Author Interview: R.R. Virdi

R.R. Virdi

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

At age 18. It was summer break before college and my best friend and I decided to write a novel. It was horrible, wonderful, and, it sold me on writing.

Do you write in a particular genre or do you like to bounce around to different ones?

At the moment I am writing a great deal of urban fantasy. I love it, it is my favorite genre. In the future I know I am going to be bouncing a bit though between that, fantasy, and science fiction.

Are these the genre(s) that you also like to read?

Oh yeah.

Do you have a favorite genre to write?

Urban Fantasy

Do you have a favorite genre to read?

Urban Fantasy.

What books have most influenced your life?

The Dresden Files. The Hellblazer Comics. The Wheel of Time novels.

What author has most influenced your life?

Jim Butcher.

Do you have a favorite book or series from another author?

The Chronicles of Siala by Russian author, Alexey Pehov

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Read, workout, or play video games.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

Age 18 back in 2008

What is your writing process?

Sit down. Write. No excuses. End.

Do you have a writing routine?

Yes, butt in chair, write no matter what. Finish the word count. Finish your novels. There are no secrets. Finished work counts.

How long does it take you to write a book?

Oooooh boy, I’ll let you know when I have a set figure on that. It changes.

Where do you get your ideas or inspiration for your books?

Still haven’t figure that one out yet. They just pop into the noggin’

What does your family think of your writing?

Some don’t support it. Others don’t care.

Do you have any suggestions to help others become a better writer?

Write as much as you can. Read as much as you can. That’s the only true solid advice. Outlining, not outlining, setting word counts, all those are subjective and change from author to author. The only thing proven to work is reading a lot, and writing a lot.

What is the most surprising thing you have heard from your fans?

That I have a fan club and they are actively promoting me.

What’s next for you/What are you working on now?

I’m about to start book 3 in my current series, The Grave Report and will be receiving book one of a new series back from editing so I can publish that in December hopefully.

What is your preferred method to have readers get in touch with or follow you?

Facebook works. My website is also a good way. So is twitter.

Amazon author page: http://goo.gl/STsSpI Website: http://rrvirdi.com/ Twitter: @rrvirdi Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/rrvirdi/ [if !supportLineBreakNewLine] [endif]Tell us about your journey in becoming self-published/Did you always want to go that route?

I had no idea before. I just wrote, and wanted to publish. I rushed into self publishing but I don’t regret it!

Is there anything youd love to share with us about yourself?

Um, I read a lot of comics?

What would you say is your favorite thing about becoming an author?

The writing. The coming up with stories, fleshing them out and seeing where they take you.

What has been your toughest criticism given to you as an author? best compliment? How did you handle both?

Some people just don’t like my style. Some people love my style! And, I just have to, that’s the answer. You just have to deal with it sadly, the good, and the bad.

Are any of your characters based on real people from your life?

Nope.

Is there a particular author that helped influence you into become an author?

Jim Butcher.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in writing?

Just those days when you’re foggy brained and or ill.

What is the most fun part of writing?

The completion or getting lost in the words.

Can you tell us 5 random things about yourself?

I love meditating. I love sea otters. I’m a huge Batman fan. I grew up with The Elder Scrolls games so Bethesda Softworks is my favorite gaming company. I’m wearing a blue shirt with an otter on it that says, “I’m otterly adorable,” as I am answering these.

Is there anything youd like to say to your fans/readers?

You are the best. Really, you’re better than any other author’s fans. Why? Because you are by default.

Speed Round:

1. Favorite Food: Chicken?

2. Favorite Color: Blue

3. Favorite Animal: Sea otter, dog comes close second.

4. Favorite Book: The Alchemist

5. Favorite Movie: Forest Gump

6. Favorite Drink: The right root beer

BOOK SPOTLIGHT

Title: The Grave Report (Book 1 is titled Grave Beginnings. Book 2 is titled Grave Measures.)

