria writes sensual romance, both historial and contemporary. Her debut novel has just been released.

New Release:
TO TEMPT A SCOTSMAN
Zebra Books, August 2007

After finding herself at the center of a very public scandal that left one man dead and another on the run, Lady Alexandra Huntington has exiled herself to her brother's estate and is content to manage his affairs. But the arrival of darkly handsome Collin Blackburn awakens her curiosity and her desire--and the advantage of being a fallen woman is that she can be ruined only once. . .

After a promise sworn to his father, Collin Blackburn is compelled to seek the aid of the woman who brought about his brother's death in a senseless duel. Yet Lady Alexandra is not the shameless femme fatale he expected. In fact, Collin suspects she is guilty of nothing more than a hunger to experience passion, and the brawny Scot is certainly equippd to oblige. But the quick-witted, keenly sensual Alexandra has a few lessons of her own to impart--on life, love, and the delicious joys of succumbing to temptation. . .

Read An Excerpt

How did you get started in writing?

I started reading my mom's historical romances when I was very young. Waaaay too young. And I never went back to Sweet Valley High after that. I'm not exactly sure when the thought of being a writer popped into my head, though I do remember getting back an English paper in junior high school, and being thrilled with the lovely comments at the top. That may have been the start of the addiction.

I never read anything but historicals, so there was no question what I would write. But then I found I couldn't read historicals while writing them, so I read everything now. Paranormal, erotica, romantic comedy, romantic suspense. I love it all!

What is your writing process like?

My books always start from one tiny little scene that pops into my head, and then I work from there. I expand on the scene, try to figure out if I like these characters and what is REALLY going on with them.

For example, To Tempt a Scotsman started with a love scene. Specifically, a love scene that ended VERY badly, unlike most of the books I was reading at the time. What if the first time wasn't perfect? What if she didn't enjoy it? What if she TOLD him that he wasn't nearly as good as she'd hoped?! Ouch! I was hooked on the story from that very first thought.

Do you have a schedule?

I never did, but then I acquired my critique partner, Jennifer Echols. She keeps me in line, thank God. Now I write every weekday, usually when my kids are at school. My goal is six pages a day, and I usually manage that. I get weekends and holidays off, and I take about a month off between books, just to relax and watch all the movies I've missed.

Have you ever experienced writer's block and if so, what helped you overcome it?

I'm really pretty lucky. I'm pretty relaxed about writing. Believe me, there are days when there is NOTHING going on in my head. If that happens, I'll do one of two things: 1) Skip writing that day and try to ignore my critique partner's calls. Or 2) Try to write my six pages even if they turn out to be utter crap. A combination of those two things usually works within a few days.

On Conferences and Contests

The RWA contests and conferences have been invaluable. I can't even tell you how important they've been to my career. Contests taught me craft. The Golden Heart win sold my first manuscript for me. Conferences taught me everything I know about the business. I met Connie Brockway at Nationals and that's why she offered to read my book for a quote. And the loops have brought me countless wonderful friends. I can confidently say that I wouldn't have a writing career if not for RWA.

On Being a Published Author

The best thing is the feeling that I've finally made it. I've got my shot at making a real career, and that's all I ever wanted. It's up to me to keep it going now, make it into what I want, but I will have a book on the shelves and no one can ever take that away. The biggest challenge is distraction. I'm trying to do my part on the promotion side, but it takes work to balance it with the writing.

Best Advice Received

Just keep writing. When you finish a book, you send it out, and you start thinking about the next one. That's the one thing you have control over.
How important do you think self-promotion is to a writer's career and do you have any tips?
Oh, God, I have no idea. A website, of course. And MySpace seems to be working well for me. Oh, and if you're going to blog, do a group blog!!! Seriously. Less work and more exposure! I blog with seven other historical writers at HistoryHoydens.blogspot.com. One of the best moves I ever made.

On Publishers

I'm with Kensington Zebra, and I love them. Kensington is doing amazing things for the historical market. Their Debut program gives new writers a chance to get a foot in the door, and it gives readers a chance to try someone new for only $3.99. I couldn't ask for a better first experience. I think it's an amazing program.

On Agents

I think an agent takes the pressure off the writer. When I finish a manuscript, my agent is an experienced first reader who helps me tighten up the story BEFORE it goes out. I have no doubt when she sends it out there, it is ready to go. And I don't have to worry about a dozen submissions. I send it to her, and she takes care of the rest.

What are you working on now?

I'm having so much fun! I already finished the next book in my historical series. A Rake's Guide to Ruin (tentative title) should be out in August 2008. While I was working on that, my agent asked me if I'd consider trying my hand at a funny, sexy contemporary romance. I was a little scared about trying to be funny, but I gave it a shot. Man, am I glad I did! Best time I ever had.

I finished Talk Me Down about a month ago, and I'll let you know if it finds a home. At this exact moment I am getting ready for one last vacation before my release date.

Advice for Aspiring Writers

Keep trying. It took me six years and five manuscripts to sell a book. It's taken others much longer than that. If you love it, keep writing. An unsold manuscript is not a failure, it's a learning experience. Each book will be better than the last, and you'll be that much closer to reaching your goals.

What does belonging to FTHRW mean to you?

Friendship and support! Thank you FTHRW!!!

Visit Victorial online at http://www.VictoriaDahl.com