Virginia Vaughan Interview

Q: Let me start with asking you to tell us a little bit about yourself.

A. First of all, I’m a mom of two amazing grown sons. I worked as a fraud and abuse investigator for the State of Mississippi for several years with the intention of going on to law school before I decided to turn my focus to my true passion—writing.

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

A. Even as a child, I made up stories in my head and acted them out. In fact, my grandmother used to poke her head into the room just to make certain there weren’t other people in there with me while I was playing! But it wasn’t until I was married and pregnant with my first child that I finally had the urge—or the nerve—to write down those stories.

Q: Could you give us the highlights of your professional writing career including how you got your first writing break?

A. Through ACFW, I connected with an awesome writer’s group in my area called the Bards of Faith. My publishing break came from a Christmas novella written with three other members of this group. With this first contract, I attracted the attention of an agent, another novella contract, and my first contract with Love Inspired Suspense.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release No Safe Haven?

A: While helping a victim of domestic violence, advocate Jessica Taylor finds herself a target once more. But those memories of the past can’t stop her from safeguarding the women in her care. Not even when the victim’s brother, Andrew Jennings, appoints himself Jessica’s protector. She won’t let another man endanger himself for her sake, but gutsy determination turns to fear when the stalker steps out of the shadows and into her home. No place is safe, not even in Andrew’s arms. Because Jessica knows a showdown is coming and Andrew will risk everything—even his life—for the woman he loves.

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for No Safe Haven?

A: Partly from my own personal history. Like my heroine, Jessica, I had a personal relationship that turned obsessive. I discovered first-hand how limited the police were in stopping his threats and harassments. Thankfully, my situation ended peacefully, but I couldn’t stop the what-ifs that eventually turned into No Safe Haven.

Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

A: That God actively works to restore us to Himself no matter how many wrong choices we’ve made or how many wrong roads we’ve traveled.

Q: What is your favorite scene/chapter from the book?

A: Jessica has a way of compartmentalizing. Thoughts about her own safety go out the window when she sees someone else in danger. My favorite scene happens early in the book when Andrew—upset that she won’t acknowledge the danger she’s in—accuses her of acting just like the women she protects. He has no idea at that time that she shares a similar, abusive past, but we get to see the first chink in her armor.

Q: What inspires you to write?

A. Anything can spark an idea—a song, a show, a character, even a feeling. Then I’m off with the what-ifs.

Q: How has being a published novelist differed from your expectations of the profession?

A: I think my expectations about being a published author had more to do with how I would feel than anything else. Those moments of wondering and worrying if I really do have anything to say that anyone will want to read don’t go away with publication. I think they’re all something we struggle with.

Q: What advice or tips do you have for writers who are just getting started?

A: As much as we all hate it, I would have to say networking is the greatest advice I have for writers. Get to know other people and build connections.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?

A. I have a Christmas novella releasing in September—Christmas Comes to Bethlehem, Maine. I’m also finishing up a proposal that I hope will become my next Love Inspired Suspense.

Q: When you’re not writing what do you like to do?

A. You might just find me curled up in a chair reading a good book, watching a movie, or daydream plotting about my next story. I also enjoy spending time with my family and, since I don’t yet have grandkids of my own, spoiling my great-nephews.

Q: Where can readers find you on the internet?

A. Readers can connect with me through my website virginiavaughanonline.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/virginia.williamsonvaughan or on Twitter @gin_vaughan
Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us?

A. Thanks for having me as a guest, Susan.