Virginia Vaughan Interview

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

A: Virginia Vaughan was born and raised in Mississippi and has never strayed far beyond those borders. 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. After marriage, two kids, and a divorce, Virginia realized her characters needed the same thing she needed–the healing grace and restoration power of Jesus Christ. She devoted her life and her writing to His glory.

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

A: Make-believe has always been a favorite past time of mine. As a kid, I would spend hours acting out the scenes that played in my head. A creative writing assignment in fourth grade really awakened my desire to write down those stories.

Q: What do you write and why this genre?

A.I am so blessed to be writing in the genre that I love. I was a fan of romantic suspense long before I published in this genre.

Q: Do you base your characters on people you know or are they totally made up?

A: My characters are totally made up, however I do often find quirks and personality traits in others that I make note of to use for my characters.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release RANCH REFUGE?

A: Ranch Refuge is Book 3 in my Rangers Under Fire series. Laura Jackson trusts no man—especially after her father’s gambling debts force her into the crosshairs of a ruthless loan shark. But when fearless army-ranger-turned-cowboy Colton Blackwell charges in to save her from the barrel of a gun, the self-reliant nurse must accept his help. Whisking Laura away to his secluded Louisiana ranch doesn’t provide the sanctuary Colton planned. But he intends to keep his promise to protect her, despite secrets in his past that could drive her away. Laura may have a bounty on her head, but the only thing at risk under Colton’s care will be her heart.

Q: Where did the idea for this story come from?

A: Like any good suspense writer, I walked through a dark parking lot and let my mind wander about what would happen if someone tried to kidnap me. I knew I wanted to open a story with a scene where this happened, only in my version a handsome cowboy would jump in to rescue me. This turned out to be the essence of the opening scene for Ranch Refuge. Laura is walking to her car when someone tries to grab her and Colton steps in to help. The rest of the story flows from there.

Q: Tell us a little about your main character and how you developed him/her.

A: I always knew I wanted Colton to be a cowboy with a checkered past. He started out as the comic relief in Book 1 of the rangers series, but quickly stole my heart with his wit, loyalty and desire for justice. I found myself drawn to him and wanted to give him an opportunity to prove himself worthy of a second chance.

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

A: I recently signed a contract with Love Inspired Suspense for 4 more books, including the last two books in my Rangers Under Fire series. I’m currently writing Blake’s story which will be book 5. The fourth book in the series, Mistletoe Reunion Threat, releases this December.

Q: What are some ways that readers of your books can help you as an author?
A: The best way readers can help me as an author is simply to spread the word about my books. If they like my stories, recommend it to a friend. Reviews on Amazon or Goodreads are great, too, as are social media shout outs.

Q: What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?

A: How much work it takes to write a book. I wish I could write them as fast as people can read them, but I can’t. It takes time to develop a story and bring it to life. My own mother even has a hard time keeping up with what I’m writing versus what book is currently available.

Q: Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.

A: I think most people who have never heard me speak would be surprised by my very southern accent. It leaves no doubt at all that I’m from Mississippi. Aside from that, I’m just not all that mysterious.

Q: Milk or dark chocolate? Coffee or tea?

A: Milk chocolate, of course. And I don’t drink coffee or tea. I’m more of a Diet Coke girl.

Q: Favorite TV show or shows?

A.I am a huge superhero fan so I’m excitedly awaiting the new season of The Flash. I love the wit and light-heartedness of Barry and his pals

Q: Where can readers find you on the internet?

A: My website is www.virginiavaughanonline.com. I can also be found on FB at www.facebook.com/ginvaughanbooks and on Twitter at twitter.com/@gin_vaughan

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us?

A: Thanks for having me on the blog, Susan!