PHOTOS

Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a very southern girl who loves to stay busy. I have an active teen artist and a wonderful active-duty husband. We live in Georgia and from my porch, I get the best views of trees and pollen.  

Tell us three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
That's a good one. I don't want to shock the readers, but here goes. I have a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering. I use to know how to knit, crochet, and embroider.  Oh, I'm a big-time foodie. From new and trendy to old fashion and quaint, if it has a great appetizer menu, I'll be there to graze.

Were you an avid reader as a child? What did you read? 
Yes, I was. I loved Bible Stories, Greek Mythology, Signet Romances, and Shakespeare. Here are a few favorites: Romeo and Juliet, Oedipus, etc.

As a child or teenager, did you ever dream of being an author?
I loved writing poetry and won a few awards. I always have had stories running through my head. Now I love when they find their way to paper or Scrivener.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
The quirkiest thing I ever did was become engaged to a man after dating him for a month. All my friends thought I was nuts.  We celebrate over 24th years of marriage in August.

What is your favorite genre to read?
I love historical fiction. I particularly love Regencies. The wit of the dialogue, the rich settings, and the sense of honor-- all delight me.

Share something about your day-to-day life that might help a reader to feel as though they know you a little better.
On an ideal day, from 8:00 am to noon, I homeschool my daughter. From noon to 7:00 pm, I run a software business. From 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm, I unwind or do chores.  Then from 11:00 pm to 2:30 am, I write. Nonetheless, I don't have "ideal" days. Typically, everything gets mixed up or happens all at once. I believe in writing every day and taking joy in what I get done as opposed to what I don't. I am a glass-half-full girl.

How did you come up with ideas for your books?
Sometimes it's a dream, or a movie, or a nugget of research that generates ideas. I think about a hero or heroine's journey: what is it that they must learn or share? Why should his or her's story be told? I think about who should help them on their journey. I believe in strong sisterhoods and diverse casts.

Did you have to do quite a bit of research for your books?
Lots and lots of research. My website displays a portion of my notes. I've researched fashions, etiquette, and prevalent beliefs of the time. One fatal flaw for a historical writer is to assume present-day motivations existed back then.  Another mistake is to assume that history told by those who support patriarchal views is the true narrative. History is diverse and nuanced. Yet, many aspects are whitewashed or portray marginalized people as only victims, eliminating aspects of their strength and their victories.

My narratives are inclusive and subversive, showcasing persons of color, particularly Black people, with positions of power and agency in historical settings in which they are often excluded.

 

What do you hope readers will learn/discover from reading your books?
I hope readers will see themselves in my hero's or heroine's journey, that despite the circumstances, there is beauty in their lives. Faith will sustain them in all challenges and obstacles.

What is the quick bio?
Vanessa Riley is an award-winning author of historical fiction showcasing the hidden histories of women of color and emphasizing strong sisterhoods and dazzling multicultural communities. Her works encompass biographical and historical women's fiction, historical romance, and historical mystery.
You can find her at:

 

www.vanessariley.com

 

https://www.facebook.com/VanessaRileyAuthor

 

http://www.twitter.com/VanessaRiley

 

https://www.youtube.com/regencymaid

 

https://www.instagram.com/vanessarileyauthor

 

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