The old saying you get what you pay for seems to suit this Writer of the Weeks novel, The Counterfeiters Daughter, to a T. Yes, we meant to create that pun! This fantastic, page-turning, adventurous read has one reviewer raving, "I enjoyed the surprising turns in this well-written story and highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys mystery, romance, and/or adventure!" Meet author & poet Victoria Marswell of Twitter & Instagram.
Victoria Marswell resides in Portsmith, New Hampshire, and is originally from Orange County, California. She told the blog that she loves New England, "It's rich in early American history. Strawberry Banke Museum in our Puddle neighborhood, offers the experience of visiting four centuries of historic houses on original costumed role-players. We're known for being ranked in the top 5 best New England cemetery and ghost tours."
Victoria writes romantic suspense and says that a poetry assignment from school helped her fall in love with words. "A poetry assignment in school, writing song lyrics in my early teens and writing poems in high school about my first love. My sophomore year I began writing short stories after my teacher read aloud an assignment for best in class." We all have our special go-to writing spot whether it is at home, outdoors, or at a nearby library, so where is Victoria's? " I’m most productive at my desk at home but enjoy venturing out to the local coffee shop or at the beach.
If you've read A Counterfeiters Daughter you know that it is filled with European destinations like Barvaira prompting the blog asked what inspired such scenery for the book? Victoria explained, "A visit to Germany when I was 17 with my family sparked the idea of using Bavaria as the setting for a romantic adventure story." It took Victoria 3 years to write this book but shared with us that "although I had notes and a few chapters written 10 years prior, little was used and the characters all changed. Raising my 2 kids on my own took precedence over my writing, so it was set aside for many years."
When the blog caught up with her Victoria was reading a novella by Tanweer Dar, The Man with No Name. While she mentioned sci-fi, fantasy, and romance were her top three genres to read, admitting that it is just too hard to pick one overall genre as a favorite (we completely understand). Her overall favorite author though is C.S. Lewis of The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe fame.
In her spare time, this indie author enjoys "traveling is at the top of my favorite things to do, even if it’s an hour or two away to go explore a town, historical landmark, anything, and nature walks."
Victoria also belongs to a few writers groups which she told the blog has been most helpful, "Yes, a couple of writing groups. I’ve gleaned a ton of information from seasoned writers and their support is fantastic." Even more great news, Victoria is writing another novel sharing with us that she is editing her second novel now. When we inquired if it would be a stand-alone or a sequel she replied, "At the moment it’s a stand-alone, but I also end my stories with the possibility of more."
For aspiring writers who wish to publish Victoria offered the following advice, "Get your goals sorted out and do your research. If your goal is the traditional publishing route then research, have a strong and edited query for submission. If you're deciding to self-publish, prepare yourself to invest time and money in editing services, professional cover designer, advertising fund, and building an audience.
Author Bio
Victoria Marswell is a romance suspense author. Victoria started writing poetry and short stories in her early teens. She majored in biblical studies at Hope International University and incorporates inspirational Christian themes into her writings. Victoria is a world traveler and sets her stories in the locations she has visited. At 17, she traveled to Germany and Austria where she was inspired to write her debut novel, The Counterfeiter’s Daughter. Victoria continues to travel the world; creating and writing romantic and thrilling adventures. She lived in Orange County, CA. for 38 years and currently resides in Portsmouth, NH.
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