Vanessa Riley Media Kit

Quick Links

Cover Reveal and Interview with Maureen Lee Lenker at Entertainment Weekly.

Mention in Redbook Magazine

Mention in NPR

Mention by Alyssa Cole at Frolic.

Mention at Maureen Lee Lenker the Entertainment Weekly.

Interview by Joyce Lamb at USA Today.

Mention by Sarah MacLean in the Washington Post.

Mention at Lit with Love with Kristan Higgins & Sonali Dev 1/10/2018.

Mention at the Strand 5/2017 by Sarah MacLean

Video

Interview with Vanessa Riley and Romanced By the Book (Click Picture for Video)

ARRLD (Click Picture for Video)

Fun Friday - Zoom Cast with Vanessa Riley, Pat Simmons, and Angela Anderson (Click Picture for Video)

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:

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 have always 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 24^th 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 happen all at once. I believe in writing every day and to take 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 marginalize 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, in positions of power in historical settings 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 writes Historical Fiction and Historical Romance (Georgian, Regency, & Victorian) featuring hidden histories, dazzling multi-culture communities, and strong sisterhoods. She promises to pull heartstrings, offer a few laughs, and share tidbits of tantalizing history.

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

www.VanessaRiley.com

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