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Interview
with author Vanessa Davis Griggs
SP: Vanessa,
welcome and thank you for taking the time to grant
this interview. I am honored to share in conversation with you.
Vanessa:
Thank you so much for allowing me this opportunity.
SP: I
recently read your new release, Wings
of Grace, and I was instantly drawn to the faces of the women on
the cover. How will readers, specifically females, identify with the
women represented in the novel?
Vanessa: The women are us.
They are people we know or have possibly met at some point in our
lives. They are the strength and grace we see in the women who have
possibly been knocked down by life's relentless blows, yet find a way
to get back up. They are the women we love, and in some cases, the
women we can't stand. Still, we can't help but to admire these women
who could essentially be our grandmothers, mothers, sisters, friends,
nieces, daughters, or granddaughters. Women with the strength, grace,
and determination to hang in there whether life gives its best
(or worst) shot. They are the women who we might not always appreciate,
but we have to give them a nod of respect for their refusal to give up
or give in.
SP: Each
chapter in your book begins with a Biblical quote. What made you decide
to introduce your chapters in this unique and uplifting way?
Vanessa:
When
I wrote Promises Beyond Jordan,
I began each chapter with a scripture,
but with Wings of Grace, I
decided to expand it by listing the
scripture reference. Scriptures can be so encouraging in our day-to-day
life; I couldn't think of anything better to set the tone for each
particular chapter than with an appropriate scripture to describe what
would be going on. I've found even as I've had to reread a chapter, how
much a certain scripture continues to bless me even now. People's
positive reactions to this method has reassured me it was a wonderful
thing to do.
SP: Wings of Grace thoroughly delves
into the history of some of its characters. What steps did you take as
a writer to acquire research for this story?
Vanessa:
I
have a full filing cabinet drawer with all the research I did in order
to make this story authentic. I read several books just to maybe ensure
that only one paragraph would be correct. I researched using the
Internet, as well as magazines, brochures, you name it. I loved doing
it though because it took me on a journey to people and places I had
never thought about before doing this. Some events snowballed having me
go from one direction only to find myself delving into other things I
was being setup to learn. Fortunately, I have a lot more research than
I put in the book--it's important as a writer to maintain balance. Keep
some information to yourself so as not to overwhelm the readers.
SP: Vanessa,
I understand Wings of Grace
is the sequel to Promises Beyond
Jordan. After reading Wings
of Grace, I'm sure readers will want to know if there will be
another book highlighting the life of prominent character, Pastor
George Landris. If so, tell us a little about the next book or any
other upcoming projects.
Vanessa: I
have so enjoyed Pastor George Landris and the others I've met in this
writing journey. Honestly, I never intended for Landris to have become
such a staple in my life or in my writing. In fact, I told him he
wouldn't be doing that much in Wings
of Grace but you see how much my characters listen to me as the
writer (laughs). I have a feeling you haven't heard the last of George
Landris, so stay tuned...
SP:
Again,
Vanessa, thank you so much for stopping by. I know your books will
continue to positively impact many lives. Before leaving, would you
extend a word of wisdom to those readers who may also be aspiring
authors?
Vanessa:
Be
true to yourself and to your characters. Don't be so hard on yourself.
I mean that to say, don't talk down to yourself because things may not
be going the way you'd like. This is a journey. Believe in what you're
doing and why you're doing it. It's not always about the money. It's
about doing what you believe you were born to do! Please, please
though: Learn the craft. If you're serious about doing a thing, be
serious about doing it well. Or at least as well as you're able to do
it at the time. Then with your next time, take it up a notch.
Thank you again. You can visit me at my Web site: www.VanessaDavisGriggs.com.
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