Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Alan Brenham

Book Title: Spy Girls

Released:  03/16/24

Genre:  Adult Thriller

Interview by Heather L. Barksdale

What inspired you to write “Spy Girls”?

Joanna Vander Vlugt: I had been listening to spy podcasts, and I wondered how couples could maintain a relationship when one partner's work life is totally secret. How does a relationship survive? News stories with regards to political interference in elections, as well as learning about spies who integrate themselves into another country's culture, fascinated me. Spy Girls is not quite Jason Bourne, but there's plenty of action involving a Hungarian spy and a crooked judge, who coerce my heroine Jade into finding an elusive double agent.

How did you come up with the names of your main characters?

Joanna Vander Vlugt: I love the name Jade, and given as a writer you'll be writing about these characters for years, you need names which fit the character and names you as the writer love. I also like the fact that my heroine's name is also a green gemstone.

Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process or your book?

Joanna Vander Vlugt: I do take events I've seen in the media and I wrap my own story around those events. When a reader picks up Spy Girls, I want them to feel empathy with my heroine, Jade, and think about what they would do if they were pulled into her situation. She's being forced to find a double agent. The dangerous people she's involved with could not only destroy her legal career, but kill her and not think twice about it.

When it comes to writing, I'm not an author who can kick out a book every six months. (I wish). I value readers. They are investing their time to read my book. So, as the writer, it's my obligation to give them the best fast-paced, slightly humorous story possible, and maybe for an hour or two, they can escape everyday life.

If "Spy Girls" was adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?

Joanna Vander Vlugt:  This is a great question. I watched Fool Me Once on Netflix, and actress Michelle Keegan plays the character Maya Stern. When I saw her, I immediately thought, that's Jade, that's my heroine. For my character of Adam Younghusband, that would be actor Adam Driver.

When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?

Joanna Vander Vlugt: That's usually a sign that something's not jiving with the characters. I'll think about my characters, let's say in the last scene, and then I'll usually move onto another scene, or write a short story, but I always keep writing something. I'll also think about what's causing the block while walking the dogs. I have solved more scene problems while walking my two mini-schnauzers.

Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?

Joanna Vander Vlugt: Being a writer/author is comparable to being an actor. It's a tough occupation. You will hear tons of negative news about publishing houses closing and distributors disappearing but those headlines need to be like water on a duck's back. Shake it off. Also, do not compare your success to another author's success. (I have to keep reminding myself of this). Stay off social media if you find yourself doing that. Know exactly why you write. I write, because if I don't write, I become a little "squirrly." Not writing is punishment to me.

What is your favorite genre, book, and/or author?

Joanna Vander Vlugt: My favorite book is Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. I love how her story evolves over time and the writing is just so good.

What are you working on next?

Joanna Vander Vlugt: I am working on a time travel novel, which I have been wanting to write for the last 3 year while writing Spy Girls. It was inspired by a black and white photo I had. Of course, while I'm writing the time travel, I'm thinking about the next book involving my character Jade. 

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Find it for purchase here

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