The hilarious Vivian Arend chats

Viv, I’m so glad you were able to take the time to take the time to chat with us today.

Happy to stop in—although it’s going to be a rushed visit because the month is flying past. I think you’ve caught me at about the busiest time I’ve had to date as a writer.

I read where you were very lucky in being published so quickly.  I’ve also seen you have 8 or 9 books releasing this year!  You’re awful prolific hon.

I’ve been very fortunate to find a hobby I really enjoy. I’m a fast reader, so it makes it easier—I can reread what I’ve already written and keep moving fairly quickly. There have also been those horseshoes I’ve picked up along the way, and I’m hanging onto them tight. Nobody, I mean NOBODY, had better pinch me anytime soon.

Do the characters and stories just come to you “full grown” needing only minor tweaking, or do you plot and plan it all?

Wash your mouth out with soap!! Plot is a four letter word, and so is plan. Nope, I’m a pantser through and through. The stories start with a single idea—sometimes a picture in my head of a scene, or just a question that needs to be answered, and I sit down to write. That’s the only way I get to find out what comes next.

Who’s in control of the story, you, the characters or do y’all share control?

Control? What is this thing you speak of? Hmmm, if I’m honest, I will say I’ve wrestled control back a couple of times, but for the most part I let the characters lead me where they will. Of course this has meant some fun detours I wasn’t expecting, as well as a few shockers. I’m really a very sweet innocent girl. I have no idea where these characters get some of the ideas they do. **polishes halo**

Could you please tell us a bit more about Rocky Mountain Haven, the second in the Six Pack Ranch series?

These stories are about six brothers growing up and working the family ranch in the foothills of Alberta. The first book was about the oldest boy-responsible and totally not prepared for the girl next door to grow up. In book two the sweetheart is Beth. She’s escaping from the big city in the hopes she can start living again—somewhere safer for her and her little boys. Daniel intends to show her there’s more to living than hiding. Like everything else these Coleman Six Pack do—he’s willing to put all his energy into his task.

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Do you have a favorite character or is that like asking if you have a favorite child?

I think many writers will tell you the characters they are currently are writing are their favorite, because it’s like visiting with a good friend. But overall I have to admit I have a soft spot for TJ Lynus, the clumsy younger brother in the Granite Lake Wolves series. He’s growing up now, and will have a story of his own coming out in October. He’s always saying the wrong thing, or saying it at the wrong time, but his heart is in the right place. I’ve got to respect that.

Is there anything special required to spark your creativity?

Donations of chocolate are cheerfully accepted. Please send to Box 347… no, wait. Actually, my creativity comes from a deep need to let out a few of my stored up memories. Everywhere I go, I enjoy chatting with people and secretly watching them. Visiting new parts of the world, or living in a tent—every experience adds words. After enough time there’s bound to be a few million ‘What if…’ situations struggling for escape.

Looking back on your extensive travels do you have a favorite place?  Memorable encounter?

Tough, tough question. Seeing Mesa Verde and imaging living in that setting gave me shivers. Paddling the Pacific Ocean and having orcas rise ahead of my kayak—heart stopping. I’ve skied over a snowy ridge and come eye to eye with Mount Assiniboine and the grandeur of the mountain in its pristine winter setting made my heart ache. I’ve danced in a nightclub in Florence, Italy and heard a dozen languages around me. Walked the Louvre, swam with dolphins… I don’t think it’s possible to take one situation and set it aside as the pinnacle. Rather, all the experiences have become a part of the whole and made me want to see and do even more. And share the experiences with others.

What genre(s) and authors do you enjoy most?  What are you currently reading?

I read a lot of paranormal. Fantasy. Sci-fi. On my current TBR shelf I have Patricia Briggs (Moon Called) Ann Aguirre (Wanderlust) Christine Feeham (Street Game). However, I feel a re-read coming on soon of Enders Game and perhaps a little CS Lewis, just as a comfort read.

What are you looking forward to the most this year?

You don’t know how tough a question this one is as well! I don’t have any big plans overall, but I do hope for another trip or two into the mountains, perhaps a longish canoe excursion in the summer, and if I’m very good, I might be able to wrangle a trip south as well. For now, I’m looking forward to being able to hop in the kayak this weekend, and I feel the deep dark desire to finish writing my current WIP, because it’s a very naughty one and since I don’t plan, I have no idea what’s coming next. I NEED to know!!

And so I write.

I’ve really enjoyed our chat Viv and appreciate your being with us today.  I’ve had fun.

Thanks for inviting me. I love to hear from readers, so please feel free to drop by my website and visit for a bit.

*S*