Interview with Vicki-Ann Bush
Parliament House Press recently released Vicki-Ann Bush’s Alex McKenna and the Geranium Deaths. In my interview with Bush, she talks about life, writing, and an upcoming meet and greet.
What inspired your latest work? What is special about it?
My young grandson is transgender and a few years ago I asked my daughter if there were any YA fiction books that she knew of with a transgender main character. There wasn’t, and she was thrilled when I told her my idea for Alex McKenna. My hope is to bring the teen transgender community a character they can relate to but also enjoy the fantasy, paranormal escapades.
What character in your books are you most like?
I used to feel I was closest to Jesse from Room 629 but as I grow, I find a piece of me spread out throughout all my main characters and the ones closest to them. Unlike? Alex’s dad. He’s not a bad guy, but I couldn’t quit on my family and start a new one.
Do you plot out your entire story, or do your characters drive it?
My stories are very much character-driven. I start with an idea but often find my journey taking a quick left off the path and into unchartered terrain.
How long have you been writing? What is the journey from draft to published piece?
Many of my books begin with a title that pops in head. From there the story grows often finding fuel from everyone around me. Once the story is complete, I set it aside for a few days before beginning my edits. After which I read it again and then send it to my beta readers. I have a few close friends and family I trust with this process. Once I get it back, I read through it again one more time, making any changes or corrections. Then I begin the process of submission. This starts with my query letter and patience.
Where do you do your writing?
I have my own office I call the writing room. It’s filled with pics of my book covers and personal items that are close to me.
Do you have a writing goal you want to achieve?
I guess my goal is a bit of an author cliché, acquire an agent who can aid my career. What does success look like for you? To be able to continue to do what I love.
Who or what inspired you to be a writer?
There isn’t one person I can single out. My favorite author is Dean Koontz, but when I was younger there were many great authors who influenced me. Ann Rice and Stephen King are among the list, but I enjoyed many of the classics as well.
Which book have you read that has the biggest impact on you?
Two come to mind. First, The Witching Hour, by Ann Rice. I enjoyed the layers of years and characters. The intricate stories that weaved throughout the book and connecting everyone. The second is Lightening by Dean Koontz. It’s time travel which fascinates me.
What helps you most when it comes to writing?
Family. They’re an endless source of creativity.
I totally get that. Both family and coworkers! What are you working on now?
I recently completed the second Alex McKenna book and will be starting the third shortly. I had begun a new book out of the series, but I find the pull to resume Alex’s stories is too great.
How often do you write?
Usually five days a week. I like to take the weekends with my husband, but I have been known to put in an hour or two in the early morning while he’s sleeping in. Do you have another job besides being a writer? No.
What’s the best piece of writing advice that someone’s given you?
Patience and persistence. Rejection is a definite component of being an author and that’s okay. The world is made up of different tastes and likes, it’s what makes us interesting. If you have a dream stay with it, better your skills, stay active in the community and don’t stop.
Do you have a favorite review of your book?
This Amazon review—Ms. Bush takes on more than just ghosts, murder, and mystery in this book. The well-written story reminds everyone that the one thing we want out of life, no matter our personal journey, is to be loved and accepted. By focusing on the action and emotional impact, she helps the reader transition into Alex’s world. Life isn’t perfect for any of us but keeping secrets really doesn’t help. It’s better to have the courage to be true to yourself and support others than worry about an image. In the end, the truth always comes out.
What else do you do besides writing?
I love movies and binge-watching favorite shows. Currently, I’m hooked on, Ripper Street. I also love music. My dad was a musician, so I grew up hearing music in our house all the time. Sometimes when I need to decompress, I’ll put on my fave tunes and dance around with Curie. She’s our little Yorkie/Chihuahua mix.
Where can fans connect with you?
Amazon Author.to/Vicki-Ann
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VickiAnn.Bush.Author
Author Website http://www.vickiannbush.com
Twitter
– https://twitter.com/VickiAnnBush
Instagram
– https://www.instagram.com/vickiannbush
Silent Pen Blog http://vickiannbush.blogspot.com
Ms. Bush is
originally from Long Island, New York, and currently resides in Las Vegas,
Nevada. Living in the desert has given her inspiration for several books.
Originally writing
children stories, her first published work was from Salt of the Earth Press,
featuring Winslow Willow the Woodland Fairy, and The Queen of It. Ms. Bush’s
first YA fiction was the novella series, The Dusk Chronicles. A paranormal
romance set in Las Vegas.
Newly released on
September 24th, 2019, from
The Parliament House, the YA Paranormal LGBTQ, Alex McKenna & The Geranium
Deaths. A series of books that will feature a seventeen-year-old, transgender
boy with paranormal abilities.
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