From Thea: I was so delighted when Virna DePaul graciously agreed to come visit on my blog. I’ve been lucky to have several visits with Virna, at book signings and at RWA last year in New York. Virna’s wonderful, and I know you’ll enjoy her blog post today!
Virna is generously offering a giveaway this week. Details are at the end of the post!
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All Of Me by Virna DePaul
Thank you to Thea for having me as a guest on her blog today. I first met Thea when we were doing a book signing together. I’d already read Dragon Bound and loved it. Turns out Thea’s not only uber-talented but is gracious and fun to hang with! J Now on with my post…
I’m sitting next to my husband at Starbucks writing this blog post and he’s just pulled a balloon out of his pocket to show the people next to him a magic trick. My hubby’s always prepared to entertain and amaze someone, be it a friend, stranger, or hotel clerk he’s trying to charm into giving him a free room upgrade. He’s done stand up comedy, can make animals and flowers out of balloons, and once guest-hosted a radio show. He’s also the kind of guy who can do any sport decently. But magic seems to be his true calling. He can work his outgoing personality and humor along with some amazing slight of hand. People are drawn to him, especially kids.
So what does this have to do with me and writing? Well, writing is complicated. Writers are complicated. My husband reminds me how multi-faceted people (even non-writers) are. During the day, he’s a criminal prosecutor and sometimes he can come off a bit…well…let’s say…strong-willed and intimidating. Most people don’t know there’s so much more to him. A whole other side that, while it might seem contrary to his true personality, actually complements it. Imagine if he had to be the serious prosecutor all the time. That part of him is important and valuable, but he deserves some joyful moments, too. In fact, I think my hubby’s lighter side reveals his true nature the most.
From Thea: I love this photo!
On the other hand, I’m quite the opposite of my hubby in many ways. Like a lot of writers, I’m an introvert. I’m shy. I don’t like making small talk. Half the time the day goes by and I’m still in pajamas and have to rush to school to pick up my kids while avoiding eye contact with anyone because I look like a disaster—maybe if we don’t make eye contact, they won’t notice?
I like spinning scenarios in my head and massaging them on the screen until it “feels” right. This is why I, unlike my husband, didn’t enjoy being a criminal prosecutor. We did the exact same work, yet I could see how he flourished on the job while I felt like I was dying a slow death. I don’t like conflict or being put on the spot. I hate having someone figuratively punch me in the gut and then having to remain poised enough to come up with an articulate response to said sucker punch instead of crying or yelling the way I really want to. Instead of doing the latter, I usually took the “silent” approach. Most people thought I was professional and strong, but really I was mostly distressed and flummoxed.
Yet now I write. I put my work out into the world for people to ignore, read, praise or trash. I market myself and network at conferences and teach workshops. Voluntarily. And all this seems so contrary to my introverted nature…but yet it’s not. For the most part, readers and writers are connected by a passion for the written word, so I feel more at home with them. Despite being an introvert, I love challenges and I love making true solid connections with others. I love helping others reach an “a ha” moment, whether it’s about the craft of writing or about some issue they’ve been struggling with in their lives. I really, really love providing an outlet for others to escape their problems, one that leaves them feeling empowered and hopeful.
When we’re at Starbucks or other public places, my hubby usually shines. In a crowd, I’m quiet and might come off as standoffish. Yes, that’s part of me, but it’s not all of me. Like the characters I love to read about and the characters I endeavor to write about, I’m multi-faceted. It takes a while to get to know me but when you do, I like to think I offer something unique and special. I feel the same way about my books.
Thank goodness for the variety of people and personalities in the world. Thank goodness for the different writers and stories and genres. There’s something for every mood and personality, even the most complicated ones.
How are you or someone close to you more than meets the eye? I’m giving away a signed copy of Chosen By Blood, Book 1 in the Para-Ops Novels, to one commenter.
**Giveaway ends at 12 noon MDT on Friday, April 13th**
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Bio: Virna DePaul is a former criminal prosecutor and now national bestselling author of the Para-Ops Novels, including her latest release, Chosen By Sin. Virna also writes for Harlequin Romantic Suspense (It Started That Night, May 2012) and HQN (Shades Of Desire, June 2012). Her novella, Molly Wants A Hero, is included in the upcoming “Love Bites” charitable anthology with other pet-themed stories by New York Times Bestsellers Lori Foster and Brenda Jackson, and bestselling authors Catherine Mann and Jules Bennett. Finally, Virna has indie published several contemporary romance novels and novellas, including the Red-Hot Cops erotic romances under the name Ava Meyers. Find out more at www.virnadepaul.com
Good Morning Thea and Virna. Thank you for this peek into your life, Virna, and I absolutely love the pic of you guys as Red and the Wolf! I have often thought that the relationship between a writer and their readers is such an intimate and personal one. In alot of ways, we really do get to know our authors by the personality of their books and these little snipets of their lives that come through from blogs is so priceless. I have not had the pleasure of reading your books yet, and hope to do so very soon. Thea, well I love reading her Elder races and all her characters. Don’t really know what I would do without books!!
My hubby is the one who is so much more than meets the eye. I always tell everyone he is the best part of me. And he is the quiet one, I am the extrovert. I am the one who really wants to write and although I feel I am starting late, I will persevere. But, he is the one who can always temper me and bring sanity back into focus. There is absolutely nothing he can’t build and no problem he can’t solve. Of course, me, I am the hotheaded Italian who cannot imagine her life without him. Opposites really do attract. Have a wonderful day ladies and thank you again.
brandypm(at)optonline(dot)net
First Post Nevedr Hit**
Good Morning Thea and Virna. Thank you for this peek into your life, Virna, and I absolutely love the pic of you guys as Red and the Wolf! I have often thought that the relationship between a writer and their readers is such an intimate and personal one. In alot of ways, we really do get to know our authors by the personality of their books and these little snipets of their lives that come through from blogs is so priceless. I have not had the pleasure of reading your books yet, and hope to do so very soon. Thea, well I love reading her Elder races and all her characters. Don’t really know what I would do without books!!
