A visit with Vikki Vaught

MissKathleensScandalousBaron_KindleHow did you get started writing?

I have been a voracious reader since I found Nancy Drew books in third grade, but I never imagined writing a novel. I did some journaling but that is it. In late 2009 I finished a historical romance, and a story invaded my mind. I went around thinking of it and saying to myself, “That would make a great book. Someone needs to write it.” The story would not leave me alone. A few months later, I wrote out the plot and even toyed with some dialogue. In June of 2010, I took some time off from my job. I decided I would spend 2 hours a day working on my book idea. Two and a half weeks later, I had an 80,000 word manuscript. That’s when the real work began. I’ve been writing ever since. It has become my true passion.

What genre(s) do you write in and why?

I found historical romance when I was a teenager. My mother read them, and I would sneak her Frank Yerby books into my bedroom. They were way too racy for a teenager, but I fell in love with the genre. I devoured Barbara Cartland’s books and also Georgette Heyer. Historical romance is my first love, and since that is the case, it’s no surprise that I write in that genre.

I also write sweet contemporary romances as well. In fact, I recently released A New Beginning for Nanci in January. This book has a strong inspirational element and the hero is a Navy man. I thoroughly enjoyed writing Nanci and Daniel’s love story. As a Navy wife for many years, I understand the difficulties for the families left behind when their loved one has to go on deployment.

Tell us about your current series.

I’m very excited about my Honorable Rogue series. Lady Overton’s Perilous Journey is book 1 of this series, and it has been available since July. It is a romantic suspense with lot of action, poor Lady O doesn’t have an easy time reaching her HEA! Miss Kathleen’s Scandalous Baron is book 2. This is a lighter novel, one with a bit of humor. I fell in love with Andrew, my hero. I am currently working on The Viscount’s Salvation, book 3, which will definitely have quite a bit of suspense. I hope to have it available before the end of this year. I plan to write a fourth book, but I’m also considering giving each of Andrew’s friends their own story. They certainly are honorable rogues as well.

Do you have critique partners?

I am fortunate to have several, and some of them help me with my historicals, and I have one that helps me with my contemporaries and my suspense scenes. I have learned so much from these awesome ladies. I also have several beta readers, and their feedback has helped tremendously.

Do you prefer to read in the same genres you write in or do you avoid reading that genre? Why?

When I first started writing, I only read historical romance. I joined an RWA chapter, and some of the members suggested I also read outside my preferred genre. I accidently discovered Vampire romances, which a sub-genre I thought I would never read. I soon found myself devouring as many as I could find. I discovered Tina Folsom’s Scanguard series and they are fantastic!

I have also discovered I enjoy Billionaire romance as well. They are a great escape from everyday life for me. After all, who doesn’t dream of having wealth beyond our imagination. I love a glimpse of how they must live. I especially enjoy ones with tortured souls, such as Christian Grey and Gideon Cross!

Do you write under a pen name?   Why or why not?

I actually write under three pen names. I write my historicals under Vikki Vaught, my erotic romances under V.L. Edwards, and my sweet contemporaries under Vikki McCombie. Obviously, my readers who enjoy my sweet contemporaries would not be interested in my erotic novels. That is why I write under the different names.

What do you have planned for the future?

I have quite a few characters clamoring for me to write their stories. Some of them are historical, others are contemporary. My problem is finding the time to write since I do still work a full-time job. I hope that I will be able to retire in 2017 if all goes well.

Do you or have you belonged to a writing organization?  Which one?  Have the helped you with your writing?  How?

I have belonged to several writing groups. I am a member of RWA, and I belong to the online Beau Monde chapter, which is a group of fabulous Regency authors. If I ever have a Regency question, I know they will have the answer!

I’m very excited about my new release, Miss Kathleen’s Scandalous Baron, Book 2 in my Honorable Rogue series. It is set in 1803 and is the story of Alex’s sister, Kathleen and Lord Billingsley. It is a light-hearted read with another honorable rogue. Albeit, Andrew, Baron Billingsley, is a bit scandalous. I hope you will enjoy the romance between Kathleen and Andrew as much as I enjoyed writing their love story.

If you would like to start with Book 1 of my Honorable Rogue series, which is Kathleen’s brother, Alex Hawks and Anissa, Lady Overton’s, love story, Lady Overton’s Perilous Journey is available on Amazon and both books are in the Kindle Unlimited program. Happy reading!

Book Blurb:

When the young American debutante, Miss Kathleen Hawks, arrives in town for the London season, the last thing she expects is an attraction to the scandalous Lord Billingsley. He’s the kind of aristocrat she detests, one who only cares for his pleasures.

