Getting to Know Victoria Wells
When you’re not writing, what keeps you busy? What are some of your favorite things to do?
Mostly reading keeps me busy when I’m not writing. Before I started writing I could easily knock out 3-4 books in a week. I really enjoy knitting, shopping with my daughters, traveling, and hanging out with family and friends.
What are three things your fans don’t know about you?
Hmm, let’s see. First, I flunked Chemistry in the 11th grade because I would hide my Harlequin romance novels behind my chemistry textbook and read all period long. Second, I have a very mischievous side to me that comes out to play every now and again. For instance I convinced my husband one Christmas to hide the kids’ gifts and put charcoal in their stockings. And thirdly, I hate, hate, hate public speaking. I actually get all nervous jittering inside. But once I get going you can’t shut me up! LOL
If you could create a perfect day, what would it consist of?
Being able to do all the things that make me happy. Spending quality time with my family, having my patients be 100% pain free (if only for a day), and having a block of time to write.
If you could go back and change one thing in your past, what would it be?
I wish I had gone to a historically black college. I feel like I missed out on a wonderful experience.
If you were granted three wishes, what would you wish for?
I would wish for longevity for both my hubby and me so we’d be around to spoil our grandchildren and great grandchildren, my children to live up to their optimal potential in life and not settle for a life of mediocrity, and to become financially secure before the age of retirement.
What five things do you want to accomplish or do in the next five years?
1)Â Â Â Â Â Go to Tuscany, Italy. I fell in love with the place after watching the movie Under The Tuscan Sun.
2)     Finish all the home projects I’ve started and stopped.
3)Â Â Â Â Â Learn to speak French fluently.
4)Â Â Â Â Â Devote more time to my writing.
5)     Make it on somebody’s bestseller’s list! LOL
ABOUT THE BOOK
Key to My Heart by Victoria Wells
Sassy talking, no-nonsense Ava Peretti has a mysterious past that has finally caught up with her. Agonizing nightmares terrorize her by night as painful memories of a love lost haunt her by day. Ava has vowed never to love again, but she will soon find out that sometimes vows are made to be broken.
Attorney Langston Warrington III is the one man that can make Ava love again. The only problem is . . . he’s her archenemy! And to make matters worse, Langston has a secret of his own—a secret that will change Ava’s life forever.
For more information and to follow the tour, please visit Victoria’s site at: http://www.victoria-wells.com
Leave your comments and be entered to win some great prizes courtesy of Victoria!
Victoria, thanks so much for joining us today! I like your interview too…though I was laughing at you teasing those poor kids! And ummm, yep, you did miss out on some good stuff at an HBCU. I attended and am grateful for the experience.
Tell us more about the books and your writing.
-Tee
Tee, thank you soooo much for hosting Victoria today!!! I love my RAWSISTAZ!
Morning, Victoria!!! Thanks for stopping by. I would’ve loved to see the children’s faces that Christmas morning…LOL!!!! Priceless!!
Jamie, thank YOU for stopping by and supporting Victoria in her tour!
I wish I had gone to college period! But I did want to attend an HBCU! I’m cracking up at you putting coal in the kids stockings. I’ve never done that, but I played some major pranks at Christmas! I love doing that. LOL It’s mean I know, but it’s so much fun, especially when you’re giving the kids something they really want.
Renee,
It’s not mean. When I play pranks on them I just think of all the hours I labored giving them life! LOL
Right! LOL!!!!
Hi Tee,
I’m glad to be here today. Which HBCU did you go to? My youngest daughter wants to go to Howard.
I love writing African American romance because it portrays black folks in a positive light. I enjoy writing stories with strong, independent characters that are far from perfect. I like for my characters to have major flaws, to have made mistakes and have regrets. As the characters journey throughout the story they learn, they grow and they find love. For me (and hope to others) this makes them real.
If anyone would like to read excerpts of my books they can go to my website at: http://www.victoria-wells.com.
Hey Jaime!
How are you? LOL…the looks on their faces was priceless! Thanks for stopping by
You know I had to stop by!!!! When I found out you were doing a blog tour, I immediately told Tee I know her from Bev Land…LOL!!!
I can’t wait to read some of your books, you’ve been added to my to be read list. Any suggestions to what I should begin with?
Jaime – Thanks for adding me to your list. I appreciate it
I would say start with A Special Summer since it’s the first in the series. Then go onto When Love Comes Around and Key To My Heart.
Tee – I went to Community College of Philadelphia where I received an AD in Applied Sciences majoring in Nursing. From there I went to LaSalle University where I received a Bachelor ‘s and Master’s in Nursing. Nope, never went to a football game period. I did however take my oldest daughter down to Howard when she was a junior in high school for open house. It was a really nice experience. See why I put coal in her stocking? She ended up staying at home going to CCP and then Temple.
Niambi – We’ll get there one of these days
We just got to keep on pushing.
Rhea – Thanks for following me on this tour. Yes! You do count!
