Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up listening to my parents, especially his Mother who was an incredible story teller who kept the neighborhood kids spellbound by her constant wild stories of childhood, life, and ghosts that held our imagination. I love telling stories and inherited that from her, and have used it in my professional life. I love reading and movies, and hearing a good story but now prefers to tell the stories that have been in my head for years… and now I write them.
I have been a professional speaker, minister, Talk Radio Host, Comedian, and even once ran for public office. I grew up in the South, where the pace of life is slower than I can sometimes tolerate but wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. I currently lives in Atlanta, GA with my wife, three children, Buddy the Wonder Dog, and Squeaker the Silent Cat.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Stranger In The House is the latest book I’ve released and I have a follow up that carries the main character Ashley Steele.
I got the idea from an old story of a returning war hero in World War II, and the idea struck me how it was the same issue that could face someone who returns from a terror war that America has been in. From there we find the main character Casie Steele as she discovers her husband is coming home after being a prisoner of war for almost seven years.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really, except the ideas keep coming for other works. I’ve got right now four stories outlined and also have three non-fiction titles that I’m working on.
I hope I write good descriptive stories, but I’m not a fan or extremely long descriptions that don’t move a story along. Unless the color of the carpet plays a roll in the story or setting, I don’t include it, and it pains me to have to read such, so I don’t write such.
My greatest enemy is time, and not having enough of it, and dream of the day I write full time by a pool or the beach.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
That can be tough and easy all at the same time.
The Bible (incredible life lessons wrapped in parables and stories)
Chandler; Dickens (some of his); love Mark Twain; Tom Clancy; Stephen King
Chandler & Hammet – love the context of the settings
and my Mama loved detective stories, which were pulp fiction.
What are you working on now?
Although I’m working on another story now, “The Chair Falls At Night”, I’m itching to dive into Ashley’s next story, “Steele In The Air”, which will continue the story of Ashley Steele. It’s outlined and keeps playing in my head.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Right now I use my twitter both personal and author sites:
Personal:
Twitter @jchrisvaughn http://twitter.com/jchrisvaughn
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jchrisvaughn
Author:
Twitter: @cvaughnwrites http://twitter.com/cvaughnwrites
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ChrisVaughnAuthor
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Nothing other than overcome procrastination.
I sold my first piece of writing some 15+ years ago, and have made money off and on copy writing for friends and clients, but have put off writing for fear of rejection.
I’ve made a living off of speaking and have never been afraid to take a stage or podium because you get instant response to what you bring to the event; but to give someone something that I’ve written causes all sorts of insecurities… so my advice is the same advice I keep telling myself…. write and put it out!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
1. Write!
2. Don’t Procrastinate!
3. Write some more
4. Shut up and write
What are you reading now?
An indie steampunk novel along with several non-fiction leadership books; looking forward to another indie book about Atlantis and then have a few after that that are mystery/thrillers.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Just working and getting over the regret of procrastinating so long at letting others read what I write, so I’ll focus on step four above – shut up, and write!
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would take my Kindle and a solar charger – my Kindle has about 200 books t currently has
Author Websites and Profiles
Chris Vaughn Website
Chris Vaughn Amazon Profile
Chris Vaughn’s Social Media Links