It was so great to get to know the author Vanessa Stephen's better. Vanessa's newest novel, The Evil Inside was published on August 16th, so be sure to check out this darkly gripping story.
Vanessa is also the author of The Naughty Neighbor and Emily and the Magical Ferret.
Get in touch with Vanessa.
What inspired you to start writing?
I used to write when I was younger then got out of it. My mom called me up couple years ago and wanted to write a book together. That got me started back writing.
How has writing changed your life?
It helps to relieve stress in a positive way, it has gave me a more positive outlook on my life.
Tell me about your upcoming book:
The Evil Inside is a gripping story about Lita, a seven-year-old who endures horrifying physical, emotional and sexual abuse at the hands of her mother’s boyfriend. While her childhood was riddled with trauma, she found herself being betrayed by the very people who should have protected her from the evil of the world.
After being rescued by her biological father, Lita thought her life was finally going to get better, but the damage of her past had already been done. Unable to escape the trauma from her sadistic step-father, Lita is haunted by her past and finds herself on a very dark and destructive path. On the brink of suicide, Lita is lost and unable to see the good in a world filled with evil. Will she ever find happiness? Or, will she continue living her horrific past?
Don't miss this gripping story with every turn of the page.
**Trigger Warning: There are scenes in this book that involves sexual assault and abuse. The details may be hard to read for some.
What inspired you to write this book?
It came to me one night while I was sleeping. I couldn't go back to sleep until I wrote down The Evil Inside. The next morning I decided I was gonna use that as a title of a book. It is a fictional story based off true events.
Who are your biggest writing inspirations?
First off my g babies are my inspiration for each and every book, but I have a couple extra. I want to leave a legacy they can be proud of. My mom for The Naughty Neighbor, because she wanted to write the book to begin with. Emily my 13 year old niece for Emily and the Magical Ferret. It was written for her.
Of the books that you have written, which is your favorite and why?
That is a hard decision. I like all my books, because each one has its reason for being wrote. If I had to choose I would say my baby, my favorite is The Evil Inside. I really can't say why I am more partial to that book. I just feel a connection to it. Like I put the most heart and soul into this book. I know this book will hit home for a great deal of people and it will be hard for some to read, but the sad fact is the stuff in this book happens in real life to people. If I can help one person see they are not alone with this book, then I am satisfied. I feel this is the type of story that needs to be told.
What non-writing accomplishment are you most proud of?
My children. Without them I would not have my g-babies.
How do you take your coffee?
Depends on how I feel. Mostly with sugar and cream, but sometimes I feel like having it black.
Vampires or Werewolves?
Vampires
Horror or rom-com?
Horror
Cat person or dog person?
Dog. I lost one of my babies back in January and I miss him terribly. He was a six year old pit named Stewie. He was a big baby and thought he was a lap dog. He loved everyone and wanted everyone to love on him.
RIP Stewie 12/25/14-1/8/21
If you could spend the day with a fictional character, who would you pick and why?
Thor. I have always been infatuated with him.
Books or movies?
Both. Depends on how I feel
Ebooks, hardcovers, audio books or paperbacks?
Hardcovers
Kids, pets or both?
I have a son and daughter. I also have an 11 year old pug
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Writer
Urban or rural?
Rural
Describe your dream home in 20 words or less?
A log cabin like those built in the older days except with the modern day luxury items.
How do you write? (computer, dictate, long hand…?)
On paper then type it on computer
Where / when do you do your best writing?
Late at night while everyone is sleeping or at my sister by heart's house. She tends be my good luck charm with writing. Somehow my writers blocks disappear when I am around her.
Do you prefer your romance novels sweet or steamy?
Steamy
Best vacation you have ever taken and why?
It is a toss up between when I was in the Great Smokey Mountains with my kids for a week and when I went to Destin Florida for my honeymoon with my current husband.
What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Never give on your dreams no matter how hard it gets. If it was easy everybody would be doing it.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
When my grandpa used to take me for rides in his dump truck when he was alive.
Favorite book and why?
Anything by Stephen King. I have always been a fan of his.
Thank you Vanessa for sharing so much about yourself. Congratulations on the release of your new book, The Evil Inside.
With Love,
Regina Grimm is the author of erotic fairytales, written for the uninhibited readers 18+. Check out her books - Snow White and the Wicked Curse: Chapter 1 and Snow White and the Vicious Curse: Chapter 2. Snow White and the Seven Thieves: Chapter 3 coming August 31st, 2021!