Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Madeline's Protector Book Tour with Vanessa Riley

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?
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?
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 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?
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?
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?
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

If all the young men of England leapt off a cliff, Madeline St. James wouldn't care. Then she'd have peace. Her nightmares of courtship would end, and she'd cozy up with a Psalm in her aunt's quiet sculpture garden.

Yet, a chance meeting and a bullet wound change everything, and Madeline must trust the Good Shepherd has led her to the altar to marry a dashing stranger, Lord Devonshire.

Death and pain are no strangers to Justain Delveaux, Lord Devonshire, and he vows his dutiful bride will be kept safe and in her place. Though this compromised marriage is in-name-only, his wife and her unwavering faith both intrigue and allure him. Perchance when he thwarts his brother's killer, Justain will tempt the unpredictable Madeline with the comfort of his arms.

But can Madeline and the stubborn earl forge a true bond before the next disaster strikes?

 

Madeline's Protector can be purchased at:

 

BN: http://tinyurl.com/bworjjr

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/c24a55p

The CBD: http://tinyurl.com/cxsdron

View the blog tour schedule at:
http://tywebbinvirtualevents.com/xdHYy

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