Meet author Becky Van Vleet
Susan loves connecting with fellow authors, so let’s chat!
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, and more. Becky is frequently a guest speaker in schools where she promotes the values of the Greatest Generation and their WWII stories. She has devoted her website to preserving family memories and stories for the next generations through her monthly blogs.
Tell us about your newest book.
Unintended Hero is a WWII historical fiction, inspired by the true story of my father, Walter Troyan, a gunner on the USS Denver in the Pacific Theater. Growing up with parents from the Greatest Generation, I heard tidbits here and there about WWII. But nothing specific until I pressed my father later on for more details, and he allowed me to record his battles and experiences. Fast forward thirty years, I wrote his story, a book that preserves his first-hand accounts of the world’s most commemorative war.
What inspired you to write your story?
I’ve always been passionate about family stories. And I’ve always been passionate about WWII. Putting the two together, I knew I had to write my father’s personal and up-close story of his adventures, battles, and everyday experiences in the war. I believe these firsthand accounts should be preserved for future generations to read about the sacrifices, teamwork, and patriotism of the Greatest Generation. Unless these stories are preserved, we lose them with each person who passes away from this generation. My book was my calling.
What genre do you focus on.
As a writer, you could say I’m an outlier! I started writing children’s picture books first. And with this new knowledge of the publishing industry, I stepped out in faith to write my father’s story, my first adult novel. I’m currently working on my third historical fiction novel. Along the way, I wrote a women’s devotional book, a non-fiction piece of work. But the thread that runs through all my writing is family stories. All my writing centers around my family memories and actual situations. Why? This is what I’m passionate about.
Why do you write?
Writing is a hobby for me. I started late in life, after I retired. On this new path, I have garnered so many treasures I can’t name them all. But for starters, new writing friends. Some in person, others online. But the networking and the spirit that wraps us up together is extraordinary. I wouldn’t trade this blessing for anything.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
Every day, and even every week is different, due to my active status as a grandmother. But typically, Mondays are clear, and I devote the whole day to writing. Other days, I usually tackle writing projects in the morning, after my devotion and taking a walk.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
I would have to say the hardest part for me as a writer is the marketing thing. Oh my, I’m never sure what steps to take or what direction to go. But since marketing is pretty significant whether you’re traditionally published or an indie writer, it must be tackled. It’s confusing for what really works. So many voices out there. Some marketing is costly. But I pray for discernment and ask God to be in control of my marketing efforts.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
As I mentioned earlier, I have collected all these new writing friends I would not otherwise have had. And they are precious to me. I’m very active with my local ACFW chapter. It’s not uncommon for me to go out for lunch with one of the other members. I’m in a critique group that is amazing where we “meet and talk” weekly. I love investing in all the friendships.
What’s one thing your readers should know about you?
I am very passionate about the values we learn from the Greatest Generation. So much so, that I speak to students about the love of America we learn from this generation. Their spirit of patriotism, putting country first, and selfless acts of courage they displayed in WWII is like none other. And we must not forget. I donate my time for school presentation, in person or zoom, for grades seven and up. Feel free to get in touch with me if you’d like more information.
What is your favorite pastime?
Easy question, easy answer—writing, of course! I love it. But I also enjoy power walking, gardening, and oil painting.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
You can find my four “traveling” children’s books on Amazon as well as my women’s devotional book. These are all found under my name.
What are you working on now?
I recently completed my manuscript for my second novel, The Best Is Yet to Come, a true story about my Polish grandmother’s immigration to America. So excited it will be published by Elk Lake Publishing in 2025. I’m now going full bore with my third historical fiction novel, Wave After Wave, also inspired by a true family story. Additionally, I’m wrapping up my fifth “traveling” children’s picture book, also due to be published in 2025.
Website: www.beckyvanvleet.com
Link to book: https://amzn.to/47p4k2y
Social media links:
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/becky-van-vleet
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
Follow me on social media!