My hubby is the one who is so much more than meets the eye. I always tell everyone he is the best part of me. And he is the quiet one, I am the extrovert. I am the one who really wants to write and although I feel I am starting late, I will persevere. But, he is the one who can always temper me and bring sanity back into focus. There is absolutely nothing he can’t build and no problem he can’t solve. Of course, me, I am the hotheaded Italian who cannot imagine her life without him. Opposites really do attract. Have a wonderful day ladies and thank you again.
brandypm(at)optonline(dot)net
Brandypm, I agree. Often opposite couples bring out the best in each other. They let the other be the best of what they are. Thank for stopping by and congratulations on getting started with your writing–it’s never too late! 🙂
I tend to think that everyone is more than what meets the eye. I know that when people meet me I usually end up with descriptors like “perky” or “outgoing” I’ve even been called a human prosaic for my supposed ability to make mother’s around me happy. I find it ironic, because I happen to be terrified of crowds, and painfully shy around people in general. Every time we go to a get-together with friends on the car ride over I just want to go home and my poor hubby has to talk me into actually showing up. “I could be home, reading a book.” But when we get there I switch over to my public personality, which has only shadows of “me” in it; and suddenly I’m smiling instead of running and hiding.
On the other hand, my husband comes across as the quite one and is often assumed to be shy. He’s not. He can strike up a conversation with a complete stranger and make a new friend within minuets. (and often does as stores, and restaurants; and I paste a smile on my face and try not to give in to the impulse to run and hide.) His quietness comes from being patient, not shy.
I think that we are all more than others may perceive us as; and we may even have a couple of surprises up our sleeves to those who know us well. But that is part of the fun and frustration of the human condition. We ARE all different, and exploring in what ways we are different, both from each other and from the perceptions of ourselves is where the complexities of that human condition paint the vivid picture of life.
Human prozac? I love it!! 😉 What a great compliment, yet still only one part of you. I totally agree–fun and frustrating. Thank you for commenting!
Hi Virna and Thea – I already own Chosen By Blood and the rest of the series too 🙂
Between my hubs and me I’m the one who has up shields. I rarely let them down. He on the other hand is what you see is what you get :). That’s why we’ve been married over 21 yrs. We’re two very different people.
Great post – thank you.
Hi Viki! Thanks for stopping by and for being a fan of the series!! Congrats on 21 years and many more! 🙂
I think people tend to think I’m more violent and vicious than I really I am. I’m built like an Amazon Linebacker so people expect that I’m pretty rough and tough, but I’m really a gentle giant. I’d rather avoid conflict and people, read a good book, and spend time with my inner circle of family and friends.
You’re such a care bear. It’s been great getting to know you online! Thanks for commenting.
I tend to be quiet (particularly around larger groups) until I get to know you, then you might discover my silly or ornery sides 😉 I agree with you — thank heavens for the differences in all, it helps keep things interesting to say the least.
I love the people I can be quiet or silly or ornery around–free to be who I am. That’s what anyone wants, I agree. 🙂 Good luck with the giveaway and thanks for commenting.
Wow, he was an amazing Wolf!
I think everyone has hidden depths. It’s what makes talking to people interesting.
I know! He’s so good at so many things!! LOL Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Hi, great post! I think we all have different faces we show based on what situation we are in. It seems so funny to realize the one who seems quiet can really be outgoing when they are in a comfortable situation. I guess that is why first impressions can be wrong and taking the time to get to know people can be rewarding. I love reading about all types of people too, it make for more interesting reading.
Glad you enjoyed the post! Thanks for commenting and good luck with the giveaway! 🙂
I agree that most people have many different sides to them and no one really, truly knows anyone even if they think they do.A lot of people have learned what part of themselves they can show to different people and in different situations. I think it’s just human nature.
I love getting past the superficial and into the real, juicy, interesting parts of people! 🙂 Thanks for commenting and good luck with the giveaway.
I’ve had PTSD since a very young age and, with social anxiet being part of that package, I never really learned t o deal with people normally. As a child I was bookish, quiet, and withdrawn, but no one ever picked on me. Even then I found that strange. I expected that someone like me would be picked on regularly, but the bullies always seemed to leave me alone. I didn’t understand the why of it until high school. A friend of my best friend, who later became a very close friend of mine, told that me that the first impression I give is that I’m not to be messed with. Thousand yard state, serious face, wide solid stance, like I was ready for a fight. In truth, I never had to fight anyone until I got in to high school, and then only a couple of times. If you could call them fights. But my few friends knew my secret. I was, and still am to some degree, a jellyfish. I always went along with what they wanted to do when we hung out, went out of my way to do favors, avoided confrontations, and easily forgave. As an adult, I’ve grown a bit of a spine, but I still can’t talk to people worth a darn.
Sounds like you have a great amount of self-awareness and that bit of spine is hard-won, so give yourself credit! 🙂 Thanks for commenting!
Thank you to everyone who has commented! I apologize for the delay in responding but I’m out of town at RT. I’ll reply to comments in a bit!I appreciate you and your support! 🙂
Yup, I’ve already read Chosen By Blood too- it rocked! Between me & my spouse, I am the more outgoing one. So it falls to me to meet people and introduce ourselves when we go someplace new. I try to get the conversation to open up so we can make new friends. But I am very much an introvert. People are surprised when they hear that, because I often don’t come across that way!
Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed CBB!! And it’s great we can surprise people, right? We’re complex that way! Take care, Virna