Jeanette Vaughan is an award winning writer and story teller. Not only is she published in the periodicals and professional journals of nursing, but also in the genre of fiction. Out on her sheep farm, she has written several novels and scripts. 
Her screenplay “Angel of Mercy” won the outstanding nursing research award from Texas Tech University Health Science Center. In addition, she was named Distinguished Alumni for the school of nursing in 2001 for her written work and volunteerism for the Sydney Olympic Games. Jeanette has practiced nursing in the fields of critical care and trauma. “Flying Solo” has garnerned three finalist awards from the Beverly Hills Book Awards and Reader’s Favorites. A native of Fort Worth, she is the mother of four children, including two Navy pilots. Jeanette lives in a Victorian farmhouse out in the pastures of northeast Texas with her sheep, chickens, donkeys and sheep dogs.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I have dabbled at writing and published in the healthcare world for over 25 years. My first piece was a newspaper article about death with dignity. It took until I was age 50 to finally give myself permission to write what I love, stories about strong, independent women who changed their corner of the world. I am intrigued by aviation, the military life, and the deep South. I live out on a sheep farm in northeast of Dallas.
What is your favourite quality about yourself?
I am a dynamic, tenacious, go-getter. Like many of the women I write about, I just won’t accept “NO” if I feel strongly about a project or an issue. I will find a way to make it happen. That is unsettling for many people, but it is what makes me tick.
What made you want to be a writer?
I love telling stories. When I write a story, it unfolds in my head like a movie. The words and sights, sounds and actions just flow out onto the page. The blank page is my canvas to share with the world.
How long have you been writing?
Since I was twenty one. First for newspapers, then trade publications. I was elated at getting my first $25 check for column I wrote in RN magazine.
Why did you choose to write this particular series of books?
The minute I heard this story from the lead character, for it is based on true events, I knew I had to write FLYING SOLO. I just couldn’t imagine the moxy it took for my character to break free of a bad marriage with domestic violence, learn to fly a plane, support herself and then break free! All in the 1960s. Women just didn’t take those kind of chances. When she stole the plane, I knew this had to be a book. The other theme in the book is that sometimes in life, the choices we make have difficult consequences. Nora, the lead learns that too. Plus, the setting, New Orleans, Mardi Gras, aviation and a gorgeous Navy pilot instructor. My favorite things. How could I not write about it? I was elated when the lead gave me the permission to tell it. She kept parts of it hidden for years. Many people think it should be a movie. I do too.
How did you come up with the title?
When my sister heard about the story, she suggested the title. I immediately agreed. It really is all about learning to take care of yourself and not just settling. It’s about a strong women who finally got the courage to do what was best for her and her children. Strong, independent women just rock the world!
What do you do when you are not writing?
I love people and love to talk, so I teach in my original profession – nursing. I manage and teach at a high fidelity simulation lab. Which means, I get to play in make believe all day! Sweet! Home for me is a sheep farm in north Texas. I love watching the chickens, donkeys and baby lambs.
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Due to the high demand, from the thousands that have read FLYING SOLO, I am fast at work on the finale to the trilogy. Everyone wanted to know what happened next. FLYING SOLO ends with a bit of a cliff hanger. The sequel SOLO VIETNAM takes the characters to the Vietnam War. Her pilot takes flight in an A-4 Skyhawk off the USS Coral Sea. Nora goes over as a USO singer, because they won’t let women fly in combat. SOLO VIETNAM was published in Spring of 2013. I am writing away on WAITING IN THE WINGS which wraps up the story and what happened to Nora’s baby.
How and where can we purchase your book?
The best place to purchase a personalized, signed copy is: www.ageviewpress.com
They will be a keepsakes when the movies are made. However, they are also available in print and ebook at Amazon.com http://amzn.to/NeogKH as well as Barnes and Noble.com http://bit.ly/PQkFEP.
How can my readers keep in touch with you?
Follow me on Twitter @VaughanJeanette
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/AgeViewPress
Blog http://www.jeanettevaughan.com
Watch the book trailers at: http://www.bit.ly/OOxATD and http://www.bit.ly/YpPz4B
Get your signed copies today from: www.ageviewpress.com
Or order from Amazon: FLYING SOLO http://www.amzn.to/OatIuX
I want to thank you, Jeanette, for taking the time to talk with me today.