Please
give a warm welcome to historical fiction author, Vanda Vadas.
When
Inspiration Strikes . . .
Mary Anne, it’s a pleasure to
be invited back to your blog! Thank you.
I’m often asked from what or
where do I draw inspiration to write. Inspiration is endless and often comes
from the most unlikely sources. It could be an experience, a place, a person,
an object or image.
Such is the case with my new
release, TREASURED LOVE, a mix
of historical and contemporary short stories.
Queen of Diamonds was conceived after having
visited a musical production at a casino in my locale. When exiting the show
and walking past the gambling area, my husband and I heard the customary rattle
of money in slot machines, the sound of spinning roulette wheels, and sighted
row upon row of card related games. An idea sparked, and I had my story . . .
Grace
is a croupier at a casino, the consummate professional with unwavering concentration.
She is caught off-guard when a stranger with piercing blue eyes takes a seat at
her table. Blackjack is not the only hand he sets out to win.
One of my favourite
destinations, the picturesque Blue Mountains in NSW, Australia, inspired A
Passionate Love. I have a book which showcases photographs of beautiful
gardens in this area, one of which struck a chord with me: a grand tree-lined
driveway shrouded in mountain mist. The air of mystery in the photograph
inspired George and Edith’s story . . .
Cherry
Tree Lodge in the Blue Mountains of NSW, Australia, is no ordinary Bed and
Breakfast. It harbours a secret, one that is connected to a Bohemian brooch, a
photograph and a child’s wisdom. Truths are revealed in the indelible
footprints of a passionate love.
Lovin’ You came about when observing
late afternoon sunlight filtering through cedar blinds. I watched the shifting
shadows as daylight waned and from somewhere deep in my memory song lyrics came
to mind: ‘Inside a broken dream I cry. Is love the reason why? Inside an empty
room I stare, at love that is not there.’ That moment morphed into this story .
. .
Compromise
is a two-way street. Not so for Connor and Kate. Consequent to personal
sacrifice and broken promises, their marriage is on a downward spiral. Salvation
is at hand if only fears are faced.
Winter Hill, in
Buckinghamshire, England, affords excellent views over the Thames Valley and
Chiltern Hills. The locale holds special memories for me and is the inspiration
behind Unbroken
Bonds . . .
Finding
your soul mate is one thing, marrying her and never letting go is another.
Cedric succeeded on all counts. No regrets. Even though he now fights a losing
battle, nothing can sever the ties with his one true love.
Inspiration behind the final
story sprang from a particular glass bottle. That, and a gemstone which graces
the story’s title, Liquid Sapphire . . .
Josh
works nights as a barman in an exclusive hotel. When a woman his age enters the
bar in search of employment, Josh has good reason to stare. She’s dressed like
a cowgirl ready to rope a calf in a country rodeo. What could she possibly know
about champagne, swizzle sticks and cocktails?
I trust you’ll delight in
reading these five short stories. Love is not limited to age. It’s timeless
and for the young and the mature at heart. Be it that sizzling first meet-cute
romance or time-tested relationship, this collection of touching tales
demonstrates themes of love, loss and marriage.
Each story in Treasured Love makes for the perfect
coffee break read. What better way to celebrate love than today, Valentine’s
Day!
Vanda Vadas
Before residing in Australia, Vanda’s
birthplace and early childhood years were spent in Papua New Guinea. At the age of eleven, a holiday
in England sparked an interest in the days of old. Castles, ruins and
discovering Jane Austen novels inspired a life-long interest in all things
historical, a passion that later kick-started Vanda’s desire to write
historical fiction.
Her locale and global visits to faraway places
inspire Vanda’s creation of fictitious characters and dramas – past and present
– set against authentic and geographical backdrops. Her debut novel, The Pirate Lord (Random House Australia)
was an Amazon #1 Best Seller in Historical Romance. Her next novel, a Scottish Historical set post the Battle of
Culloden, will be published later this year.
The Gold Coast is home to Vanda and her
husband where they enjoy walks along world-renowned beaches or a quiet getaway
to the lush hills of the Hinterland.
Vanda loves to hear from her
readers. You can find her at:
This collection sounds wonderful. I am looking forward to the Scottish Historical next year. I adore Walter Scott btw and wrote about love triangles in his novels for thesis work. Very good luck with Culloden when it is published.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carol. I appreciate you stopping by and reading my post. Your thesis about Walter Scott certainly sounds intriguing! Hopefully my Scottish Historical will be published by the end of the year. I've visited Scotland and Culloden twice now, and Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye. So much rich history and what beautiful countryside!
ReplyDelete