Meet author Becky Van Vleet

Becky Van Vleet is a retired teacher and principal and award-winning multi-genre author. She has been published in Guideposts, The Country Register, Christian Devotions Ministry, Lighthouse Academy, and more. Becky is also the author of historical fiction novels, children’s books, and a women’s devotional book. A member of ACFW, Allauthor, and Shepherd for Authors, Becky has devoted her website to preserving family memories and sharing family stories for the next generations through her monthly blogs.

Tell us about your newest book.

Inspired by true events of my grandmother’s journey to America over one hundred years ago, Her Strength Within is a riveting story of a young woman’s courage to leave her home and country. When I was quite young, I’d sit cross-legged on our living room floor while my grandmother wove tales of her journey from Poland to Czechoslovakia to America. Her words came wrapped in an accent I barely noticed at the time. It wasn’t until high school I connected the dots that I had a significant piece of American history sitting at our kitchen table, spooning out her authentic dishes from the old country. She shared bits and pieces of her arrival at Ellis Island. All her stories took up a restful residence in my mind as a young girl. But more than fifty years later, they awakened, prompting me to share them with others in my new novel. My grandmother was a trailblazer, traveling alone on the SS La Touraine ship at the age of nineteen. She had no idea she was participating in our country’s history. Her inner strength prevailed against extraordinary obstacles.

What inspired you to write your story?

Not so long ago, I pulled out my grandmother’s recipe for pierogies. With each fold and press of the dough, I heard her voice telling the tales of the old country, packing her trunk, and crossing the Atlantic. I initially thought to gather these stories in a simple family keepsake. But as I researched, digging deeper, I began to see the outline of something larger, a novel that might carry her voice beyond our family.

What genre do you focus on.

For a multi-genre author, this is a good question. I started writing children’s picture books first, followed by a women’s devotional book. But once I started writing my first historical fiction novel, Unintended Hero, I knew I’d found my sweet spot to focus on. Although I’ve enjoyed the writing paths of the other genres, I believe I’ll be sticking with historical fiction.

Why do you write?

I write as a hobby and for enjoyment of it. To be honest, I never really liked writing in high school, nor college. But once I retired, and I started my first children’s picture book, the bug hit me! A new world opened for me to really learn the craft of writing. Networking with other writers is icing on the cake.

Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?

My main character is Alzbeta Holeva, my grandmother’s actual name. But the interesting thing is, I never knew that Alzbeta was her first name when I was growing up. I only knew it to be Elizabeth. But I got excited when I discovered that Alzbeta was her actual Slavic name on the ship manifest, this forgotten piece of her identity restored.

What’s one thing your readers should know about you?

Hands down, I’d like my readers to know I’m passionate about family stories. Everyone has a story, and they are powerful. We bond through them. Our cultures, roots, family customs, and traditions are revealed. I believe humanity gets stronger as we learn from one another. Writing out our stories or preserving them in some fashion is important so they won’t be lost.

How have you changed or grown as a writer?

As I have traveled on my new writing path for the past six years, I’ve grown tremendously with my writing skills through my Colorado Springs ACFW chapter as well as rubbing elbows with other writers in a myriad of ways. I love how my critique group holds my hand. But most importantly, my life has grown richer from all my writing friendships, both online and in person. My heart is grateful for that!

Do you have other books? We’d love to know.

To date, I have five children’s picture books in my “Traveling Series”. My latest is Vinny, the Traveling Violin, inspired by the true story of my grandfather purchasing a violin for one dollar on a street corner in San Francisco in the 1930s. The violin traveled from him to my father, and then to me. My first historical novel, Unintended Hero, surrounds the true events of my father’s experiences and battles on the USS Denver in WWII. Last, but not least, I wrote a women’s weekly devotional book for everyday living, What’s in Your Purse?.

What are you working on now?

I’m currently working on a WWII romance series that takes place at a shipyard. I’m very excited about it, and I’m enjoying the research.

Website: https://www.beckyvanvleet.com

Link to book: https://bit.ly/3Ksi5a4

Social media links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorbeckyvanvleet/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-van-vleet-ms-806055181/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becky_van_vleet_author/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/beckyvanvleet/

Amazon Central Author Page: https://amzn.to/3INHIPB

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/125841473-becky-van-vleet

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beckyvanvleet9907