The Silent Violent Few: Noir
The Silent Violent Few # 3
By- Grayer Vaughan
Genre- Romance, Fiction, 16+
"How will he still want me once he finds out what I've done?"
Alabama Crowne thought she had finally secured her freedom when the life she was destined to live came to a halt. Despite everything she left behind, there was one constant she would never be rid of as death claimed who she was in order to become who she was meant to be all along: Cash Zachary Calloway.
Leaving one life to create another didn't seem so bad until Finn Haines, the man she thought she knew, begins to become unhinged when secrets, lies and betrayal tempt them both into an epic end game of "name that Submissive".
Thinking she chose the right Calloway, Alabama takes a chance to build a life worth living as she is set to give birth to the next Calloway heir until facts about Finn's past lead her down a dangerous path filled with devious deviants of epic proportions.
Unsure of who the father of her unborn child is, Alabama begins to struggle with her sanity, keeping her pregnancy hidden while she soon realizes that the only way out of the mess she created might be to return to the life she left behind as visions of her dead best friend Frankie lead her down a dangerous path of becoming the one thing she never thought she would: Mrs. Calloway.
Will the darkness she created claim the life she must live to be free or will her static inspiration become the dominant Noir she will need to save her from the violent death Goddess has planned?
Book 1-
Book 2-
Author Interview-
What inspired you to write The
Silent Violent Few: Noir?
I made a bet with a well-known Author who
challenged me to write for the Adult Romance Genre. I got tired of reading the
same old plots. Guy likes girl. Girl likes Guy. Guy is mean to girl. She cries.
He leaves. She is ruined. Guy returns after he realizes he’s dead without her.
I wanted to present the concept of what
happens to a brilliant, strong, ambitious Woman once she has been pushed past
heartbreak and betrayal. I didn’t want the stereotypical shrieking
violet/helpless type of leading lady. I wanted a woman who wouldn’t
automatically cave and fall, but rise and fight against the current. If she is
extraordinary, the Champion she deserves should do everything in his power to
rise with her or fall and admit defeat. She is worth every ounce of awesome he
has to give. That is a dynamic I’d personally like to see more of.
When or at what age did you know
you wanted to be a writer?
Truth be told, I wanted to be an
Artist. I used to write little stories when I was younger, but Art just has my
Soul. I was an Art History Major in College and I was taking care of my
Grandfather Daniel, who felt there was no money to be made in Art. The day he
passed away, I was the only one with him, and as I didn’t realize that these
would be the last moments he would spend on Earth, he asked me, “What will you
do in the next 10 years?”
Not
knowing how to answer, I said, “If I had my choice- I’d have a show at a
Gallery to show my work or write a book or something. I don’t know,” being
vague about my future since I had no idea what I was going to do in 10 years.
I
don’t believe you can plan life.
Satisfied
with my answer, he said, “Promise me you will write about your life. You’ve had
an extraordinary life and you should write about it. Write about mine, too. Promise?”
I
promised and 2 seconds later, he was gone.
So,
in trying to keep my promise- I first had to find out if I could even write.
I
sat down one day with a spiral notebook and a pen and wrote 1532 pages by hand.
I couldn’t write directly about my life, so I placed my life in the form of a
chronicled story. That is what The Vaughan Chronicles Series is. My life in
numbers with a few details changed to protect the innocent, and a few details I
added for fun.
Once
that was complete, I didn’t know what else to do so I put it away. It wasn’t
until I was at Sunday dinner with my family that I blurted out, “I wrote a
book.” It shocked everyone and they urged me to try to get it published. I
said, “Yeah, that could be cool,” and continued eating. After several eye
opening rejections, I received a phone
call on the March 7, 2012 that I would be getting published.
In
keeping my promise, I became an Author.
I was 3 or 4 years of age. My first book
was an ABC Muppet Monster book.
What genre of books do you enjoy
reading?
Romance, Suspense/Thriller, Christian
non-fiction, Historical Biographies. Mainstream fiction. I’m down to read
whatever comes my way as you never know what outlook you will enjoy unless you
open your mind. I’m always trying to learn something I wasn’t hip to on a daily
basis.
What is your favorite book?
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.
You know I think we all have a
favorite author. Who is your favorite author and why?
I read way too much. I have several. If a
novel really moves me, it will stay with me for the rest of my life. I’m sure
of it. I live for Charlotte Bronte, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Virginia Woolf, Nick
Sparks, Tennessee Williams, Margaret Mitchell, Mitch Albom; but there was one
Author that really got to me. Elie Wiesel.
His book, “Night”
really made me stop, pause and consider then reflect something that was bigger
than myself. Out of everything I’ve ever read, and there is a lot- I’ve been a
book addict from a young age, I have never felt so much compassion and
gratitude for this extraordinary person. I was grateful that he was still alive
to enlighten the world with his breathtaking turn of phrase that made the world
gasp. All of his books have been that way so far, and I hope he continues to
write.
