Author Spotlight—Vicki Vass

Enjoyment- comes to mind when I think of reading Vicki’s work. She has a way of making her mysteries standout and her characters are always interesting. I was honored to review Vicki’s  book Key to a Murder, on the blog this past year.  And instantly knew I needed to get to know this author.

Lucky for me, she agreed and here she is. I hope that you find some wonderful reasons after getting to know Vicki, to read her work. If the covers don’t get you the words between them will!

An Antique Hunters Mystery

A Neighborhood Watch Mystery

The Postman is Late: A neighborhood Watch Mystery

An Alex Kustodia Mystery

Gem Hunter: An Alex Kustodia Mystery
<h2><span class="wrap"><span class="inner">About The Author</span></span></h2>

Vicki Vass

With a passion for shopping and antiques, Vicki Vass turned in her reporter’s notebook to chronicle the adventures of Anne and CC, two antique hunters who use their skills to solve a murder case.

Vicki has written more than 1,400 stories for the Chicago Tribune as well as other commercial publications including Home & Away, the Lutheran and Woman’s World. Her science fiction novel, The Lexicon, draws on her experience in Sudan while writing about the ongoing civil war for World Relief.

She lives in the Chicago area with her husband, writer and musician Brian Tedeschi, son Tony, Australian shepherd Bandit, kittens Terra and Pixel, seven koi and Gary the turtle.

<h2><span class="wrap"><span class="inner">My Interview With The Author</span></span></h2>

Bree

Thanks Vicki for joining me today on Bibliophile Reviews.  I have become a recent fan, as I was privileged to review one of your fabulous books.

 

Vicki Vass

Thanks, Bree, for hosting me.

Bree

Let’s get started, how did you begin your writing career?

Vicki Vass

I started my writing career early. After I began reading at age 4, I decided I wanted to write my own book(s). I wrote brief fiction longhand and gave them to my mother and friends

Bree

I was an  early reader as well. What is your reason for writing? Did you feel as though you were always meant to be a writer?

Vicki Vass

I love to create stories and worlds within worlds. I have never done anything but write. I am fortunate I have always been able to support myself as a journalist, including writing for the Chicago Tribune. Currently I write fiction, which was my first love, and I enjoy mysteries, watching the clues come together and resolving the ending. I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Bree

Choosing one character from your books, which would you choose as your favorite? Which is the hardest to create?

Vicki Vass

This is a difficult question as I like all my characters for different reasons. My favorite heroine perhaps is Alexandra, the heroine of my Gem Hunter mystery series. She is tough yet vulnerable, smart and beautiful. The hardest character for me to create is Anne of the Antique Hunters mystery series. Not because I don’t know her personality but it can be challenging to make her character likeable, not purely superficial.

Bree

What can us as readers expect in 2017 from you? Any new books?

Vicki Vass

I am currently working on the first book in a new paranormal mystery series. It is taking a long time to develop because the characters are new but also because we have two new puppies who require a great deal of attention.

Bree

It’s January and like many I have made resolutions, have you made any for this year? Or any new goals?

Vicki Vass

I did not make any resolutions this year. In the past I have such as one year I committed to finishing a book once I started it. I have always piles around the house, many of them half-read. I do have one goal, and it is to cut back on my shopping. I share a passion for shopping with Anne of the Antique Hunters mystery series. This will be challenging as shopping equals research, doesn’t it?

Bree

Sounds like solid research to me! What is your favorite book that you have read (ever)?

Vicki Vass

This is truly difficult for me. I have numerous favorite books that I turn back to. I remember being enraptured when I first read Pride & Prejudice by the struggle between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. I discovered Anne of Green Gables while on Prince Edward Island during a family vacation. And then there is the richness of Gone With the Wind. I also have the original books in the Oz series, an inspiration for the imagination.

Bree

Officially drooling over your OZ series. That is a treasure! What was the last book of 2016 that you read?

Vicki Vass

I completed the Underwriting by Michelle Miller. I was intrigued by the cover description and the subject but personally I found it wanting.

Bree

What is the first book for 2017 that you have read or plan to read?

Vicki Vass

I completed the Last Telegram by Liz Trenow as the book club at my full-time job is reading it. I thought it very interesting and enjoyed the history about silk weaving. I have now moved to an everyday account of the Salem Witch Trials.

Bree

Do you have a mantra or quote that you go to mentally each day?

Vicki Vass

Not one particular quote but I find myself inspired daily by quotes from fellow authors or figures in history. One of my favorites is from Steve Jobs, “If today is the last day of your life, would you want to do what you are about to today?” That is so true. We often get stuck in day-to-day routines but forget what is important in the long run.

Bree

Thank you for joining me Vicki and I look forward to all your stories coming and reading myself backwards through your current work!

Vicki Vass

Thank you so much for having me, Bree!

Professional Reader Affiliates

NetGalley Professional Reader Frequently Auto-Approved 200 Book Reviews 2016 NetGalley Challenge Reviews Published Great Escape Tour Host BethanyHouse Blogger Reviewer

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