Reading Gothic Tales Drew Virginia Vaughan to Romantic Suspense
Multi-published author Virginia Vaughan recently stopped by my newsletter to share some about her writing life. Plus, she’s giving away 2 print copies of her most recent romantic suspense, Missing in Texas, exclusively for my newsletter readers. See below for details.
Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels?
As a teen, I met a woman who sold used books at the flea market where my parents were vendors. She used to let me take a bag full of them home for the week to read and return them the next weekend. She had a lot of old Gothic romances. I loved the blending of romance with mystery and danger, so when I started writing, I wrote the kinds of stories I already loved, adding in a more contemporary feel.
What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense?
It’s harder than you think to keep putting someone’s life in danger without knowing who the bad guy is! Also coming up with fresh and interesting ways to keep my characters in danger is sometimes a challenge.
What’s your go-to when you need a pick-me-up to keep writing?
I’m a full-time writer, so I can’t just stop writing whenever I find myself in a slump or struggling to find words or story ideas. When that happens, getting together with other writers who understand what I’m going through and can help brainstorm ideas is the best way to refresh my creative juices. However, finding time for a retreat or even a get-together with other writers is its own challenge. We’re all so busy. If time with other writers isn’t feasible, reading is my next go-to.
Where do you get the inspiration for your plots?
I’m a huge fan of the True Crime genre. I read all the books, listen to podcasts, and watch crime shows. I’m always on the lookout for interesting things that have happened and often I’ll spin off a theory in my imagination about what might have happened and start playing the What-If game. Often that will be a catalyst for a story idea.
What did you want to be as a child (and did that dream come true)?
I had two dreams as a child. One was to be a gymnast because I loved my backyard trampoline. It’s where I spent most of my afternoons as a kid. However, my inability to do a back flip dashed that dream pretty quickly, lol. My trampoline was also the place where I started making up stories in my head and eventually led to my dream of being a writer. Obviously, that dream, after a lot of hard work and determination, did come true.
What does your family think of your writing romantic suspense?
My family wasn’t sure what to think about me writing books at first but now they’re used to it. Even my mom is onboard with helping me find new and interesting places to hide a body, lol.
About Virginia
Virginia Vaughan is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than 30 inspirational romantic suspense novels. 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.
Connect w/Virginia
Website: https://virginiavaughanonline.com/
Missing in Texas
The moment FBI agent Christy Williams arrives in Mercy, Texas, determined to solve her friend’s disappearance twelve years ago, she becomes a killer’s number one target. Ignoring the threats on her life, she partners with Deputy Mike Tyner, the cousin of one of the chief suspects…and the last person to see her friend alive. As they work to investigate this cold case together, it becomes clear someone will stop at nothing to keep the past hidden. With time running out, can Mike keep Christy alive long enough to find justice for her friend…before a murderer strikes again?
