Interviewing Author Violeta Bagia

Interviewing Author  Violeta Bagia

 Q1. Tell me about yourself?

A. I was born in Bosnia and migrated to Australia in the early 90s. Learning English, trying to fit in and make new friends was one of the main drivers for me to learn how to write. I found comfort in books and quickly began writing my own stories. After several teachers encouraged me to nurture my passion, I wrote and published my first poem when I was 12 years old. Later in life, the need to empower girls and women became a passion were taking back control became a frequent theme in my books. Watching kickass characters like Buffy Summers and Sydney Bristow further fueled that desire. Today, I am an advocate for sexual assault survivors, anti-bullying, and diversity. I was longlisted twice for the Davitt Awards here in Australia which celebrates female crime writers. I’m currently represented by Vulpine Press who are also advocates for strong female voices and leading the charge for women in literature.

Q2.What are your favorite books to read?

A. I love anything by Stephen King, basically, anything by Jennifer L. Armentrout, and whatever out there fits in the urban fantasy genre.

Q3. When did you decide you were going to write a book?

A. I started tinkering with the idea back in 2014. I managed to get 12 chapters done and then suffered a serious case of writer’s block. It took me two more years to find the inspiration to finish it with the encouragement of my best friend. Since then, the sequels came to a lot easier.

Q4. How did you come up with the name of your book?

A. The name of the first book, Ace of Hart, came to me when I was watching a friend play poker. I realized the importance of so many different cards and chance, working together in order to give you a winning hand. It immediately made sense with the protagonist in my books and what she was going through in each subsequent novel.

Q5. What are you working on for 2021

A. A coming of the age drama set in Melbourne and a YA Dystopian trilogy set in New York. I’m also working on a research degree, so I’ll be writing something fun to do with Greek Mythology too, just not quite sure what exactly!

Q6. How long have you been writing?

A.Since I was 12 – so 20 years now.

Q7.What advice would you give other authors?

A. Write every day. It doesn’t have to be great; it doesn’t even have to be something related to your project. As long as you’re getting into the habit of making writing consistent and habitual, you’ll eventually find that it becomes second nature which gives you the best chance for success. 

Q8. Where can people find you online?

A. I’m pretty active on most platforms which can all be found via my website: www.vmbagia.com

Q9. What is your favorite coffee drink?

A. Short black or iced long black for summer

Q10. What is your favorite coffee shop?

A. Here in Melbourne, I love Volt Café, otherwise, I’m happy to sit at Starbucks and drink frappes all day long.

Q11. Do you plan on making a new book in the future?

A. I plan on writing as long as my mind and fingers work. So I don’t see myself slowing down any time soon.

Q12. How many books have you written?

A. I have written 10 novels and published 6. I recently signed a 3-book deal for a new YA trilogy which will come in late 2021.

Q13. Did you go to college to be a writer?

A. Initially no. Straight after high school, I started working to save for my first home. Once I’d accomplished that, I started writing my first book. A few years later a friend encouraged me to go back to school to expand my skills. At first, I wasn’t interested considering how much writing experience I had, but after talking through my apprehension with the university, I was fortunate that they allowed me to go straight to master’s level (Grad Cert in Literature). I’m currently doing my second degree in Literature – a Master of Arts and Master by Research, concurrently.