I’m actually taking my first French class in July at Alliance Francaise de Philadelphie. I’ve already tackled learning the French alphabet! LOL I’d also like to speak Spanish too.
My daughter and I got Spanish for Dummies and I plan to start listening then working with it. At the University I am at, it’s taught in three semester and I am going to try to make it when the next one comes around again but that will be a bad time in the year for the job as the administration will be chaning, so I mamy have to wait to the next go round. My daughter knows French.
I’ve heard Rosetta Stone is the way to go when wanting to learn a foreign language. I’ve always wanted to learn both French & Spanish. Maybe one day I can afford Rosetta Stone and can learn.
Hi Victoria! I attended Grambling State University in Louisiana.
Where did you actually end up going and did you have the opportunity to at least attend a football game at an HBCU, like the Bayou Classic?
And, I’m not an avid romance reader, but I definitely appreciate when folks portray black love in a positive light.
-Tee
Victoria, I am NOT going to your website today! Everytime I get caught up in the design and just want to click and read everything. It is absolutely beautiful!!
LOL…Thanks
Renee designed it for me. She did an excellent job.
::::big grin::::
Thanks Victoria!!!! I just worked with the ideas that you gave me. I’m so glad that you are pleased with it though and you know I appreciate you spreading the word and helping a sista out!!!! Big hugs!!!
Victoria, your list of five is exactly like mine! Best wishes in your writing and that to-do list!
Heyy Niambi!!! Thanks for stopping by!
Good Afternoon Victoria,
I know I don’t count….but, uhhhh YOU ARE ON MY BEST SELLER LIST, just tell me where to send my money!!
I also want to learn and become fluent in French as well as Spanish, I think I am going to tackle Spanish first.
Rhea, you definitely count! I really appreciate you stopping by and helping make Victoria’s tour a success!
Victoria shared her FIVE THINGS list (which I love), how about we share ours too?
What five things do you want to accomplish or do in the next five years?
Five things that I want to accomplish in the next five years:
1. Complete my two certifications in crochet as an Instructor and a Pattern Designer
2. Return to the realm of Higher Education/Bachelor Degrees in Accounting and Communications
3. Complete the disoloution of marriage
4. Join the world of dating….prayfully meet a mate, not looking forward the teh “games”
5. Reorganize my living space as an emptynester and become completely acclaimated the the change in lifestyle
This is a really hard list and I’m sure it’ll change if I were to do it tomorrow, but here goes:
- Finish setting up & launch several projects I’ve had in the works; some as much as 6 years.
- Get my house organized the way I want and go through the two storage rooms full of books, clothes, boxes, etc.
- Take design classes so I can learn to do my own graphics so I can take my web design business to another level.
#4 and 5 are too personal to put here. LOL. Don’t be trying to guess either.
Get my house organized is one of mine also. I get scared when I go in these two extra rooms I have.
One other thing I want to do in the near future is meet all of my RAWSISTAZ….finally!
LOL! We’ll be waiting…
Make it to 65
Get this book written
Travel
Take a cooking class
Thats all I can think of
Heyy Linda! I’m not even gonna say anything about that book! ::raised eyebrow::: Love ya! LOL Thanks for stopping by and supporting Victoria’s tour!!!!
Here’s my working list, in no particular order:
1 – Go back to school and get a degree in web design
2 – Build a home
3 – Be debt free (except for the usual bills of course)
4 – Get all of my business ideas off the ground and they become profitable
5 – Finally get my non-profit started
Hi Victoria. Thanks for chatting with us today.
What is the hardest part of writing romance?
Do you think you can write romance stories if you don’t believe in the happily ever after love they portray?
Hey Criss! Thanks for stopping by and chatting with Victoria today!
Welcome, Victoria! Your interview was fascinating. Sounds like you have a marvelous personality, and that smile is proof! I’m really just getting acquainted with AA romance novels this month, since the RAW club is featuring them, and I’ve realized that my old impression of romance novels in general requires some adjusting. I’m still a romantic at heart, though!
Heyy D. J. ! Glad you’re giving romance a try. Romance is my favorite genre, even if they are predictable with the happily ever after. It’s the way the story unfolds that gets them to the happily ever after that I love so much. I’m a die-hard, hopeful romantic!
Victoria, this month is LOTTA LOVE month over at RAWSISTAZ, so having you join us is a wonderful addition to our theme. With Valentine’s Day coming up, do you have some suggestions for those who want to add a little romance?
Readers…what are you doing for your special someone for Valentine’s Day?
All — do you think Valentine’s Day has gotten too commercialized? Or do you still participate with the gift giving and expecting? LOL.
-Tee
Now that I’ve gotten childcare secured (yippee!) I plan to go to dinner with my SO and just enjoy some quality, kid-free time. (smile). I haven’t figured out what I’m getting him for his gift yet. No, I don’t think Valentine’s Day has gotten too commercialized. I think I’ve always viewed it as a “get loot” holiday anyway so…maybe that has something to do with it.
