Known for her realistic, likable characters and vivid writing, Victoria Bylin writes both western and contemporary inspirational romance. Her books have finaled in the ACFW Carol Awards, the Rita Awards and RT Magazine’s Reviewers’ Choice Awards. She and her husband currently live in Lexington, Kentucky and have two grown sons.
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Savanna: Welcome to The Engrafted Word, Victoria! It’s wonderful to have you here! And CONGRATULATIONS on your recent release!! 😉
On your website you mention how much you related to Kate in Until I Found You. Can you name something you share in common with Nick as well?
Victoria: Definitely! We’re both writers. You know the scenes where he’s coping with all those rejections for his second book? I had that experience when I was looking for an agent after selling my first western to Harlequin back in 2002. Every day brought another kind of rejection. Some were encouraging and asked to see something other than a western, but a few were pretty biting. Those “Dear Author” form letters are definitely humbling!
The other thing I have in common with Nick is a knack for encouraging other people. He wants Kate to be happy and at peace, and he’s willing to do whatever is necessary to support her. I feel that way when it comes to my husband and kids.
Savanna: You’ve had several of your books final in various contests. What’s been one of your favorite lessons learned from your contest experiences?
Victoria: I’ve judged contests too, so that factors into what I’ve learned. The main thing is this: All books have merit and they all have an audience, but there are some that rise to the top and speak to a broader audience. They cut across the ordinary and capture something universal. I strive to write that kind of book. The other thing I’ve learned from contests is that reading is highly subjective, and that’s okay. It’s a great big world with room for different opinions and experiences.
Savanna: In your Love Inspired Historicals, was there one hero that stood out to you as being the easiest to write? Can you tell us why?
Victoria: The hero that came most naturally was J.T. Quinn in An Outlaw’s Return. I love that book. It’s a romance, but it’s also about a man finding God. In a roundabout way, this is the book that opened doors at Bethany House, so I’m particularly fond of J.T.!
Savanna: With your recent release of Until I Found You, was there a review that really resonated with you? If so, would you like to share a piece of it with us and how it impacted you?
Victoria: I admit it. I’m a review junkie. I read each and every one, and those first few weeks, when I’m hoping the book will resonate with readers, are nerve wracking. I’m happy to say that there are a lot of great reviews up on Amazon. One quote that particularly resonated with me was from Kav in Canada: “Probably the most authentic fictional ‘coming to Christ story’ I’ve ever read. These are real people with messy lives and conflicting desires.”
That’s exactly what Until I Found You is about–real people with messy lives struggling with spiritual questions. Carole Jarvis, another reviewer, said it this way: “But most of all, Until I Found You is a story of spiritual transformation and growth.”
Savanna: Those are great! What blessings each of those reviews must be to you. So what’s next for you now that your latest book has just released? Any upcoming projects you can share with us?
Victoria: Right now, I’m working on revisions for Together With You. It’s set in California and is about a man who made a bad mistake and is trying to restore his relationship with his sons and his daughter, a victim of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Enter the heroine–a grad student with special training in FASD and a Kentucky girl who can stand up for herself. The pub date is April 2015. I’ve seen a mock-up of the cover and can’t wait to share it. It’s gorgeous!
Savanna: Ahhh, I can’t wait to see – and read – it! 😉 Thanks for joining us today, Vicki. How can readers connect with you further?
Victoria: Thanks for the fun questions, Savanna. I really enjoyed answering them! Readers are welcome to visit me on my website, Facebook, and Twitter.
GIVEAWAY!!
Victoria have graciously offered one copy of UNTIL I FOUND YOU to lucky winner.
HOW TO ENTER:
-Leave your name and email in the comments below. (You MUST include your email to be qualified)
GET EXTRA ENTRIES:
(Be sure to tell me in the comments below)
-Subscribe to The Engrafted Word
-Like The Engrafted Word on Facebook
-Share this Giveaway on Social Media
Thanks for entering! Contest is open to U.S. and International readers
and ends June 24, 2014. Winner will be notified by email.
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I don’t think I have ready any of Victoria’s books, but look forward to this contemporary one! Love the cover, beautiful…
I agree, Patty, the cover is beautiful! So glad you could join us. Hope you get a chance to start reading some of Victoria’s great stories soon! 😉
I can’t wait to read this book!!! All the reviews I’ve read have been amazing and I love the cover! Thanks for the opportunity to win and I love interviews with authors where you learn more about them, their books and writing! 🙂 have a great day!!!
Thanks for stopping by, Lisa. I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed our interview. I always have such fun learning about these wonderful authors and sharing our little talks with you all. 😉 Good luck in the giveaway!
Oh my email is deiselbuffs@gmail.com
Love the cover & summary of this one! Thanks for the chance to win! I’m a follower 🙂
Beth
bharbin07[at]gmail[dot]com
Thanks for following my blog, Beth, and entering in the contest. Good luck in the drawing!
I enjoyed Victoria’s interview and would love to win a copy of UNTIL I FOUND YOU! Thank you so much for the opportunity!
I have subscribed, liked, and shared on Twitter.
texaggs2000 at gmail dot com
We’re glad you could join us, Britney! Thanks for helping spread the word too. You’ll receive 4 entries in the giveaway. Good luck!
Would love to add this book to my ever-growing collection! Enjoyed your interview, I like learning just a little bit more about different author’s!
I’ve shared this giveaway on Facebook, already subscribed to The Engrafted Word & “Liked” on Facebook. Thank you for the opportunity to win!
Trixi O. teamob4@gmail.com
It’s always so nice to see you here, Trixi. Yes, definitely add this one to your “To Read” collection! 😉 I’m glad you enjoyed our interview and appreciate all your support. You’ll receive your 4 entries in this giveaway as well.
Stopping by to wish everyone good luck in the drawing. Until I Found You is close to my heart <3, and it's been a thrill to see how deeply it resonates with others. Enjoy!
Thanks SO much for stopping in, Victoria! It’s great to have you as our guest this week and get to know you and your stories a little more. 😉 Can’t wait to read more of your work soon! Have a great day!
I’ve been dying to read this one!
Alyssa Faith Washburn
a.f.washburn(at)aol(dot)com
I also subscribed to your blog, liked on Facebook, and shared the giveaway online. 🙂
Thanks for joining us, Alyssa, and following my blog too. You’ll receive 4 entries in the giveaway. Hope you get to read this book soon!
I love your interview and your book sounds so good. I have not read any of your books but always love to try new authors. Would love to win your book . thanks and blessings
lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com
I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the interview, Elizabeth. Isn’t it fun discovering new authors? 😉 I hope you’ll get the opportunity to read some of Victoria’s stories soon. Good luck in the giveaway!
I don’t think I’ve ready any of your books but would love to!
Well, Joan, I hope we can change that! Thanks for stopping by and entering in the contest. If I draw your name, I will be sending you an email soon. 😉