Welcome back to Writer Wednesday!
Today I’m introducing your to Love Inspired Suspense author Virginia Vaughan, whom I met a few years ago at our KenTen Christian Writers Reatreat! She’s a great writer, and a great presenter!
Read on and answer the extremely simple question at the end to be entered into a drawing for a paperback of her newest release, Killer Insight (ebook outside US)!
Questions for Virginia:
What inspired you to write, initially, and what encouraged you to continue?
I always loved to read and make up stories as a child, but my desire to write didn’t manifest itself until I was married and pregnant with my first child. I woke up one morning with a story in my head that wouldn’t go away until I wrote it down.
Don’t you LOVE THAT?? My first book was the result of a dream and an idea I just couldn’t shake!
Do you look on writing as a “calling?”
I do believe I have been called to write. I left my faith as a young adult and it was during this time that I started my writing journey. When I finally rededicated my life to Christ, I thought my writing days were over for sure. Then my pastor did a lesson about finding your place in God’s kingdom. He said to determine what you love and what you are good at and try to merge those in service for Christ. Writing, of course, was my go-to answer, but I still had no clue how God would use my writing until I discovered the Christian fiction genre.
If I hadn’t found Christian Fiction, I would have probably ended up writing “sweet” romance, like the Grace Livingston Hill books and the really OLD Harlequin romances! I’m like you. Everything converged to create that calling to write!
What is one story from real life that you’ve included in one of your books?
I’m certain I’ve included lots of real-life events in my stories, but I probably shouldn’t mention them, lol.
I know what you mean – that’s why we “change the names to protect the innocent,” or not-so-innocent? LOL!
Salad or Sandwich?
I am a bread junkie so, yeah, sandwich.
Me, too. But I’m trying to cut out bread . . . UGH.
What is your favorite Bible verse, and why?
My go-to verse is Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.” I cling to this verse whenever life feels overwhelming negative and remind myself that God’s plans for me are more than I can comprehend.
If it weren’t for this verse, where would our hope be? Good call.
What is one thing you have to do to yourself before you go out in public?
Grab a book or make sure I’ve got one downloaded on my phone in case there’s down time.
That’s interesting! Me? Mascara! LOL
What is your favorite movie and why?
I love movies! But two of my favorite franchises just ended (Marvel and Star Wars) so I’m not emotionally ready to jump into another.
I totally get that. I like James Bond, too, so I’m looking forward to the new Bond movie!
A lot of interviewers ask for your favorite book. That’s just not fair! What has been the most recent book you’ve read that excited you or moved you in some way? Why?
I’m a true crime junkie so I’ve recently been re-reading MINDHUNTER by John Douglas and Mark Olshaker. They literally wrote the books on criminal profiling. Not only does it satisfy my true crime itch, it also gives me some great ideas and insights in my suspense writing. Fiction-wise, I’m currently reading NEVER LET GO by Elizabeth Goddard and loving it!
I can only imagine how Mindhunter would play into your stories! And Never Let Go is on my TBR list!! I love genealogy, and I love FBI stories – what a great combo!
Is there someone, alive or dead, who had a major influence on your writing life, or on your life in general?
My dad was a major influence in my life although I probably didn’t realize how much until his passing. He loved to tell stories and if you were around him for more than a few minutes, he was going to tell you one, lol. I assume that’s where I got my love for telling stories.
I’m sure it is!
If you were on a deserted island with a laptop and no wifi, what are two programs or apps you would have to have on your computer?
I have lots of music, movies and podcasts downloaded so I’d have to say ITunes would be one of them. The other, of course, would be Word so I could escape that island through my stories.
Now THAT’S smart!! Although usually we’re all trying to escape TO an island! LOL!
About Virginia
Virginia Vaughan is a multi-published author of inspirational romantic suspense. Blessed to come from a large, southern family, her fondest memories include listening to stories recounted by family and friends around the large dinner table. She was a lover of books even from a young age, devouring gothic romance novels and stories of romance, danger, and love. She soon started writing them herself. A former investigator for the State of Mississippi, Virginia utilizes her criminal justice background with her love of writing to transform words into powerful stories of romance and danger. Her eleventh novel with Love Inspired Suspense, KILLER INSIGHT, releases in February 2020.
Killer Insight – releasing this month!!!
From profiling criminals to being hunted by a killer.
Asking FBI agent Lucy Sanderson to profile the Back Roads Killer is the only way Bryce Tippett can prove his brother is innocent—unless Lucy becomes the next victim. When someone begins stalking her just as she arrives in town, it falls to the single dad to protect her. But as clues lead in unexpected directions, can they uncover the truth…and survive to expose it?
Connect with Virginia
Social Media links:
Email Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dtFeVP
Website: www.virginiavaughanonline.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ginvaughanbooks
Buy link for KILLER INSIGHT:
Amazon — https://amzn.to/33YrWt7
Thank you, Virginia, for joining me today!!
Readers, I’d love for one of you to win a copy of Killer Insight!! It sounds great!
All you have to do is comment, answering ONE QUESTION: Do you consider yourself from the North, South, East, West, or Mid-West?
Me? I’m a Southern girl, like Virginia!
Happy Wednesday!
Thanks for hosting me, Regina!
You’re so welcome! Can’t wait to read this one – and to see who wins it!!
Am a East Southern as Maryland was where I grew up
East Southern as from Maryland even tho the South tries to not include Maryland. It is South of the Mason-Dixie line
Being from Kentucky, I sympathize with you! Would you believe some people try to put KY in the MIDWEST?? Thanks for commenting!!
Being a Louisiana native but having lived in Texas longer, I am southern through and through.
Now THAT’S the South!! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
LOL tricky question…
Originally from East (way east…like different continent)
Now – West 🙂