Get the candy ready – Halloween is only a week away! Hope these authors have been getting you into the holiday spirit. Today features another new author to BMR. Guests at his Halloween party might want to check those candy apples twice before eating them – you can’t be too sure what’s really inside. Welcome R.G. Vaughan!
Have you ever had a tarot card reading?
No, and I never will. Although I’m not a believer, there’s a nagging voice of caution in the back of my mind. I prize logic and science above all else, but the last thing I would want is to be proven wrong in this particular area. After all, if tarot card reading is real, it would mean there are forces at work that would make me very nervous. And if there are good spirits out there, then there must be bad ones.
I suppose ignorance is bliss so I’ll bury my head in the sand.
Would you rather dunk for apples or carve a Jack o’ lantern?
That depends on who’s in the room at the time. There are some people I wouldn’t trust with the tools for carving a Jack o’ lantern, and others I wouldn’t trust as I put my face near a barrel of water. That might sound paranoid but it’s a side effect of being a thriller writer. I think of the worst ways to kill someone in normal situations.
Candy apple or candy corn?
Candy apple all day long. Everything about them is amazing. Especially the thick part that pools when they’re drying. And the fun you can have with party guests is particularly cruel. Put out a batch of candy apples at your next party, but plant an onion in there somewhere. Then, sit back and wait for someone to take a bite.
What do you do to get inside your characters’ heads?
Each character is an enhanced version of people in my life– past and present. I’ve known these people for years and enjoy watching and listening to them. When a character is needed, I try to think of which one would be the best person for that situation. Bear in mind, I’ve served in the Armed forces for more than twenty years. The people I’ve met along the way come from a variety of backgrounds and all have pretty spectacular characteristics.
By using real people to anchor my characters, I feel like I already know them and can anticipate how the story will unfold–what would they do if this or that happened? But sometimes, the words run away from me and I’m left surprised by what appears on the page.
How would you describe your book’s ideal reader?
Someone who knows right from wrong but is morally flexible in how and when punishment should be applied. I tend to think that we all have a hidden dark side, and deep down, all of us are capable of vengeance to a certain degree.
However, I don’t believe in evil for evil’s sake. Every antagonist must have a reason to be what they are, and I want my readers to be able to empathize or even agree with them. But they should also root for the protagonist.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on books two and three to August–Lost at the moment. They are being written side by side because I can’t decide which order they should be released. I’ve also got another series in the pipeline that I add to from time to time. But I’m struggling with where that series should be set. I’m torn between the UK and USA.
Secrets, omissions, disingenuous greetings. What do people hide?
Even the most trustworthy have secrets. The neighbour who smiles when walking their dog, the delivery man who thanks you for a signature, even the police officer who takes your statement could all be hiding something dreadful.
DI Matt Bruce processes evidence with absolute clarity, but with PTSD restricting his ability to empathise, he lives as a prisoner to a tragic history. Thankfully, DS Val Marsh is brought in to unseal his bottled feelings and help release him from himself. But when a simple murder case evolves into something more, the pair stumble upon haunting crimes of vengeance and hate, and a myth from the art underworld becomes a terrifying reality.
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Author Bio and Social Media
Born in Wales, UK in 1982, Rob grew up with two brothers and one sister in the valley of Aberdare.
From a young age, he aspired to follow in his Grandfather’s footsteps and join the Royal Air Force. That dream came true in May 2000 when he left home for the first time. He remembers his first big challenge was interacting with people. Thanks to his strong and fast Welsh accent, his fellow trainees struggled to understand him, leaving him feeling isolated. Never-the-less, he finished his training and is twenty-one years into a military career. During this time, he served in many countries including multiple tours of Iraq and Afghanistan, and has deployed on several international aide missions around the world.
Having read hundreds of books over the years when flying in the back of military cargo aircraft, he only put pen to paper two years ago. During a particularly difficult chapter in his life, he found solace in writing and released his debut novel in August 2021.
Married to his childhood girlfriend, he’s always had a reason to return back to Aberdare where he lives with his wife and son. And even though a two-hour commute sounds horrible, it gives him plenty of time to ponder on his plots and characters.
Books and Such 
it’s a good thing I don’t like candy apples. 🙂 Nice “meeting” you, R. G. Best of luck with your books.
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Good morning Joan.
Very nice to meet you too, and thank you 😊
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And I hate onions. What a horrible surprise that would be!
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Vaughan makes candied apples sound SO good! The book description to August – Lost is enticing. A myth from the art underworld? Yes!
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Hi Priscilla, I hope you’re well.
The candied apple game is brilliant but only if you’re spectating. And it doesn’t go down very well with the children.
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So interesting to read Rob’s interview answers, Teri. And another great post for your wonderful BMR series.
Rob, I have a wonderful online friend from Wales and I’m always teasing her about the language … way too many consonants and not nearly enough vowels! I can see how it might have been hard for your fellow trainees to understand you at first. But I get the feeling you aren’t one to let very many obstacles stop you from pursuing something you really want. And that’s a great thing!
August – Lost sounds very intriguing, and is another one I’ll be checking out shortly. Super interview! 😊
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Hello Marcia.
The Welsh language is tricky but when you hear a conversation, it sounds like a song.
It’s funny you should mention the lack of vowels. My middle name (G) is devoid of them. I love it when non-Welsh speakers try to pronounce it. It normally starts with a slight head-tilt.