Andrew Grainger is handsome, young and very wealthy. He loves carousing with his pack of friends from his school days. When he stumbles across the prim, yet charming Miss Hawks, he should avoid her at any cost. After all, she’s an innocent young miss, barely out of the schoolroom. But…there’s just something about her he finds irresistible.

When a chance encounter leads to scandal for the pair, they must choose to brave the Beau Monde, or give into its dictates. Is there any possibility that what appears to be a match made in Hades, could turn into a match made in heaven instead?

 

Excerpt:

Kathleen Hawks fumed all the way to her brother’s study. Alex must have talked to their mother. Again, she had allowed her emotions to overrule her actions. When she arrived at the door, her heart fluttered, but knowing she had to get this over with, she tapped on the door.

Her brother’s voice bade her enter. She purposefully turned the knob and opened the door as she inhaled and exhaled slowly to prepare herself for what she suspected would be an unpleasant conversation. “Good morning, Alex. You wanted to see me?”

Her brother moved behind his desk. “Please, take a seat.” His set features shouted his displeasure.

Once she settled back in her chair, Alex sat in the chair behind his large desk. “Kathleen, I spoke with Ma and she told me the two of you argued at breakfast. She’s concerned over your defiant attitude, and she feels I may have made a mistake regarding Mr. Jones.”

Oh, dear, when will I learn to control my tongue? “I’m sorry I was disrespectful, but she made several derogatory comments regarding my betrothed. I let my temper get the best of me.”

Her brother’s stubborn expression did not bode well, and she waited for the proverbial axe to fall. “I agree with Ma. I want you to reconsider your betrothal to Mr. Jones. You’re only eighteen, and he’s ten years older than you. I don’t believe you are well-suited. Your temperaments are vastly different. His only concern seems to be his responsibilities at his father’s bank. You were always so playful and vivacious. You’ve changed since you began spending more time with him, and I do not like it.”

She gripped the arms on the chair. The last thing she needed to do was agitate her brother, but she couldn’t sit passively by while another member of her family spoke ill of William. “You’re wrong, Alex. So what if we have a few differing interests? We love each other and that is what is important. You gave William your permission for the marriage before we left last fall.”

Alex stared her down. “I realize that. However, I should never have given it. As you well know, I had quite a few grave issues to deal with at the time. I should have taken more time to consider a decision that involves your future happiness. I’m seriously contemplating sending him a letter telling him I am withdrawing my consent.”

She clasped her hands together to keep them from trembling. It was all she could do to remain seated. “Please, you can’t do this to me. I love William, and he loves me.” Then, throwing caution to the wind, she stood and shouted, “I. Know. My. Own. Mind!”

“Kathleen.” Alex’s flushed face resembled a storm cloud as he stood and placed his powerful hands on his desk. “I will not tolerate your disrespect, young lady. Ma is ashamed of your behavior, and so am I. When you arrive in London for the season, you either promise to take full advantage of this opportunity the Barringtons are offering you, or I will write the letter withdrawing my consent today.”

Her stomach clenched as she tried to rein in her anger. Alex was serious, and if she was to have any hope of continuing with her plans to marry William, she had to placate him. “Please, don’t write the letter. I’ll go to London, and I promise I will participate fully in the parties. I’ll even keep an open mind.”

Alex resumed his seat. “Good. That’s more like it. I do have your best interests at heart, Darlin’. I want you to be sure Mr. Jones is the right man for you. He’s the first man to show you any attention. Please take this time to be sure of your love for him. That’s all I ask.”

Whenever her very American brother grew angry, their mother’s strong Virginian upbringing took over, and his southern drawl came through. Now that he had to spend much of his time in England, he had worked hard to minimize it.

“I suppose it can’t hurt, but I will not change my mind. Now if you will excuse me, I’ll return to my packing, so I will be ready when the duke and duchess arrive tomorrow.” She stiffened her spine, turned, and left his study.

photo (2)Author Bio:

Vikki Vaught started her writing career when a story invaded her mind and would not leave. Now, the stories keep coming and writing is her passion. She has written well over a half dozen romances and is presently working on her next, while fighting off the future characters shouting my turn!

Vikki loves a “Happily Ever After.” While romance is the central theme of all her books, she includes a significant historical event or place in her Regency novels.

If you enjoy her historical romance novels, you may want to read books she has written in other sub-genres. Vikki writes sweet contemporaries as Vikki McCombie and erotic romances as V.L. Edwards.

Vikki has lived in the beautiful foothills of the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee with her husband, Jim, who is the most tolerant man in the world to put up with her when she is in a writing frenzy. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find her curled up in a comfortable chair reading her Kindle, lost in a good book with a cup of tea at her side.

Buy Link:

http://smile.amazon.com/Kathleens-Scandalous-Baron-Honorable-Rogue-ebook/dp/B01C28L3FI

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