About the Author
The Regency and Victorian eras have always been a magnetizing draw for Vanessa Riley. Even as she worked to complete her doctorate in Mechanical Engineering, she made time for renaissance fairs and any novel or cinematographic work depicting these genteel societies of old. Perhaps, the attraction arises from the kinship she feels with the period being brought up in the restrictive Southern Bible Belt with its stringent definitions of decent behavior and life expectations. Perhaps the common dominator to this appeal is her own thirty day Christian courtship or even the arranged marriages of her uncles; each is emblematic of the nuptials of those earlier times.
A technology muse like Dr. Vanessa Riley is probably not the immediate choice to write about haute ton English society set in the 1800's. With her most recent published work being "Reducing Deformation by Phase Manipulation," the common visceral reaction is that Providence has given another mule a voice to tell His story. Nevertheless, this mule uses her determined spirit and dogmatic tenacity to master the subject and to discover the hidden nuances of a character making him believable, her human and both ready to be used of God.
Vanessa holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering and a masters in industrial engineering and engineering management from Stanford University. She also earned BS and MS in mechanical engineering from Penn State University. She has been a radio anchorwoman and church announcer. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association and Romance Writers of America.
Today, Vanessa juggles mothering an eight year old, her seventeenth wedding anniversary, engineering, writing and speaking at women's events. She is known for her humorous delivery of poignant truths. Vanessa is currently, editor in chief of an online social network, www.busymama.net.
Q & A with Vanessa Riley
How did you become a writer?
I've always enjoyed writing. In high school, I wrote poems and short stories. I even won some awards. Yet, pursuing my degrees and a career as an engineer, I placed my passion for writing on the back burner. However, I believe a true passion won't die. It will yearn for its freedom of expression 'til you have no choice but to yield. For me, writing provides escape and creativity.
What are you hoping readers take from your book?
I hope people will read Madeline's Protector and remember that God has a plan for your life. No matter what the obstacle, faith will win in the end. All the things that we want to achieve or think we want, pale in comparison to what He purposes for our lives.
If you were to write a book about a controversial topic, what would it be?
If you were to write a book about a controversial topic, what would it be?
This is a tough one. I think it would have to be something out of the normal happenstance for a Regency Woman: Maybe the drug trade or uses of drugs, and how it affected the family. Or some of the cruel treatments given to those with mental conditions.
Are you an avid or occasional reader? If so, what is your favorite genre of books?
Are you an avid or occasional reader? If so, what is your favorite genre of books?
I am an avid reader of the classics, Austen, Wadsworth, or Shakespeare, but I like contemporaries too like Robert Ludlum, or a Terry McMillian. My favorite genre is historical romance. I want to be whisked away to an ancient land where honor and duty were top priorities.
If you could interview one of your favorite authors, who would it be? Why?
If you could interview one of your favorite authors, who would it be? Why?
If I could interview Jane Austen or Oprah, I would. Both are dynamic women who have impacted an enormous amount of people. I would like to know if they had any idea of the impact they would have on countless lives when they started their journeys.
If you could make a movie out of one of your books, which one would it be?
If you could make a movie out of one of your books, which one would it be?
My mom thinks Madeline's Protector would make a great movie. The book has action, romance, and suspense, all the ingredients of a blockbuster. Maybe Pierce Brosnan would be available to play a character.
Which marketing/promotions or publicity strategy has worked best in your favor?
Which marketing/promotions or publicity strategy has worked best in your favor?
I believe in unusual giveaways and contests. With a launch week on InfiniteCharacters.com and RegencyReflections.com, I've given away gift cards, A Nook, even a coach purse. Over 250 entries. Your readers should stop by ChristianRegency.com to see my latest contests.
Which do you like better traditional or self-publishing? Why?
Which do you like better traditional or self-publishing? Why?
I prefer traditional publishing. If one has any doubts about the acceptance of your concept or story in the marketplace, then the traditional route is the way to go. Their selection of your books lets you know that your craft is ready and your story is marketable. Also, the traditional route provides a team to help make your book the best and distribution to get your book in as many hands as possible. If one goes the self-published route, put a team together, one that will help you make your book perfect.
What new projects are you working on?
I have two series, I'm developing. One focuses on troubled marriages of a Regency family. Secrets abound which can destroy or liberate the familial bonds. My other project is more light-hearted in which polar opposites fall in love.
About the Book
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