Untold Book Launch!
Hello, y'all! *takes a deep breath and prepares for a super long post* I have the privilege of taking part in the launch of yet another book! I present to you: Untold by Vanessa Hall! It is the third book in the "Grace Sufficient" series and I cannot wait to read it myself!
Here's the description:
You can only run for so long …
Two years hasn’t erased the sting of betrayal and the shadow of the past, but Nikolai Alexandrov has finally found a way to live. Moscow, Russia, is the last place anyone would look for a rogue ex-CIA officer, and the members of Grace Baptist Church see beyond his past to the man he is now.
Molly Baird never wanted to be a missionary, but due to her father’s wishes, she lands in Moscow to aid her missionary cousin, Gabe Kelly. All is foreign in the massive city, though, rendering her unable to serve. Only the few English speakers in Grace Baptist’s congregation hold a trace of familiarity—including Nikolai, whose kindness she can’t deny.
Yet when a sniper’s bullet strikes far too close, Nikolai and Molly are thrown together in a desperate race against untold threats. When time runs out, will Nikolai and Molly be able to trust God with the past—and with the future?
You can view it on Goodreads or purchase it at the following links:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61167481-untold
Ebook and Hard Copy: https://books2read.com/u/m0vp77
There is also a giveaway going on for Untold and Unknown, the first book in the series. One winner will receive free e-copies of both of these books! The winner will be announced on October 1st on Vanessa's blog, which you can find here: Vanessa Hall | Author of Christian Fiction (wordpress.com) Here's the link to enter the giveaway! http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b768bf280/
I also had the opportunity to interview the author! Vanessa Hall is an author, musician, and homeschool graduate. Most days, she is reading, writing, or practicing the violin—or trying to find time for all three pursuits. Currently, she is working toward gaining a degree in instrumental music education. But above all, she is a sinner saved and held fast by the abounding grace of Jesus Christ. You can find her at:
Website/Blog: https://vanessahallauthor.wordpress.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21596469.Vanessa_Hall
Newsletter: https://vanessahall.ck.page/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/vanessanhall7/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Vanessa-Hall/e/B09D5FK28P/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/vanessa-hall-76d55a60-3f49-4ac3-8e43-d64014ae4c55
And without further ado, here is our interview!
When did you start writing? What was your first story?
I think I was around ten years old when I began plunking away at the keys of my family’s ancient computer. I had several early stories—I believe my first was about horses. But my most iconic was a Western that was supposed to be about a family with eight kids (of course, each kid had a POV), and I got through about three POVs. The success of that is profound. :)
What inspired you to begin writing and what drives you to continue to write?
I just truly loved writing and losing myself in stories and living a life I never would through the characters. (Not that I’d want to live through a lot of what I write about now!) But writing is so powerful, and the Lord has taught me a lot through it. I end up learning along with my characters—or, even worse, acting like my characters and realizing how foolish I’ve been! I continue to write because I love it, but most importantly, because God has called me to it.
How do you balance writing with the rest of your life?
This is so hard, and I have yet to perfect this! (Probably never will.) But I think an important part is prioritizing—for example, I have homework I have to get done. That comes first before editing or writing, and that way, I get the very pressing homework done. Then I can write.
Also, schedules and lists are super helpful. That way you know exactly what you need to get done, and you save some time by not wondering what you’re supposed to be doing.
How have you developed your unique writing voice? What other authors influenced you?
Great question. This was something I really struggled with during a lot of my writing career. The biggest thing that helped with this was editing. And I mean hard editing. I used to edit very casually, but when I decided to publish, I knew I had to really sink my teeth into the book (Unknown) and edit mercilessly. Multiple revisions taught me to know what I’m looking for as I worked through it. I really learned as I went, which probably wasn’t the most effective way!
Also, considering the genre I write in (romantic suspense/thriller), helped narrow down my writing voice. I couldn’t do a ton of really gorgeous, historical-style writing with long descriptions and flowery prose. But I could do a little of that paired with snappy, sharp action and really physical, raw reactions. My goal is to make the reader feel as if he could be one of the characters. I want my readers to feel the pain and fear and sorrow alongside the characters to give them that full experience.