Victoria great interview I loved discovering five things you want to accomplish in the next five years and wish you many blessings toward your goals…YOU CAN DO IT GURL!
xoxo
Thank you for stopping by and chatting with us Victoria! I, like Tee, do not really read romance books but I like to read them every now and then to shake it up a little. I love a “sassy-talking, no nonsense” character.
Susan
Criss – I’m glad to be here
Let’s see… the hardest thing about writing romance is trying to please the reader. I’ve heard a lot of authors say that they write, what they write, to please themselves. To a degree I understand that logic. What an author write should please them. However, when I’m writing in the back of my mind I’m always thinking, “are people going to enjoy this? Are they going to get what I’m trying to have the characters convey?” For me it’s all about making sure the reader comes away satisfied at the end of the story. And that can be really hard because it’s impossible to please everyone…but I still try.
I’m not sure if someone could write romance if they didn’t believe in the happy ending. That’s the best part , driving force of a romance story for me. Because you know that no matter what trials and tribulations the heroine and hero experienced throughout the story somehow, some way they’re going to end up happy and in love.
D.J. – Thanks for your kind words. I’m glad your impression of romance is changing
Tee – Lawd have mercy! Girl, why you putting me on the spot! LOL I love candles. Lots and lots of candles. Not just any candles…I love Sandlewood scented candles because they heighten the senses. I would suggest putting these candles in your bathroom and share a nice steamy shower or bubble bath with that special someone. It wouldn’t hurt to put some in the bedroom too ::wink-wink::
Susan – That’s right girl, shake it up every now and again!
I’m truly enjoyng your blog tour…I can discover more and more things about you.
And I wanna tell you your on MY bestseller list as far as it matters….^^
I love your epilouges to the books. *Starry eyed*
Hey Vic,
Stopping by to say hello once again! You know you are number one on my best sellers list as well!
Let’s see, the five things I would like to accomplish in the next five years is…1. Publish my Poetry; 2. Review and Write romance novel(s); 3. Travel to Spain, Paris or Italy; 4. Advocate for and make a difference in the way we as African American Women support and relate to each other; 5. Starting a successful organization that will market and promote up and coming African American Authors.
I am truly loving your tour and highly excited about reading “Key to My Heart!” One day and counting………LOL!!!!
Hi Victoria…and thank you for stopping by. Nice interview….I have a mischeivous side all my life. My husband and children tell me all the time I play too much…..LOL
Welcome Victoria,
I loved your first book, I see I am going to have to catch up and I agree with Tee, your website is beautiful~
angelia
Hey Ladies,
I just have to tell you all that my new friend Luigia (who I met on FB) has been touring with me all week from Italy! Isn’t that cool! Dee, Yasmin, Rhea and Renee have also been to every tour stop with me. You ladies are the bomb! Thanks for your love and support. Dee, I love your goal #4.
Sharon – LOL It’s all good. As I see it, having a playful side keeps you youthful and happy.
Angelia – I’m glad you enjoyed A Special Summer. Thanks for swinging by and hanging out with us.
Hi, Victoria. Thanks for joining us. I enjoyed reading the interview and learning more about you. You have definitely given me some things to think of for next Christmas….LOL! My son won’t know what hit him. I am going to add your novels to my TBR list. I enjoy reading romance novels.
Hi Hope! Please don’t traumatize the poor baby. And whatever you don’t tell him you got the idea from me! LOL Yay! Another romance lover
Victoria, I’m loving this tour and thanks for answering my question on yesterday about your favorite Valentine. You had me rolling over here about the goal in the kids stockings, going to remember this one for my kids next Christmas.
You’re welcome Tina. I’m loving this tour too! Thanks for touring with me
Be sure to take pics next Christmas morning of the kiddie’s stunned expressions! LOL
Yes, the trick with the coal in stockings was wonderful . May have to steal that and do it for grandkids.
My five things to accomplish are:
Retire
Get certified to be a yoga teacher
Declutter my house and keep it that way
Read all of the unread books in my library
Hi Beverly,
Thanks for stopping by. I need to add unread books to my list too. Which is going to be difficult since I just keep by books! LOL
At this time I’d like to extend a special thanks to EVERYONE for stopping through and joining the blog tour with Victoria. I look forward to seeing you all again soon and wish nothing but the best for each of your; especially with those 5 things…
Renee, thanks for adding RAWSISTAZ to the tour line-up and Victoria, you’re welcome to join us again at any time.
-Tee
Thanks, Tee
I really enjoyed myself today.
Good information to know about you Victoria. I have enjoyed reading your books thus far and will keep you as one of my must reads as soon as it hits the shelf.
Hey Victoria,
You are on my best seller list. I have been a fan since Nick and Summer came out. I cannot wait for the new book to come out. I just wanted chime and show you some support. Just the good books coming.
Roxanna Haddley