AN INTERVIEW WITH VIRGINIA VAUGHAN

by Patricia Bradley

Today I want to welcome Virginia Vaughan to the Suspense Sisters' blog! I've known Virginia for several years...was trying to remember when we first met...probably several years ago at an American Christian Fiction Writers conference. She's a really neat person! And she's giving away! So be sure to leave a comment with your contact information!

Me: So, Virginia, what is your favorite part about writing? Least favorite?

Virginia: My favorite part of writing is that moment when you, as an author, get caught up in your story. The words flow so fast and you fall in love with your characters and your plot and can’t wait to share them. For me, that moment often comes after a lot of head banging and trying to figure out who my characters are and what’s going to happen in the story. My least favorite part is the aforementioned struggle to get my story to come together and my character to speak to me. 

Me: How well I know that head-banging time! Are you a Panster or Plotter?

Virginia: At heart, I’m a pantser. I learn about my story as I’m writing it. Those first three chapters are all about exploring and learning for me. However, I’ve had to learn to plot some because my publishers want to know what I’m writing about so I’ve had to learn how to combine my pantser style with a little bit of plotting. 

Me: That had to be hard! What do you do when you’re not writing? Any interesting hobbies? 

Virginia: I love stories! I am, of course, a huge book lover. I also love finding a new show and binge-watching it, reading about and watching True Crime documentaries, and being a backup nanny for my two-year-old granddaughter. 

Me: Those grandbabies are special! Does writing energize or exhaust you?

Virginia: Both. Getting lost in a story or coming up with a new idea really gets me going, but writing is also a lot of work and that can be exhausting. However, it’s still the best job I’ve ever had so I’m not complaining at all about all the work it entails. 

Me: I so agree about it being the best job! What would you like readers to know about your story/characters?

Virginia: Texas Buried Secrets is definitely one of my favorite books I’ve written. It is the last book in my Cowboy Lawmen series, and this hero and heroine have been involved in every book in the series. It was so much fun to watch them grow and lead up to their own story in Texas Buried Secrets, especially since their romance was not planned! I had no idea when I wrote the character of Cecile in book 1, that she would become such a vital part of the series. 

Me: Don't you love it when the characters take on a life of their own? I've just started Texas Buried Secrets and love it! What is the most valuable piece of advice you’d like to give to unpublished authors?

Virginia: Read, read, read. And don’t give up. I believe that success in writing is as much about persistence as it is about talent. 

Me: You are so right with your advice! What’s next from you?

Virginia: I have a book releasing in November from Annie’s Fiction called In Too Deep that is part of their Hearts In Peril romantic suspense collection. It takes place on Jekyll Island and was so much fun to write. After that, I’m starting a new series with Love Inspired Suspense called Cowboy Protectors. Book 1, Kidnapped in Texas, releases in January of 2024. 

Me: The Annie's Fiction story sounds really interesting! I've always wanted to go to Jekyll Island! And I can't wait to get started on your next series!

How can readers get in touch with you? 

Virginia: I love to connect with my readers. If you sign up for my newsletter, you'll be the first to know when I have a new book releasing. 

Email Newsletter:   https://bit.ly/3NYqzTl 
Website:  www.virginiavaughanonline.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ginvaughanbooks
Twitter: www.twitter.com/gin_vaughan
Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/virginiavaughan 
Bookbub: www.bookbub.com/profile/virginia-vaughan 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/virginiavaughanauthor

 Virginia is giving away a print copy of Texas Buried Secrets (to US residents, digital copy elsewhere) so be sure to leave a comment with your contact information (like pat at ptbradley dot com). She'd like to know what your favorite setting is. Here's more information on Texas Buried Secrets:

An uncovered grave reveals a deadly secret…

Publicly vowing to bring a serial killer to justice, Deputy Cecile Richardson solidifies herself as the criminal’s next target. And when a newly discovered victim is identified, it becomes even more personal for Cecile. She will solve this cold case. Can Sheriff Josh Avery keep her safe long enough to identify and catch the culprit—or will the killer successfully hunt down his prey?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Cowboy Lawmen

Book 1: Texas Twin Abduction

Book 2: Texas Holiday Hideout

Book 3: Texas Target Standoff

Book 4: Texas Baby Cover-Up

Book 5: Texas Killer Connection

Book 6: Texas Buried Secrets

You can find buy links here. Virginia Vaughn's Bio:

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. Learn more about Virginia, her books, and her life by visiting her website at www.virginiavaughanonline.com and signing up for her newsletter at https://bit.ly/3NYqzTl 

The winner of last Friday's $10 gift card or Deception is Nancy at allibrary at aol dot com!