As for writers who’ve influenced me … a big one would be my sister and fellow author, Kristina Hall. She helps me with everything from edits, brainstorming, plot holes, naming characters … she does it all. And she writes amazing books! Check those out if you’re looking for some action-packed, Bible-filled books. :)
Is there a Scripture passage that has encouraged you as a writer?
A big one is Matthew 25: 14-18, which is the parable of the talents. The Lord used this passage to convict me and encourage me to plunge into the world of publishing. I actually wrote a blog post about this, so if you want my whole rambling spiel, here’s the link. :)
But the short version is that God gives each of us some talent, and even if it’s only one talent in comparison to our friend’s five talents, we’re still supposed to use it to God’s glory in the way He’s called us. We’re not called to bury it and be afraid of something happening to it like the one guy was. We’re called to be a light and use what God has given us. And in my case, that was writing.
What is one writing error (grammatical, familiar trope, etc.) that drives you crazy?
I’m the grammar police sometimes (though it’s hypocritical, because I make grammar mistakes, too!) But one of my pet peeves is the use of “snuck.” The past tense of sneak is “sneaked.”
But then the whole world goes and says “snuck” is correct. So I’m vaguely offended.
Just kidding, it’s okay, but I shall use sneaked.
What is one book (besides the Bible:) you would recommend to every writer?
This is super generic, but get yourself a good grammar book. :) That goes a long way to helping improve your writing.
What would you say to an aspiring writer struggling to get started, or an experienced writer in need of some encouragement?
Remember for whom and why you’re writing.
Don’t try to write for other people, whether that’s your readers or some standard others have set for your writing. Don’t compare yourself to other authors constantly. Christian author, you’re writing for the Lord. As long as you’re following what He’s called you to, don’t worry what anyone else thinks. (And that goes for your whole life, too!)
And secondly, remember why you’re writing. What’s your end goal? Think back to those times when you’ve loved writing the most, when you’ve just known this was what you were called to. Or if you’re a new writer, ask yourself that question. Why am I writing? Remember that in those hard times (because they will come), and keep on marching, author!
Welp, I think that’ a everything! Be sure to check out this series!
Tally ho!
Rachael Anne
P.S. Here's the schedule for the rest of the tour! Make sure you check out the rest of these blogs and social media posts to learn more about Untold!
Friday, September 23
Kristina Hall – Spotlight
Rachel – Spotlight
Emma – Review
Rachel Anne English – Spotlight and Author Interview
Vanessa Hall - Tour Kickoff + Giveaway Announcement!
Saturday, September 24
Kristina Hall – Review
Anna – Review
Lorelai Angelo – Spotlight
Sunday, September 25
Jolene @ Beauty in the Binding – Spotlight
Monday, September 26
Kristina Hall – Character Questionnaire (Daniil, Evgeny, and Gregor)
Grace A. Johnson – Spotlight
Kirby @ The Preppy Book Princess – Review
Tuesday, September 27
Stephanie @ Books Less Travelled – Review
Lillian Keith – Spotlight
Charity Henico – Review
Wednesday, September 28
Lillian Keith – Author Interview
Saraina Whitney – Review
Issabelle Perry – Review
Thursday, September 29
Stephanie @ Books Less Travelled – Author Interview
Madisyn Carlin @ Madi’s Musings – Spotlight and Author Interview
Vanessa Hall - Music of Untold (In Which I Gift You with A Playlist!)
Friday, September 30
Katja L. @ Old-Fashioned Book Love – Spotlight and Review
Rachel Anne English – Review and Character Questionnaire (Nikolai)
Abby Burrus – Review
Issabelle Perry – Author Interview
Saturday, October 1
Saraina Whitney – Character Questionnaire (Molly)
Kayti - Review on Facebook and Instagram
Vanessa Hall - Wrapup + Giveaway Winners (And Exciting News!)
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