Jacqueline Varlotta is in the Author Spotlight

I am pleased to welcome Jacqueline Varlotta into the Author Spotlight.  Jacqueline, a Farmingdale resident, recently released her first novel.  In the Hands of Fate is a contemporary romance novel published through Page Publishing. 

Welcome Jackie, how did you begin your writing career?

I think I began my writing career when I was in college. I went to school for teaching, and I used to make up stories for the kids. I have always loved to write. Even when I was about fourteen or so, I would jot down ideas that turned into stories.

Where can we find your book?

Barnes and Nobles.com, Google, Amazon.com, AppleIPAD

Where did you get the inspiration for this book?

I got the inspiration for this book through my own experiences and events that shaped me and made me realize that, the love of family and friends is the most important thing in life.

How long did it take you to write your current novel?

It took me about a year before the story was exactly the way I wanted it to be.

What else are you working on?

I am currently working on my fifth novel. It is a paranormal story.

Who reads the drafts of your novels?

My family

Would you please share an odd behavior you’ve picked up while writing? (An example: during intense scenes, my fingers pound the keyboard.) 

I tend to lose all track of time while writing and become so engrossed in the story. I have a window right beside the computer and it could be thunder and lightning  outside I will not even hear it!

Share a pet peeve of yours (related to writing or otherwise).

I hate it when people interrupt me while I am writing.

Do characters invade your head the moment you stumble on a new writing idea?  If so, how long did you fear that you’d gone insane before realizing this is the norm for writers?

Yes, they do. It took me a long time to realize that the characters seem to control the story, and that I was not crazy!

What would you say is the most challenging part of writing a book? 

The research. It is time consuming and it can take weeks and weeks sometimes, but I love every minute of it and I really learn a lot. (The teacher in me)

Did you conduct any kind of research in order to write this book (visit certain locales, etc.)?

Yes, I visited a website on Greece and England to learn about the food and the cultures.

Tell me about the publishing process. Was it easier or more difficult than you thought it would be?

I thought it was fairly easy. I think the editing took the longest though.

Do you have specific techniques you use to develop the plot and stay on track?

No. the plots just seem to come to me and I start writing.

Do you need visual media to describe people or places? (Some authors use pics. out of magazines)

Yes, I go on websites to look at the pictures and scenery so that the background is accurate.

Is your book part of a series or now? If so, describe the series and if you are planning to continue with it.

Yes, I have two more continuations of the current story because I loved some of the characters so much that I gave them their own stories, and a fourth one I have not started to write, yet but will soon.

Which genre do you read? Do you write the same genre (I read mystery, but write romance and women’s fiction)

I mostly read Romance novels, which is probably why I write these type of stories the most, but I love history, fiction and non-fiction and I have ideas for stories that deal with these topics as well.

Which authors or books would you compare your writing style/novel to?

I love Judith McNaught. She wrote Night in Shining Armor. My most favorite book ever! I think it should be turned into a movie!

If you were stranded on a desert island, what is one thing you couldn't live without?

I would need four things! My favorite soap, my toothpaste and toothbrush and a razor!

Tell me something about yourself that might be funny to others? (other than writing)

I get very silly when I am extremely tired!

 What is your favorite snack while writing?

Cheeze its

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A writer or an airline stewardess. They both travel the world.

If you could change lives with any of your characters for a day, which character would you choose and why?

I think it would be Kaleena. She had a really great life even though she was caught in the middle of events that happened to her (aren’t we all?)

What are your favorite TV shows?

The King Of Queens, Everybody Loves Raymond. Old shows, but I love to watch the repeats!

Is there anything else you would like to say to your readers?

I am just so blessed to be able to share my stories and hopefully other stories with people who might want to read them. I just love to write!

Tell me about your book and where you got your inspiration for it?

In The Hands Of Fate, Life is a journey, and fate has a way of sweeping us along, whether we like it or not.

Which do you find more embarrassing to write, violence or sex?

Sex. It's sometimes hard to put that down on paper.

If you had your own talk show, who would the first three guests be? Why?

Tom Selleck, because I like his acting and admire him

Jennifer Lopez because she has achieved so much with her life even though she came from a poor section of Brooklyn,( It proves that you can be anything you set your mind to)

Scotty McCreery, because I think he is a really good singer for someone his age and he is the cutest thing!