It was like I was perplexed as to how could
someone go through that type of devastation and still come out of tragedy
looking at the world with extraordinary passion. I remember I couldn’t read it
all in one sitting as I felt like I was being pulled into his story, and I would
cry but I didn’t want to put it down. I read it when it first came out and it
has been with me ever since. His story will always be imbedded in the walls of
my heart. It is because of the impact that book had on me that I have never
forgotten this quote:
“Never shall I forget the flames
that consumed my faith forever. Never shall never forget the nocturnal silence
that deprived me for all eternity of the desire to live. Never shall I forget
those moments that murdered my God and my soul and turned my dreams to ashes.”
It made me feel like anything I was
ever up against in life is nowhere near the type of heartbreaking pain that
consumes all that I could ever be by taking my dreams, my soul, my God, my
desire to live, my faith and turn them to ashes. If he can make it through all
that, I better get it together.
Reading
his words, I understood what he meant. He moved me with the way he painted each
detail, so delicate, yet so enriched and very articulate in his ability to
deliver his story.
It was powerful.
He is definitely an Author I admire. One day I hope to meet
him.
Okay. He’s my favorite.
Don’t tell the others.
If you could travel back in time
here on earth to any place or time. Where would you go
and why?
There are some great times throughout
my life so far that I would love to be able to relive and just watch from the
outside, smile and trip out. More than likely, I would go back to San Antonio,
Texas on June 26, 2012 so that I could hug and talk to my Grandfather. I would
skip class that day and just spend some time with him. It’s kind of one of
those, “if I knew then what I know now” instances, but I always feel like I
didn’t get enough time with him. I know I will see him again one day. I just
miss him terribly.
I’m sure it’s a bit selfish to go back to a time in my life
instead of viewing some rad event in our Nation’s history, but for me-that is
what would make life grand. I could say, “Hey, I kept my promise”, and place my
books in his hands as I watch him laugh with his sneaky, mischievous smile
threatening to crack his face in two. It might be harder to leave him the
second time around. That would be totally worth the trip to me.
When writing a book do you find
that writing comes easy for you or is it a difficult task?
It usually comes pretty easy. I always
pray before I begin writing. I have been doing so since the very first day I
began writing. I wasn’t all the way sure I could write. I made a promise and I
was determined to keep it, so when I was a bit thrown and somewhat scared by
the idea, I prayed. So far, I haven’t really had any problems writing.
I think if you have to force the words to
come, it will reflect the resistance in your writing.
As long as you can find what inspires you,
the words will always come from within.
Do you have any little fuzzy
friends? Like a dog or a cat? Or any pets?
Yes! I have 4 fur babies. Maximus (Mad
Max), my Pekeatese pup, is going to be 1 on May 27th of this year. He is white
with big brown eyes and he smiles for every photo. He dances as I sing to him.
He’s a mess. I also have 3 kittens that will be a year on July 12th. Their
names are Cecil Kal Drogo, Airborne Eagle and Carley Khalessi. They are
shorthair tabby mix- I think.
There were 4 kittens to begin with.
I was visiting my Aunt in San Antonio and this lady came to
her door in tears saying that the apartments my Aunt lives in threatened her,
demanding that she killed the kittens and throw their bodies in the dumpster or
find a way to get rid of them. The poor woman was devastated as her cat had
just had them. Outraged that anyone could tell another person to do such an
act, I took all four kittens. The other little guy was named Jon Snow. He was
white with black eyes.
Then, when it was time for me to return
home to Tennessee, I had bought a bird cage to keep them in so that I could see
them while driving to make sure they were okay since they were so tiny. I don’t
recommend driving 13 hours with tiny kittens to anyone.
Every time I stopped to refuel, I would
clean them up on the back of my trunk. When I stopped in Texarkana, this girl
comes walking up to me, beside herself with tears as she begins to tell me that
Jon Snow looked exactly like her kitten. They had just had a tornado rip through
the area and her house was in the trail. She hadn’t been able to locate her
cat. So, I gave her Jon Snow. She was so happy that she hugged me three times
before leaving. I was glad to help her.
Since then, I’ve had all three
kittens. I bottle fed them at first until they could eat solid food and now
they are happy and healthy. I’ve had plenty of offers to take the other two but
I can’t bring myself to separate the siblings. So, I have 3 kittens and one
dog.
I have a huge soft spot for animals.
Well, all animals except spiders. You guys can totally keep the spiders. Miss
me with those critters. Hard pass.
(As you can tell, I am a Game of Thrones
fan.)
What is your "to die
for", favorite food/foods to eat?
To die for: A few years back I had quail at The Grey Moss
Inn in Texas. I had never had anything that tasted the way that little bird
did. I would die for that birdy. B&B Smokehouse in San Antonio has a
brisket sandwich that I used to get punished for when I was in training for my
sport Karate title matches. I was supposed to be eating clean, but I’d slip all
the time and get caught. In Austin, Stubbs has some brisket that is the truth.
