SPOTLIGHT ON… Escape Publishing: Viveka Portman

Viveka Portman

Describe yourself in one word:
Quirky

What is your background with regard to writing?
I have always written since childhood, and read voraciously. I also have a bachelor of science in anthropology and a graduate diploma in education, so it would be fair to say I am a naturally wordy nerdy person.

When did you first begin writing with a view of embarking on a career as a published author?
I always wanted people to read my books, and I had a childhood filled with stories. I sent my first book off to a publisher at age fifteen. Suffice to say, I was actually published at thirty-two.

What is your writing routine?
Routine? An interesting and unfamiliar concept for me; especially when linked to writing – I have no writing routine to speak of. I write what I want, when I want, and how I want – otherwise it just doesn’t work.

Favourite snack whilst writing?
Coffee and chocolate Scotch Finger Biscuits.

If you weren’t writing, what would you be doing?
Thinking about things I want to write!

One thing you’d like readers to know about the romance genre:
What is life without romance? Boring! The romance genre is so much more than just heaving bosoms and throbbing manhoods…although certainly that’s an important part of it! Romance is escapism at its best, it makes you feel good, it excites and exhilarates you.

The one book that you’ve read over and over is…
French Relations by Fiona Walker. My copy is falling apart, but I love it and every few years re-read it just because it is so good!

Favourite fictional character:
I seriously have so many it’s nearly impossible to narrow it down. For a female character, it’s probably Brienne of Tarth from George R. R. Martin’s series. She is so seriously loyal, strong and unflinching, but strangely wounded too. She’s beautifully done. For a male it would have to be Jericho Barrons from Karen Marie Moning’s Fever Series. Simply because he is probably still the sexiest character I have ever read.

Number one thing to do on your bucket list:
Visit the Amazon jungle.

What book has changed your opinion/stance on something important to you, and why?
The Complete Book of Great Australian Women by Susanna De Vries. I consider myself quite an educated woman, but this book put me to shame. Half the women mentioned in this I had never heard of, and their achievements are astounding. I think every young woman, should read it. The sad lack of self-esteem some of our young girls suffer could well be ameliorated by reading some of the stories in this book. It is full of wonderful female achievements that most of our society are completely unaware of. It also demonstrates in a powerful way that women (from every imaginable background) are capable of great things, so don’t let your gender, ethnicity or social background hold you back! It was a very empowering read.

What’s next for you?
My next release with Escape, The Wicked Confessions of Lady Cecelia Stanton, is scheduled for release soon and I’m currently working on several other writing projects!

If you could offer just one piece of advice to aspiring authors, what would it be?
Know your art. Know what makes a good book and you’ve got a much better chance of writing one.

Find Viveka online:

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