Valerie Hansen Interview

Q: Let me start with asking you to tell us a little bit about yourself.

A:  I married my High School sweetheart, had 2 kids, and now have grand children, as impossible as that seems to me. How time flies when you’re having fun! Moving to rural Arkansas in the Ozarks was one of the best decisions we ever made.

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

A:  I have always written and been a voracious reader, but it was when I was turning 40 that I suddenly decided to try for publication. My mother actually saved a short story from my childhood that was published in a local magazine or I wouldn’t have remembered that early success.

Q: What do you write and why this genre?

A:   I write because it’s a compulsion. For a while I thought my being an author was my identity but I now realize it’s only a portion of who I am. The inspirational genre choice was made after I had survived breast cancer and we moved to the Bible belt. I have no doubt that God was giving me a needed nudge in the right direction.

Q: Do you base your characters on people you know or are they totally made up?

A: Nothing can be totally fictional unless we exist in a void. Many of the fears and strengths of my characters are within me, of course, but others also play a part. I try very hard to avoid making any character look or act like someone in my life. Honest, I do! J

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release SMALL TOWN JUSTICE?

A: This is the fifth and last in my “Defenders” series about adults who speak up on behalf of children. I worked in a Kindergarten class for many years and seem to relate to that age group best. This story takes place in my fictitious town of Serenity, AR, too.

Q: Where did the idea for this story come from?

A:   This one, like many, kind of grew from a basic idea about the way a small town can work – or not work – if there aren’t good people in power. Fortunately, the folks I know here are dedicated to honor and truth. They’d better be. Pretty much everybody knows everybody else in a small town!

Q: Tell us a little about your main character and how you developed him/her.

A: Jamie Lynn Henderson started as a homeless waif and grew into a crusader over the course of plotting this book. Shane Colton began as a brooding single parent and became the source of part of Jamie’s strength as well as a catalyst for ferreting out the truth. They’re a perfect pair – once they finally admit it.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?

A:  I just completed a ms. (untitled) for release in July, also set in Serenity. I had proposed it long before Game Wardens became popular on TV but my editors kept postponing it so I could work on other projects. One of those is coming up in Aug. It features Rookie K-9 cops and, of course, wonderful dogs.

Q: What are some ways that readers of your books can help you as an author?

A:  Beyond buying my books, reviews are good. Particularly if you loved the book! There are always a few readers who seem to enjoy putting down Christian fiction, mine or anyone else’s, and honest reviews on the internet are very welcome.

Q: What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?

A:  IT’S WORK!!!! There are times when I will be exhausted from writing a short scene. Not only is my brain invested in it, so is my heart. Emotions are necessary. They are also a physical drain on an author.

Q: Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.

A:  Cats make me sneeze but dogs make me grin. When I write about guns, I know what I’m doing. I’m a crack shot with a pistol and often shoot 24 or 25 in trap. (out of 25) One of my favorite outdoor activities is zipping around the lawn on a BadBoy, zero-turn mower. Why should the guys have all the fun? It’s like a carnival ride!

Q: Milk or dark chocolate? Coffee or tea?

A:   Dark chocolate every time. Coffee in the morning, iced tea for some meals.

Q: Favorite TV show or shows?

A:  This is a tough choice. Until this new season it was The Big Bang Theory because the characters reminded me of my hubby but they’ve changed a lot since the series began. Then there’s Castle, who reminds me of me, plotting mysteries. CSI New York even though the episodes are old. I have a secret crush on Gary Sinese. J I loved Poldark on PBS but they left me hanging for another season so I’m mad at them. However, if that actor wants to ride across the horizon on that big horse again, I’ll be very ready to watch. Breathtaking photography.

Q: Where can readers find you on the internet?

A:  I’m there as www.ValerieHansen.com and on Facebook as Valerie Hansen on a fan page, plus the real me is https://www.facebook.com/Valerie.Whisenand That’s where you’ll find my true adventures in living.

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us?

A:  Yes. The longer I live the more I realize how many times I failed to appreciate the little things or to express affection when I had the chance. We who follow Jesus are His arms of love and comfort here on earth. Nothing matters as much as fulfilling His commands and meaning every hug, every pat on the back.