Interview with Valerie Lull
I first heard about Valerie Lull when I was asked to review her book a few years ago. Ten Healthy Teas, a handy guide for anyone who is new to tea drinking or who would like to try new flavours of tea.
Valerie has a blog where she posts about the health benefits of different food and drinks. It's very interesting and informative.
She has since published two more similar books: Ten Spices: for Health and Longevity, and her latest The Sweet Side of the Stinking Rose; How to Use Garlic to Feel Good and Live Longer.
When I heard she had a new book out, I invited Valerie here for a chat about her writing and inspiration.
INTERVIEW WITH VALERIE LULL
Welcome to my blog, Valerie! Please introduce Yourself.
My name is Valerie Lull. I am passionate about good health and longevity. I was brought up vegetarian so I had a head start on healthy living. I worked for many years in mental health and at the age of 58 I made a career change. I went back to college and took herbal studies. Then I started a writing a blog and I have written 3 books.
Do you have a day job or write full time?
I am retired and I write part-time.
Where does your inspiration come from?
I think it is more a matter of perspiration than inspiration. If I waited for inspiration to strike I would not get much writing done.
LOL :)
I make it a goal to get in at least 20 minutes of writing a day. There is something about holding your newly published book in your hands that is extremely gratifying. It’s like giving birth and holding your precious baby for the first time. The reward is worth everything.
How long did it take you to write your last book?
About two years. I usually have two or more projects going at the same time. I work on one until I get tired of it than go to another. When I’m tired of that I come back to the first one.
That's a good way to work. I think it helps to take a break while working on projects so that you can go back to them with a different perspective. That's how I usually write my books and stories :)
What is your favorite genre to read?
English Mysteries. I’ve always been fascinated by British mysteries and drama. My father was Canadian and we spent a lot of time in Canada with relatives.
What genre do you write in?
I write in the niche of health and wellness. I have tried writing fiction and it was a disaster. I just do not seem able to put a story together and make it work.
Non-fiction is where I do best. I have done a lot of academic writing.
Do you do your own editing or use a professional?
I started out doing my own editing and having 1-2 friends read the manuscript for input. I learned from experience that that is not so good. I still have my friends look over my manuscript, but it does make a difference having another unbiased pair of eyes read one’s manuscript. Especially someone neutral that is not close to you. They can give you a whole different perspective and point out obvious things that you have missed. Your friends will often say nice things, but one really needs a professional. Now that I have learned my lesson I work with a copy editor, and then at the end of the process a proofreader.
That's good advice. I think most writers follow the same path before they realise that it's always best to get someone to have an objective read of anything you're working on before you publish it.
What’s the best time of day for you to write?
I work best in the evening. Often I wake up around midnight and am wide awake. I write for an hour or so then go back to sleep. I do write during the day, at least 20 minutes, often longer. I like it quiet with no distractions. I love music but not when I’m writing.
You sound similar to me :)
Apart from writing, what are your favorite pastimes?
Watching mystery videos, playing with my cat, crochet, talking with friends and relatives on the phone, going to a group called Tea Talks that meets once a week, and vegetarian cooking.
Thank you so much for joining me here, Valerie! I'm looking forward to reading your latest book. I love reading your blog posts!
****************************************
Author links:
Website/blog: http://www.valerielull.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lullval
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BookTenHealt...
Valerie has a blog where she posts about the health benefits of different food and drinks. It's very interesting and informative.
She has since published two more similar books: Ten Spices: for Health and Longevity, and her latest The Sweet Side of the Stinking Rose; How to Use Garlic to Feel Good and Live Longer.
When I heard she had a new book out, I invited Valerie here for a chat about her writing and inspiration.
INTERVIEW WITH VALERIE LULL
Welcome to my blog, Valerie! Please introduce Yourself.
My name is Valerie Lull. I am passionate about good health and longevity. I was brought up vegetarian so I had a head start on healthy living. I worked for many years in mental health and at the age of 58 I made a career change. I went back to college and took herbal studies. Then I started a writing a blog and I have written 3 books.
Do you have a day job or write full time?
I am retired and I write part-time.
Where does your inspiration come from?
I think it is more a matter of perspiration than inspiration. If I waited for inspiration to strike I would not get much writing done.
LOL :)
I make it a goal to get in at least 20 minutes of writing a day. There is something about holding your newly published book in your hands that is extremely gratifying. It’s like giving birth and holding your precious baby for the first time. The reward is worth everything.
How long did it take you to write your last book?
About two years. I usually have two or more projects going at the same time. I work on one until I get tired of it than go to another. When I’m tired of that I come back to the first one.
That's a good way to work. I think it helps to take a break while working on projects so that you can go back to them with a different perspective. That's how I usually write my books and stories :)
What is your favorite genre to read?
English Mysteries. I’ve always been fascinated by British mysteries and drama. My father was Canadian and we spent a lot of time in Canada with relatives.
What genre do you write in?
I write in the niche of health and wellness. I have tried writing fiction and it was a disaster. I just do not seem able to put a story together and make it work.
Non-fiction is where I do best. I have done a lot of academic writing.
Do you do your own editing or use a professional?
I started out doing my own editing and having 1-2 friends read the manuscript for input. I learned from experience that that is not so good. I still have my friends look over my manuscript, but it does make a difference having another unbiased pair of eyes read one’s manuscript. Especially someone neutral that is not close to you. They can give you a whole different perspective and point out obvious things that you have missed. Your friends will often say nice things, but one really needs a professional. Now that I have learned my lesson I work with a copy editor, and then at the end of the process a proofreader.
That's good advice. I think most writers follow the same path before they realise that it's always best to get someone to have an objective read of anything you're working on before you publish it.
What’s the best time of day for you to write?
I work best in the evening. Often I wake up around midnight and am wide awake. I write for an hour or so then go back to sleep. I do write during the day, at least 20 minutes, often longer. I like it quiet with no distractions. I love music but not when I’m writing.
You sound similar to me :)
Apart from writing, what are your favorite pastimes?
Watching mystery videos, playing with my cat, crochet, talking with friends and relatives on the phone, going to a group called Tea Talks that meets once a week, and vegetarian cooking.
Thank you so much for joining me here, Valerie! I'm looking forward to reading your latest book. I love reading your blog posts!
****************************************
Author links:
Website/blog: http://www.valerielull.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lullval
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BookTenHealt...
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