I’m glad you enjoyed the interview. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.
It means the world.
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Okay, now. I just have to make sure I understand, here. No vowels in your middle name at ALL??? None? Zero? *me, trying to imagine what that could sound like* Hmmmm. A sneeze, maybe? Or someone’s teeth chattering? Oh, I’ve GOT to visit Wales someday and find out how you guys do this!
Seriously, I’m sure it sounds beautiful when spoken aloud, but my little ol’ southern American ears just can’t imagine. I mean, I add 3 or 4 vowels to every world I say, whether they belong there or not. In this part of the country, we drawl, you know. (Even the word “drawl” has at least two syllables for us, one that starts with “d” and one that starts with “w.”) 😄
Yep. A trip to Wales has got to go on my Bucket List. Can’t wait! 😊
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Croeso – welcome – to RG (and Marcia). I know a few Gwylyms… I like to think that we have more vowels than normal as we include w and Y in that category!
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I had a feeling we’d hear from you after my comment about the dearth of vowels in Wales. Oh, and btw, we in the U.S. learn ours as “a, e, i, o, u, and sometimes y.” But I have to admit, as far as I know, we don’t count w as a vowel. Ever. 😄
Still gonna come see you one day, so I can hear this this visually confusing language for myself. That, and the fact that meeting you would be awesome! 🤗💖
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Looking forward to it! ❤
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And you’d be welcomed with open arms.
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Hello and thank you.
I’m a Glyndwr and love to hear my English friends try to pronounce it.
Then again, my first attempts at place names like Worcester and Gloucester should’ve taught me a thing or two lol.
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A noble name! My mother was Scottish and when she moved down to the fens she wanted to name her house Craigellachie. We managed to dissuade her…
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Pingback: #BadMoonRising – Post 24 Featuring R. G. Vaughan | The Write Stuff
Thank you, Teri, for introducing R. G. Vaughan. His book sounds very interesting – another one for my list! All the best…
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That’s one of the good things about BMR, Gwen – adding more books to the towering TBRs!
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All I want for Christmas is another October (and a new bookshelf).
Thank you for creating and hosting this event Teri.
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You’re very welcome, Rob – it’s always a fun time for me!
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My grandmother was a welsh immigrant. I loved her accent and the few word of welsh she shared with us. All the best to Rob.
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There’s nothing more terrifying than a telling off from a Welsh grandmother.
Thank you very much, Craig.
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You have an amazing background, Rob. I’m sure it will serve you well in your thriller writing. Best wishes.
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Thank you John.
I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed something as much as I enjoy writing.
And connecting with writers and readers makes it all the more magical.
Thanks again and take care.
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I feel the same.
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Fun interview, Rob! I’m so with you on Tarot and who’s in the room. Situational awareness is important.
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Thank you. The interview was a great experience.
Situational awareness is key. Especially since my wife knows what my life insurance looks like.
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Teri,
Before I turn in for the night, I’d like to say thank you so much for giving me this opportunity.
This has been a fantastic month so far. I’m really enjoying BMR and look forward to what’s to come.
Also, thank you to everyone who liked, shared and commented today. It’s been amazing.
You have all made my day!
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Sleep well and come back, Rob – we’re here all month, lol!
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Welcome to the writing community, RG and God bless you for your service to your country and those in need across the globe. Cheers!
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Hi Chuck. Nice to meet you.
And thank you very much.
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What a stunning cover for August Lost! I had to laugh at Rob’s mischief in placing an onion out with candy apples. 🙂 Thanks for sharing, Teri!
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Thank you Jan.
The cover was drawn by a friend of mine.
I’ve had her image in my mind for so long; it was breath taking to see it come to life.
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Great to meet R.G. I loved his comment “the worst ways to kill someone in normal situations” and I’m tempted to give his candy apple trick a go!
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Lovely to meet you too.
The candy apple trick also works well with a big red pepper.
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A red pepper is perhaps a little kinder – but an onion would get a more memorable response!
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Haha! You sound like the kind of person who’d love the trick a friend of mine played a few years ago. She had some, “special chocolates for the parents,” as she called them, which she handed out to any parents who came trick-or-treating with their kids at her place. Of course, with the chocolates not being wrapped the parents had to eat them there and then, which meant she got to watch as they ate the cold chocolate-covered sprouts she’d prepared for them.
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Hahaha. This is delightfully cruel.
I will give you all the blame (credit) when I do this for my next work party.
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I wish I could take credit for it, but it was my friend Melody’s idea, and her who did it. I just got to enjoy the results. *evil laugh* You should totally do it.
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Nice to meet you, R.G.! I’m with you on the tarot card thing. Why invite potentially bad fate/things into your life. I get it. I wouldn’t do it either (nor a Ouija board).
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Nice to meet you too. Thank you for stopping by.
There’s enough badness floating around without tempting fate.
And I’ve never heard of a Ouija board telling someone that something wonderful is going to happen.
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Agreed!
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Great interview, Teri and RG. I enjoyed the reasoning behind the tarot card avoidance. I agree that if one aspect of the occult is read… then it makes sense that other aspects would be real too! And great point about the “dark side” in all of us… under the right conditions, what are we capable of?
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Putting an onion inside a toffee apple (as we call them in the U.K.) had me laughing. It makes me want to cover a couple of pickled onions in chocolate and put them amongst the chocolate covered strawberries. Thanks for the idea R.G. And good luck with your writing.
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