Thanks for joining me for Sunday Speed Dates. This week I have Brea Viragh joining me.
Brea C. Viragh is a poet, short story author, and novelist who has been writing fiction since the third grade. Her teacher thought it was a good idea to leave her alone at a computer and see what happened. Must have been fate! She is an author of weird and wonderful fiction and dabbles in the realms of romance, paranormal, urban fantasy, and comedy. When not writing, she’s likely binge watching HGTV, planning her next home renovation project, or annoying others by threatening to put them in her next book. Her work is featured in Warren Lapine’s Fantastic Stories Science Fiction Anthology, New Realm by Fiction Magazine, New York Literary, and The Bracelet Charm Biannual by Conceit Magazine. Ms. Viragh lives with her boyfriend, puppy, and herd of three cats in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.
First, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Sure! I’m a New Jersey native, although I’ve spent the last several years living in Virginia. I received my undergraduate degree in biology and continued the trend with a double master’s degree in marine biology and environmental science. It was only after defending my thesis that I came to realize I wanted to write full time. More than a hobby, it was a way to communicate my passion to other people. Words always seemed to flow better from my fingers than my mouth. Aside from writing, I enjoy snorkeling, traveling, and home renovation projects. I’m only marginally obsessed with “Supernatural” and “American Dad”.
Tell us a little about your latest project.
Right now I’m working on a small town, contemporary romance series based loosely off of where I live. The entire county boasts a single stoplight. The current story I’m writing ties into my recently published novel, Hold Me, and shows aspects of the first book from a separate point of view.
Oh, that sounds exciting! I love it when stories cross over in the form of another POV.
What does your family think of your writing?
My family is extremely supportive, especially my mother and boyfriend. He didn’t bat an eye when I told him I wanted to quit my job to pursue writing full-time. My mother wonders what took me so long to find what I loved to do.
Yay for supportive families! That is so awesome. I would love to be able to write full time, but I’m so afraid. It’s a huge step to even consider. Mad props to you for actually doing it.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Lately I’ve been going on a lot of hikes. I have a young puppy who enjoys getting out and romping through the woods. Otherwise I never turn down a trip to the thrift store and an opportunity to people watch. If I had my druthers I would be on vacation, however.
Ah… permanent vacation… sigh… Also a great time to people watch.
What was the last book you read for fun?
The last book I read for fun was Moon Chosen by P.C. Cast. As my favorite author, I was happy to get an advanced copy of her newest and exceptionally grateful she decided to not only give me the last copy she had, but sign it as well.
That is so amazing. It is such a great feeling meeting a favorite author and finding out they are as awesome as we hope.
What book do you wish you would have written? Why?
Can it be a series? I’ve always wished I could have written the Three Sisters Trilogy by Nora Roberts. The setting spoke to me first. A small island in the middle of the sea, off the coast of Maine. I’m a northern gal myself and adore New England. Aside from the setting, the plot follows three women who explore their own magical gifts while battling internal demons and an external foe. I’ve read each one a dozen times.
I’ve never read that series, but it sounds intriguing. I’ll have to check it out.
Desk: messy or organized?
Who needs a desk? Ha-ha I spend most of my writing days either on the deck or reclining on the couch with the laptop in hand. I’d say both are semi-clean unless I’ve been binge snacking. Then all bets are off.
Another binge snacker, I’m not alone! What is your binge snack of choice?
I binge snack on ice cream while writing (sooo bad for the waistline).
LOL, I bet!
What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of writing?
I would have to say staying consistent to one story. As soon as I hit 40k words I want to get into a different project. There are so many ideas bouncing around inside my head I want to begin them all immediately. Once I finish a novel, I’d say the most challenging aspect is edits.
I do the same thing. I get bored with the story I’m working on and want to move on. It’s a constant struggle to stick with it.
Tell us one new thing you learned while researching your latest book?
Luckily I didn’t have to spend much time researching setting. I live my setting every day. I learned to not take myself so seriously. We all think our WIP is the best thing since sliced bread. Working with friends and my new editor, I discovered you have to laugh when you come across independently moving body parts or dialogue that doesn’t make sense.
OMG, wandering body parts are the worst/best part of edits! I have a love-hate relationship with them. I tend to favor eyes for some reason…
How did you come up with the title?
I was watching “The Producers” with Mathew Broderick and Nathan Lane (love him!). The scene where Bialystock is rifling through his list of little old lady backers. “Hold me/Touch me, Kiss me/Feel me.” I could work with that!
Those really are the best titles. They could be taken in so many different ways.
What came first, plot or character?
I would have to say the titles came first, followed by the plot. Once I know where I’m going with a story, even a vague direction without details, the characters make themselves known. By the end of the manuscript they tell me where they want to go and the story takes an interesting twist.
Leave it to book characters to take things in a direction you — the author — never saw coming.
What was the last movie that made you cry?
Oh God, love makes me cry all the time. The other night I was watching “Ever After”. It was the scene where Maurice is freed and runs across the field to meet his wife. Bawled like a baby!
That has to be one of my all-time favorite movies. It’s has so many feels in it. <cue the waterworks>
Do you have any pets?
Oh sure, I love my animals! I have three cats (Zuko, Piyo, and Azula although by nickname they are Booboo, Piyo-chan-man, and the Baby) and one dog, Loki. Also known as Pacha, Pacha-lok, or Pacha-Loki depending on the day.
Aww…I love critters. Animals rule the internet after all. :)
That they do! They are such characters.
What was the first live concert you ever attended?
No judgment. It was Nickelback. Along with Hinder and Papa Roach. They totally rocked it!
I would never judge anyone’s taste in music. It is a holy thing.
What did you find most useful in learning to write?
I know everyone says this, but keep trying. You only get better the more you continue to write. The words flow easier, the stories come faster, and you learn what works and what doesn’t. It takes practice to be good at something, so even when you feel like you’ll never make it (which I’m still working on) you continue to do what you love.
I think I need to make that a meme…
What are some projects you have in the works?
When I’ve gotten my series under wraps (four more books to come) I want to continue with my paranormal romance and urban fantasies. I have a few things up my sleeves there and, while there are a few first drafts written, there are many more to come! Too many ideas for my fingers.
It’s so hard to pick the next project to work on, but it really is a great problem to have. I can’t wait to see what you have next. :)
Where can we find out more about you and what you write?
Social media, oy. I’ve been trying to get better at tweeting and find it’s a steep learning curve. I’m on twitter and Facebook. I also have an author website and blog. And Pinterest, of course. I can’t tell you how many miles these fingers have scrolled!
I can’t wait to see you around online.
Thanks for letting me play the dating game!!
You are more than welcome. It’s been a pleasure having you join me!