Velvet Vaughn

I didn't know what I was doing with the first book! I didn't have any structure or guidance on how to go about writing. I had an idea, and I started typing. Soon, a plot developed, characters appeared, and the story developed. Now, I come up with a plot first, the central characters and antagonist, and structure the book from there. New characters always emerge as I progress through the story.

To me, success now means doing something that I love and that makes me happy. Something that I look forward to doing on a daily basis. Having people enjoy what I write and want to read more is the ultimate reward.

Definitely. Everyone has struggles and works to conquer them. It’s not always easy, but hope and determination overcome all odds. My sentimental side always craves a happy ending!

I've had a couple, but one that really stands out is when a reader reached out to tell me that they were housebound and struggled with depression. Not only did they look forward to my new releases, but it brought them joy to reread my older books over and over.

Yes, and the funny thing was that he was a bad guy, but he’d gotten away. I'd left a cliffhanger at the end of the book where he appeared, but I hadn't planned on writing his ending for a while. I had so many requests from readers wanting to know if he'd gotten away with his crimes, so I wrote his comeuppance sooner than planned.

To me, self-publishing has been the most substantial and dramatic change. Now, writers have a way to get their stories out there without depending on an agent or publishing company. It also means that there is significantly more competition for readers. It’s an ongoing effort to make your stories stand out so that people read them. Social media has also played a major role, opening up new avenues for advertising. It’s sometimes a struggle to stay on top of the rapid changes and to know how to leverage your product.

I definitely had to unlearn parts. I tended to put too much pressure on myself to meet deadlines, and the stress that accompanied it wasn't healthy. Now, I write when I can, but I don't obsess over missing a day or two.

Exercise has always been one of my top priorities, and I enjoy working out before I sit down to write. It helps me focus and concentrate on the story I’m trying to tell.

It's always a struggle, especially since I'm caring for an aging parent. I try to set aside a few hours every afternoon when I sit down at the computer and write. If I can't get to it, I don't beat myself up anymore. My mother passed away unexpectedly a few years ago, and that put everything in perspective for me. Family is the most important thing. Being present and spending time with them is my priority.

I think there's a little bit of me in most of the characters I write, especially the females. I want them to be strong, independent, and kind with a solid moral compass.

Just keep writing. It won’t always be easy. Negative feedback can be devastating and demoralizing. Not everyone will love what you put out, but keep being yourself and tell the story you want to tell.

It definitely has. It makes me want to write faster for them! However, I don't want to ever publish a book with a subpar plot or one that is too rushed. I'd rather take the time to get it right.

It can be difficult, especially since I’m currently working on the thirty-first book in that series alone, not counting the five novellas! However, I try to draw inspiration from the news or world events, something that sparks an idea for a plot or a twist.

I think I’ll always write romantic suspense. That’s what I enjoy reading. I love the action/mystery/suspense colliding with romance. I need a happy ending!

A++ AllAuthor has been my go-to from the moment I discovered it! It’s the first place I advertise when I release a new book. The features, like the book mock-ups, are invaluable and the staff I’ve interacted with are friendly and helpful. AllAuthor is a writer’s best friend!