Author: R.R. Virdi

Series Name: The Grave Report

ISBN: Book 1: 1517790387 Book 2: 1530894867

Page count: Book 1: 312 Book 2: 334

Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranomal Investigator

Price: Book 1: $2.99 kindle. $14.99 Paperback. Book 2: $3.99 Kindle. $11.53 paperback (don’t ask me why, amazon changed the price.)

Author Bio:

R.R. Virdi is the author of The Grave Report. He is an avid fan of science fiction, fantasy, and especially mythology and urban fantasy. He has worked as a mechanic, retail, the fitness industry and the gaming PC world. Ronnie has a deep love of all things mechanical with a heavy emphasis on automobiles, especially American classics. He enjoys building things and tinkering with computers from his home in Falls Church, Virginia. There are rumors that he wanders the streets of his neighborhood in the dead of night dressed in a Jedi robe and teal fuzzy slippers, no one knows why. Other such rumors mention how he is a professional hair whisperer in his spare time. We don’t know what that is either.

Blurb:

Book 1:

Thirteen...

As far as numbers go, it isn't a great one. Hell, it's not even a good one and Vincent Graves is going to find out just how unlucky of a number it can be.

Because someone, or something, is killing people in the Empire state, and whatever it is, it gives people everything they ever desired and more. And it's the more that's the problem!

Well...it's one of the problems.

Vincent's investigation also seems to have drawn the attention of a relentless FBI agent and then there's the little bit where he has only thirteen hours to solve the case, or he dies.Talk about your literal deadlines...

...No pressure. By the end of this case Vincent will come to understand the meaning of an age old proverb: Be careful what you wish for - because you just might get it!

Book 2:

What do shadows darting across the walls, cryptic writing, black fog, and a little girl who can see ghosts have in common? Paranormal investigator and soul without a body, Vincent Graves, has forty-four hours to find out.

To make matters worse, his years of body-hopping and monster-hunting are catching up with him. He's losing his mind. An old contact has shut him out. To top it all off, something's skulking through an asylum, killing patients.

Three guesses who might be next, and the first two don't count. The writing on the wall is not so clear. But one thing is: if he doesn't figure this out he's a dead man--well, deader--and a strange young girl might follow. Vincent's got his back against a wall, and that wall's crumbling.

Some days it's not worth it to wake up in someone else's body.

How long did it take to write the book?

6 months.

What inspired you to write the book?

I still don’t know.

Did you do any research, and if so, what did that involve?

Endless mythology research which I love. Internet and all my books.

What do you hope your readers come away with after reading your book?

A good time.

Where can we go to buy your book?

Anywhere books are sold.

Do you have a Favorite Quote from the book or series? Not really. I love it all, that’s why I wrote it.

What is in store for you next?

Book 3 is next ;) and a new novel in a new series to really expand my world. The Grave Report will not be the only series set in this world.

Tell us about your cover - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

A great deal. Vincent is a smart ass because I’m one.

Tell us about your cover - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

Um...it’s a great cover? It fits the theme of my series, it’s personalized well. It hides the MC’s face since Vincent has no set appearance. The artist is the amazing Sarah Anderson

Why should we read this book (or series) and what sets you apart from the rest?

Well, book one won a best book of 2015 award from A Drop of Ink Reviews. Book two is currently in the nominations for Dragon Con Award under best fantasy (Paranormal).

Who would you recommend this book to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

Adult language. Violence. Epic snark and wit.

How did you come up with the title?

It’s a line from the novel.

How did you pick characters’ names?

I just did. There wasn’t much mulling around. I just knew.

Who is your favorite character? Why?

Vincent. He’s the heart and soul of the series.

What was the hardest part about writing this book?

Making sure I did my best every day.

Do you have a favorite line or two you’d like to share with everyone?

A favorite? “That’s when I pushed her out of the window.”

Thank you for stopping by! Check out R.R. Virdi's books and sites, but don't forget to come back here for more author interviews.