Discover How Valerie Clarizio Draws Inspiration From Her Surroundings To Create Captivating Romance Novels
Valerie Clarizio shares her journey from discovering romance novels in her 40s to becoming a bestselling author, drawing inspiration from nature and personal experiences to craft emotionally rich stories.
Valerie Clarizio is a literary force to be reckoned with, seamlessly blending her love for the great outdoors with her passion for storytelling. Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Door County, Wisconsin, Valerie crafts romance novels that captivate readers with their vivid settings and compelling characters. Her unique ability to draw inspiration from her surroundings, whether hiking through national parks or enjoying the tranquility of her cabin in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, infuses her work with authenticity and charm. As a USA Today bestselling author, Valerie has mastered the art of weaving intricate narratives that explore themes of love, loss, and redemption, earning her a devoted readership and critical acclaim.
In this exclusive interview for Reader’s House Magazine, Valerie shares her journey from discovering romance novels in her 40s to becoming a celebrated author. Her transition from a finance director to a full-time writer is a testament to her dedication and passion for the craft. Valerie’s stories, often inspired by dreams and personal experiences, resonate with readers seeking emotional depth and genuine connections. Her latest work, “A Fraudulent Encounter,” delves into themes of protection, grief, and second chances, showcasing her talent for creating emotionally rich and authentic relationships. Join us as we explore Valerie’s creative process, her inspirations, and the invaluable advice she offers to aspiring authors.
You mentioned that you didn’t develop a love for reading until your 40s. How did discovering romance novels at that stage in your life influence your decision to start writing your own stories?
Discovering romance reading at an older stage in life allowed me the opportunity to take a chance on something new—writing. I was established in my job, had finished up my MBA Degree, and had some free time on my hands to give writing a whirl. When I started writing, I figured it would be just a hobby. I quickly discovered that I really enjoyed writing. I found it therapeutic. Then, the stories just kept coming, and I found a small publisher that agreed to take a chance on me. I’ve turned my passion for writing into a business.
Balancing a full-time job as a Finance Director and teaching part-time while pursuing your degrees must have been challenging. How did you manage your time, and did any experiences from your finance career influence your writing?
You know the old saying, “If you want something done, give it to a busy person.” I like to keep busy and I feel like the busier I am, the more productive I am. I write in the morning before work and on the weekends. My finance career has influenced my writing, though the two couldn’t be more opposite. One of my city hall series books showcases the finance director as the heroine and the story involves a fraud case.
Your transition from reading to writing was sparked by a dream about a detective and a kidnapping. Can you share more about that dream and how it led to the creation of Detective Spinelli and your three-book series?
I read at night before I go to sleep, so whatever I’m reading about is the last thing in my mind before I nod off. I had been reading a lot of detective stories which seemed to influence my dreams. One night I dreamed up Detective Spinelli and his fiery red-headed love interest. I told an avid reading friend about my dream and explained it should be a book. She challenged me to write it, so I did.
Writing at your cabin in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan sounds idyllic. How does this setting inspire your creative process, and have any specific experiences or observations from your time there made their way into your novels?
It is so peaceful at the cabin it allows me to really concentrate on my writing. My favorite place to write there is on the back deck. I do get distracted sometimes by the wildlife that happens by deer, fox, turkeys, and an occasional Eagle. I believe every author puts a piece of themselves and their experiences into their books and my life at the cabin is no exception. Several tidbits of life at the cabin have made it into my books, from spiders in the outhouse to snowmobiling in a storm. These instances and memories are too valuable to not use in a book.
You’ve achieved notable success, hitting the USA Today Best-selling Books List and ranking high on Amazon in various categories. What do you attribute this success to, and what advice would you give to aspiring authors trying to achieve similar milestones?
The romance author community is so nurturing. Any success I’ve achieved is because of that community. When I first started writing, I had no clue what I was doing. I submitted my work to agents and editors only to garner one rejection after another. In trying to figure out why, I joined a local romance writer group where I found fabulous people who were willing to share their knowledge. They helped me learn the craft of writing. My advice to aspiring authors would be to join a writer’s group. Learn from them and with them, and then pay it forward.
One of your latest works, A Fraudulent Encounter, features themes of protection, overcoming grief, and a second chance at love. What drew you to these themes, and how do you develop the emotional depth and authenticity in your characters’ relationships?
I love reading a good protector romance as much as I love writing one. Add in a hero or heroine with a grieving heart and a second chance at love and readers will clammer for a happily ever after ending. Having experienced my fair share of loss at a young age, I gravitate to writing about grief. Having been blessed with second chances, I like to showcase the hope of pleasant outcomes. They say, “Write what you know.” That works for me.
