~Interview with Vanessa Davis Griggss~

Author Interview with Vanessa Davis Griggs

A one on one interview with
author Vanessa Davis Griggs,
speaking about her career, her
faith and her newest release,
B LESSED TRINITY.

First of all, thank you for reading my book. It’s always
fun to be interviewed by someone who has actually read
your work. BLESSED TRINITY is a story that, although
the first book of a trilogy, technically picks up where
WINGS OF GRACE (the sequel to PROMISES BEYOND
JORDAN) left off. I wrote it where it wouldn’t be a must to
read the previous books in order to understand this
one. There are three sisters; Faith, Hope, and Charity
with a secret Faith is determined to keep anyone from
ever knowing. The story is set in Birmingham, Alabama,
and there’s a lot of interaction with the ever popular
Pastor George Landris and Johnnie Mae Taylor. Pastor
Landris has his hands full with the new church as well
as ministers who aren’t so happy about his ministry
being in Birmingham. Then there’s his brother, Thomas,
who has always given him a run for his money. Johnnie
Mae is dealing with her mother’s aging problems and
siblings that really push the envelope, her oldest sister
in particular. Then there’s her quest to have a baby.

2. I loved the aspect of being behind the scenes of a
megachurch (like those on television). Do you have
personal experiences with one? What was it like?

Interestingly, I was part of what’s considered a
megachurch. I was there long before things grew to a
place where you can now be missing for years and no
one knows you’re gone. I also have knowledge about
starting a church from scratch and everything in-
between. I’ve been in church since I was two weeks old
(my daddy took me in my bassinet before my mother
was able to get out), so I have extensive knowledge of
churches and church folks. Megachurches have their
pluses and minuses. Much has to do with how well the
leadership can adapt to the various changes that
constantly have to be made to accommodate the needs
of the people as the congregation evolves and grows.

3. When did you decide to be a writer? What motivated
you to start writing in this genre?

I wrote plays when I was in elementary school and have
always loved words. I continued writing throughout my
life but never was able to get far with people in the
industry. I remember in high school, sending something
to what was then Harper & Row and waiting for a reply
that never came. In 1996, I became very serious about
a writing career although I was working for a
telecommunication company with great pay and great
benefits. At the end of 1996, I made a decision to leave
the company with 18 years service (no, it was not a
retirement). It was a faith walk. I write in this genre
because this is who I am at the core of my being. I don’t
like labels because truly, I’m just doing me. I tend to
touch on mystery, suspense, romance, history, and
Christian with African-American characters. But that’s
just the way I write. I like to keep myself interested, and
the books I write would be the ones I personally would
love to read.

4. You cover several different mental disorders and
such in this latest release. What kind of research did
you do?

Bipolar disorder is one of the mental illnesses covered
in BLESSED TRINITY. I have firsthand knowledge of this
disorder from the side of family members who have a
loved one with bipolar disorder. I drew from personal
knowledge for some of what was going on in the book
(the way the house looked for the character with bipolar
disorder for example). Of course, I always research to
be as accurate about things as possible. That’s another
thing about me: if I’m writing something that’s true like a

5. How do you recharge your creativity? What do
you do for fun or relaxation?

Wow, great question. You can get burnt out if you’re
doing this back to back as I’ve been doing these
past few years. For instance, BLESSED TRINITY is
book 1 of a trilogy. My contract required me to write
all three books within three to four months of each
other even though book 2 will not be out until May
2008 and book 3, October 2008. I also work on
other projects like a weekly column and have worked
on a few nonfiction books with other people. I have
to step back for a week or two just to recharge,
although I’m likely working on something that doesn’t
have to do with writing. As for fun and relaxation, I
can’t wait to do that so I can tell you. (LOL) But I do
try to snatch a day or two here and there where I do
something other than work, and can breathe.
Walking relaxes me because I get to really talk to
God under His beautiful sky.

6. The writing industry is just like other businesses.
There’s behind the scenes drama with publishers,
agents and other authors- back biting,
discouragement and competition. How do you stay
centered on God?

You’re right. It is a business, and we’re still dealing
with people who have not yet reached perfection. I’
ve learned to keep my eyes on what God has told
me and just run my race. Whatever anyone else is
doing (or not), I know God’s Word is true. If God
promised it, it will come to pass. No one and no thing
can keep me from what God wills for my life. There
may be delay and you may have opposition, but my
job is to keep focused on what I’m supposed to do
and realize that with God on my side, I already have
the victory. What you put your attention on is what
grows. Anything that’s not good for me, I don’t fool
with for any longer than I have to. If you keep your
eyes on where you desire to be, you’ll get there
regardless of who likes you or not, or who’s doing
what they’re supposed to be doing or not. I know
God’s Word will not return unto Him void.

7. Do you write everyday? Do you have a set
schedule?

You could say I write everyday. I tell people even
when you’re not at the computer typing away,
watching people can be part of writing. Learning
more about your craft is part of writing. Reading is
part of writing. I don’t really have a set schedule, but
generally I get up in the morning and start until I feel
I want to stop or am forced to stop. There have been
times when I’ve written until can became can’t. There
are times when I say I don’t feel like doing this today,
and I don’t. And then there are times when I’m
asking God what He wants me to do, and I have to
wait on Him to direct me.

8. How can people learn more about you and your
books? How can they contact you?

My Web site is full of information about me and my
books. It’s www.VanessaDavisGriggs.com. My email
address is Vanessa@VanessaDavisGriggs.com.

Melissa, thanks so much! You’re truly a jewel.

Other Books Available by Vanessa Davis Griggs:
Wings Of Grace, Promises Beyond Jordan, and The
Rose of Jericho.

Read the PRAIZES review