Hands down. Fantastic. I’m a Texas girl. Meat and potatoes until I die.
Marianito's in San Antonio has this deep fried avocado that has chicken fajitas
sealed inside that is everything you never knew you were missing until you took
that first bite. Louie 101 in Austin has a steak that is so tender you have to
pause and thank God for creating the Chef that marinates it in Heaven just for
you. There is a place in Lockhart that has long strips of sausage that are so
delicious and perfection. Whataburger is my go to for burgers. We don’t have
one here in Tennessee so the second I cross the border into Texas, I look for
exit 69 and get my burger fix. No one else can do what they do. Not even In and
out.
I can do this all day. I love food.
I also live for dessert and donuts. My
friend Jennifer Dillard-Castillo makes these cakes that I swear is made with
nectar of the Gods. She makes everything and anything you want from scratch and
the designs she comes up with is incredible. Every single time I am in town,
that is where I get my sweets. She is doing great things with all sweets.
(Check her out on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/TheCupcakeChic ) <~Swear she will change your life.
Although it doesn’t sound like it, I’m
very picky when it comes to my food. I tend to be a creature of habit. BBQ,
Mexican food and Southern staples are my go to. San Antonio and Austin are
really awesome when it comes to feeding your soul. There is a mixture of
everything.
The one thing I will never do is
Seafood. Whenever I’ve eaten at Red Lobster, I only order this chocolate chip
cookie that has a molten lava center with vanilla ice cream on top. So
delicious! I also have a serious Haribo orange gummy bear addiction that has
been in effect since I was 7. It’s a process to let that one go.
Lately, I’ve been clean eating, so all
the yummy dirty goodness has to be put on pause for the greater good. I just
pray every day I can resist temptation to stay on my training schedule.
Do you have any advice for
anyone that would like to be an author?
Do
it! Don’t wait. Have faith in your ability to write and bless the world with
your imagination and creativity. It might seem scary at first. That is a great
thing. If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough. No one is going
to know what kind of genius exists inside you unless you allow us to read the
awesome you are capable of. We aren’t mind readers, so put that pen to work.
Write because it is what you were created for. As a Writer, your words, your
passion and your dreams are what inspire great things in other people. It is
how you see the World that tends to change someone else’s view as well when
they read your work.
Words are very
powerful.
They can resonate lifetimes if you are able to reach into
the soul of someone and light up their darkened sky with hope. That’s what
writing does for Readers. It caresses hope into their imagination to ignite
their reason. To be able to have that ability is a blessing it itself.
Not everyone can do this; at least,
that is what I have been told.
Be original. Even if they tell you there is
no market for your stories, write it anyway. The best stories usually begin
with some sort of adversity and struggle in their background. Don’t listen to
anyone else’s opinion on your goals. There will be those who will doubt your
ability. Do it anyway.
The World is waiting. Move us. Believe in
yourself and know that you can and you will succeed.
About the Author-
Grayer Vaughan is the author of “The Vaughan Chronicles” series: Magnolia Like the Flower, Burning Blossom, Starshine; The Cathedral Saga: The Receiver, and The Silent Violent Few series: The Silent Violent Few, Risen, Noir.
Beginning at 11 years old, Vaughan began training in sport Karate as her parents wanted her to be able to defend herself against bullying in school. She began studying under the late 10th Dan Master Richard Dixon, learning Japanese Goju, which is Taekwondo, Kempo, and Kungfu combined. Over the next 7 years, she earned her blackbelt degree and fought all over the United States defending her regional, and divisional titles as well her right to fight for the State of Texas for her division. She received her first state title at 11 and her first world title at 14, fighting her way up to earn her titles. She is still undefeated and is now a retired World Champion. After making the decision to retire, she continued the family tradition in joining the Armed forces once they became of age. Upon discussing an opportunity to fight in the All-Army karate team, Vaughan decided to join the Army to follow in her father’s footsteps. serving 6 years in service, Vaughan returned home to Texas where she entered college to study as an artist. In an effort to keep a promise she made to her grandfather, Daniel, to write about her extraordinary life, she penned "The Vaughan Chronicles", basing the story off her life experiences.
“There is always an opportunity to continue to grow mentally, spiritually, and physically. They may have tried to push me back, but they will never succeed. I can always get better. Never give up.” ~Grayer Vaughan.
According to Grayer, she never intended to become an author. “It happened by answering a “what if” question, and a promise. I was blessed enough to be with my grandfather, Daniel in his last hour here on Earth. He asked what I would do in the next ten years as he wouldn’t be around to experience it with me. I said, “I have no idea, Grampy…I guess I will sell my art- have a show or write a book? I have no idea!” He replied, “you should do it. I believe in you. Promise me you will do whatever it takes to get it out there.”
With the promise made, he passed away a few seconds later. It took 6 months for Grayer to honor that promise, and with each book produced, she continues to keep her accord intact.
Social Media Links-
0 comments:
Post a Comment