Pump Up Your Book Chats with Children’s Fantasy Author Victoria Simcox

Victoria, known as Vicki, was born in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, to an Austrian immigrant mother, and a Dutch immigrant father. She has one older sister. When she was 7, Vicki moved with her family to British Columbia—then in her early twenties to Western Washington, where she now resides in Marysville WA. She has been married for almost 20 years and has 3 children. For the past 10 years, she has home schooled her children, and she also teaches elementary school art. Her other family members are, a Chihuahua, named Pipsy, 2 cats, named Frodo and Fritz, and 1 parakeet, named Pauly. She did have a pet rat named Raymond; when she started writing The Magic Warble, but sad to say, he has since passed away of old age. Vicki enjoys writing, reading, painting watercolors, good movies and just hanging out with friends and family. Her favorite author is C.S. Lewis, and one of her fondest memories is when she was 12. She would sit at the kitchen table, and read the Chronicles of Narnia to her mother while she cooked dinner. These magical stories were very dear to Vicki, and she remembers wishing, If only I could go to Narnia like Lucy and Susan. Vicki hopes that maybe she can touch someone with her story in a similar way.  You can visit her website at www.themagicwarble.com.

Thank you for this interview, Victoria.  Do you remember writing stories as a child or did the writing bug come later?  Do you remember your first published piece?

I remember writing some stories as a child, mainly about gnomes and dwarfs. I’ve always loved fairy tales and grew up reading a lot of them. My mother who is an immigrant from Austria used to tell me very imaginative Austrian fairy tales. I loved that she did so, and it really helped me to develop a great imagination. The Magic Warble is my first published work.

What do you consider as the most frustrating side of becoming a published author and what has been the most rewarding?

The most frustrating part about being published is being told how good my story is and knowing not enough people know about it. The most rewarding fact is when I’m told by children how much they have loved my story and can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out, which by the way, I am two thirds finished.

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Are you married or single and how do you combine the writing life with home life?  Do you have support?

I’m married and I’m a stay at home, home schooling mom. I write when ever I have a free moment. It probably adds up to about 2-3 hrs a day.  My husband is very supportive and even though my 3 kids are as well, they fight me for computer time. At least that’s how it used to be. Now we have more computers in our house to satisfy all.

What do you like to do for fun when you’re not writing?  Where do you like to vacation?  Can you tell us briefly about this?

I love to go to the movies especially children’s fantasy movies. I love the big bucket of popcorn soaked in butter and salt and a big ice cold diet coke. I don’t go that often, but when a good movie comes out I go with the kids. I also like to watch my two older kid’s band “A Well Known Stranger” (a youth Celtic band) play at their gigs. I have family in Austria and Europe and have been there 6 times and love going there to vacation.

If you could be anywhere in the world for one hour right now, where would that place be and why?

For 1 hour—hum? In Ireland in a smoke free Irish pub, listening to a great Celtic band.

Who is your biggest fan?

My daughter Kristina, who I named my main character in The Magic Warble after.

Where’s your favorite place to write at home?

In my bedroom at my computer.

What’s your favorite library and why?

Marysville WA library, because it’s big, the staff is very helpful and it’s close to home.

What’s your favorite bookstore and why?

Border’s. They have been a great support with giving me continuous book signings.

Do you have any pets?

Yes, a Chihuahua named Pipsy, a parakeet named Pauly and two cats, Frodo and Fritz

What are you reading right now?

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Tell us a secret no one else knows.

I watch The Office every night and can watch the episodes over and over. I find it to be the funniest comedy ever.

What’s the first thing you notice when you meet someone?

If they smile or not.

Have you ever won anything?

Yes a few drawing and coloring contests as a kid.

What’s on your to do list today?

Finish my second book and write my third one.

I understand that you are touring with Pump Up Your Book Promotion in Nov-Dec-09 via a virtual book tour.  Can you tell us all why you chose a virtual book tour to promote your book online?

The owner Dorothy had very good reviews and when I corresponded with her I really liked her and can tell that she genuinely wants to help me promote my book.

Thank you for this interview, Victoria. Good luck on your virtual book tour!

Thanks!