By Virginia Barlow
I’ve always had a fascination with reading and the effect words have on the mind. I remember my older brother and sister reading stories to me before I started school. I listened with awe and gazed with wonder at the black letters on the page, anxious for the day I, too, could make words out of the symbols. My first day of school dawned and I couldn’t wait to get to school and learn how to read. Imagine my disappointment when all we did was color, cut out, and glue. I came home and told my mom I was never going back. I gave them all day and I still didn’t know how to read. She laughed and explained it took time. Hence, my first lesson with patience, as well
I have an affinity with language. I loved spelling, reading, composition and diagramming in school. These subjects were my forte while mathematical related subjects were not.
I wrote my first stories for my children to help them with reading. I did an alphabet series with insects as in Andy Ant, Betty Bee, etc, to get them excited about reading and identifying different letters. I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure.
I dropped the writing for a few years and later I decided I wanted to do a rewrite of a familiar fairytale as more of an origin story. The idea took root and I sat down to my computer to write my first novel. The Wicked Sister is the result, and I enjoyed every minute of its creation. I still remember where I was when I received the email from The Wild Rose Press asking me for my entire manuscript and later offering me a contract. I love being an author and creating stories that pop into my head and lead me on adventures, quests, and the need for justice.
I have a dear friend who passed away this last week. She was one of my biggest fans and cheered me on through every up and down. One of the last texts she sent me, thanked me for writing stories for her to get lost in and escape for a while to another place and time. She worked forty hours a week and took care of her elderly parents, one of whom suffered with dementia. I will never forget her kind words and great support. I’m thankful my stories offered her a few moments of happiness and this, truly, is the greatest reward an author could ask for.
I love being an author. It’s all about where your characters lead you. I start with a general idea. As the story unfolds, I type as fast as I can in hopes I keep up with my characters. They have had me jotting on napkins, making notes while I’m waiting in a line, and waking me up in the middle of the night. The hard part is always the ending. My characters live with me and when I reach the end of the story, it is hard to say goodbye. Sometimes, I let the story sit for a few days to make sure I’m okay with them leaving home to get published. Kind of like when you kids move out. LOL
I enjoy my grandchildren, and the time I share with them. They make me smile with their antics. I like to quilt, crochet, knit and sew. Cooking and baking are occasional itches I scratch. The rest of the time, they are necessary evils. LOL.
My greatest support comes from my husband. He has been my sounding board for all my stories. My daughters are also a great support to me. I couldn’t do it without my family.
Virginia Barlow’s recent release is the paranormal romance, The Witch of Rathborne Castle.
You can visit Virginia’s website at https://www.virginia-barlow.com or connect with her on Twitter, Goodreads and Facebook.About The Witch of Rathborne Castle
Lady Jane Lenwood is abandoned and alone in an empty castle in the middle of a dark twisted forest. The locals call her a witch because she has the “sight.”
When a wounded stranger is found within the gates, she is warned he carries secrets and their lives will be intertwined.
Lady Jane walks with a limp following a riding accident the night her mother left her. And had given up on having a normal life. She blames her misfortune on the current Duke of Rathborne.
Max Radley is sent by the king to find a traitor. His search leads him to Rathborne Castle and the beautiful woman living there. He must keep his identity a secret in order to find the traitor.
Lies, deception, and a grand scheme to relieve him of his wealth have the real villians framing him for treason.
Only Jane and her supernatural ability can save him, but in order to find the answer she must face her past and the feeling she has for him.
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