Romance has always been my genre of choice, although I've been known to get immersed in political intrigue or spy thrillers. If a book can make me laugh and cry, it is a memorable one. The absolute best books create a feeling of loss when I finish them, as if I've lost a dear friend. There are many romance authors I enjoy: Linda Lael Miller, Jill Shalvas, Theresa Medeiros, Lisa Kleypas AND all of The Wild Rose Press talented authors. Male authors include my husband and also David Morrell, Robert Ludlum and Nicholas Sparks. 
Since Paris is my favorite place in the whole world, I also love reading about the "Jewel Beside the Seine." I have many sweet memories of Paris. In fact, I'm currently finishing the last book in a romatic suspense trilogy set in Paris. I'm retired, as is my husband. We both share the passion of writing. Now that I'm constantly writing, bedtime is the only time I get to read anymore. I love reading new authors--such energy and crisp writing. Wow!
Some would say my days are relaxed now that I don't need to rush off to work any more. In their opinions, all I do all day is write. If the truth were known, you would realize I'm writing like a madwoman these days, trying to make up for lost time. Although I started writing short stories in grade school and dreamed of writing all my life, I never felt I was talented enough. Self-doubt is a terrible thing, isn't it? Thank goodness Calvin encouraged me to follow my dream.
As a result, my first book came out a month after turning 63. Yes, folks, I am a tad slow at reaching for my dreams. After all, I never started college until I was 44 and didn't meet the beat of my heart until I was 55. I'd been alone for 12 years by then; talk about being gun-shy! But Calvin, with his wry humor, gentle nature, high intellect and southern charm, sashayed into my life on a jazzbeat and a smile. I was a goner. And after 9 years of marriage, I still am.
FROM DARRELL LAURANT'S JANUARY 7, 2012COLUMN IN "NEWS AND ADVANCE."
On their acknowledgements pages, writers have been known to thank editors, agents, college professors, spouses, lovers and even pets. But Vonnie Davis is the first I've ever known to profess her gratitude to a restaurant.
Even though Davis’s latest release is set in Paris and a French seaside community on the Normandy coast, she sees her “Mona Lisa’s Room” as a product of Lynchburg. For one, her agent, Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Liter-ary, is located here. In addition, this romantic/suspense novel is dedicated to the employees of the local Bob Evans restaurant on Ward's Road.
"The friendly employees of Bob Evans have no idea how many scenes were written in their restaurant while they kept my coffee cup filled and took care of my husband and I with their southern charm,” Davis said in an e-mail. “Not every eatery enjoys having their place of business turned into a creative writing zone. We were always made to feel welcome there, which is why I dedicated the book to them."
“Mona Lisa’s Room” is Book One of The Red Hand Conspiracy trilogy, involving an international band of terrorists. The final galley of book two has been approved and sent to production, and Davis is waiting for its release date. Book three is more than half-written.
“I’d hoped to be finished by now, but my heroine got into a snit, did something stupid and was captured by the Red Hand and taken to Syria," Davis said. "Now I must study a country I hadn’t planned on having in this book. If the CIA ever researches my online search history, I’m going to have some explaining to do."
Obviously, Davis doesn't hold to the time-honored writerly advice: “Write about what you know.” She prefers to let her imagination roam free, then follow it.
As long as the coffee holds out.
Davis’s book can be bought online at Amazon or Barnes and Noble or ordered directly from the publisher, The Wild Rose Press. Her website is www.vonniedavis.com.
I'd love hearing from you. Email me at vonnie.davis at ymail.com and put your name and mine in the subject line, so I know it's not spam. Love and believe in yourself. Blessings...
