Virginia Smith is the bestselling author of fifty-two novels (and counting!), two illustrated children’s books, and more than fifty articles and short stories. An avid reader with eclectic tastes in fiction, Ginny writes in a variety of styles, from lighthearted relationship stories to breath-snatching suspense. Her books have been named finalists in many international awards. Two of her novels have received a Holt Medallion Award of Merit. The first book in the highly successful Goose Creek series, The Most Famous Illegal Goose Creek Parade, was Library Journal’s top pick of the month, and a finalist for the prestigious Bookseller’s Best Award.

In addition to writing, Ginny is an inspirational speaker and frequent presenter at schools and conferences. Her speaking ability, groomed through years of presenting dry material to bored corporate employees, has been described as entertaining, energetic, and informative. “She keeps her audience enthralled through her high-energy presentation,” according to Amy Barkman, director of Voice Of Joy Ministries.

Ginny loves to introduce readers to the her home state of Kentucky (where the grass really is green, not blue!), and enjoys setting some of her books there. But she also loves to travel, and makes it a point to visit the settings of her stories. A strong believer that research makes a story better, some of her favorite experiences have been scuba diving in Cozumel, Mexico (Into the Deep), working in a zoo (The Zookeeper’s Daughter), learning pottery (The Amish Widower), and cruising the Pacific northwest (the Seattle Brides series).  She even enjoys the stuff others might find boring, like reading excavation reports about ancient ruins (The Last Drop of Oil, Raised for a Purpose, and The Woman Warrior.)

Ginny lives in central Kentucky with a barky Maltese named Max.

SHORT BIO:

Bestselling author Virginia Smith’s first novel was published in 2006. Since then, she’s written more than fifty books that have collected a satisfying number of accolades and awards, including two Holt Medallion Awards of Merit and a Library Journal top pic. Murder–writing about it–is merely a hobby. She loves Jesus, her family, writing, and geeking around on the computer – in that order. She lives in central Kentucky with a barky Maltese named Max. Learn more about Ginny and her books at www.virginiasmith.org.