My name is Vashti Quiroz-Vega, and I’m a writer of Fantasy, Suspense, Thriller and Horror. My first novel, The Basement, was released in August 2013. It was one of the happiest and proudest moments of my life. It was not easy getting my book published. Once upon a time, I was very naive when it came to the publishing process. I thought all I had to do as a writer was to write the book. Soon, I had a rude awakening when I found out that my manuscript had to be edited. Then I found out I had to get an agent in order to interest a publisher, and I had to write a query letter in order to get an agent! Well, after many months of querying, I finally got my manuscript in the hands of a publisher… who wanted it edited some more. Phew! A year later, my book was finally published. Then I discovered that the ‘good old days’ when the publisher did everything for the writer are over, and I had to do a lot of the marketing myself. It’s been a rough, but weirdly enjoyable ride.

The Basement is a suspense/thriller aimed at a pre-teen/teen audience, but many adults have enjoyed it as well. It is a tale of angst, teamwork and solutions, of treasure hunts and adventure, and of facing your fears. Its focus is the small-but everything-world of a pre-teen named Robbie, who must pass a terrible test set for him by his alcoholic and abusive father. The boy eventually succeeds, and his courage helps to transform his father. The Basement has been incorporated into the library and curriculum of two middle schools in Florida (my home state). In addition, I have been approached by several other teachers who consider the book a good candidate to be read to their middle grade classes. I am quite excited that I have recently been invited to participate in an event hosted by a Barnes and Noble bookstore in my neighborhood. 

From the time I was a young kid, writing has been my passion. I’ve always been a writer—I just didn’t know it until much later. For me, it is easier to express my thoughts on paper than through the spoken word. I enjoy making people feel an array of emotions with my writing. I like my audience to laugh one moment, cry the next and clench their jaws after that.

My love of animals and nature are often incorporated into my stories. You’ll read intriguing things about various animals, nature and natural disasters commingled in my character-driven novels.

I’m working on what I call my Fantasy Angels Series, written for the Adult (18 and older) market.  The first installment, Lilith, depicts angels in a unique way. It is a story of many twists, surprises and a bit of controversy. Lilith is currently undergoing the editing process, and I’ve already begun writing the second installment, Dracul.

I love to read almost as much as I love to write. Some of my favorite authors are Stephen King, Michael Crichton, Anne Rice, J.R.R. Tolkien, J.K. Rowling and Dan Brown.

I currently live in sunny Florida, where I work as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. Although writing and reading are my passion, I also have other interests. I’m a shutterbug–I love photography–and I also love to travel, draw, hike, kayak, dance, bake, and to watch movies, basketball and UFC fights. As a woman, I’m entitled to enjoy girlie things once in a while, right? I also love fashion, make-up and shopping.

The Basement book cover was illustrated by artist Denise Spencer and was a finalist in the AuthorsDB book cover contest 2013.

The Basement Blurb:

“A kid shouldn’t be aware of his own heartbeat”, thought Robbie.

Never forget the unexplored territories in your own back yard, or under your house.  Here, Vashti Quiroz-Vega gives voice to the young inhabitants of one neighborhood where things are more than they seem.

Robbie is an ordinary boy in a normal world, as we first enter the neighborhood and witness an idyllic scene of prepubescent children at play; but what happens in silence and in the dark will amaze you.   Join Robbie as he journeys to explore unknown and forgotten tales of intrigue, fear and blind faith. 

Ask yourself:

What kinds of monsters lurk in your world? 

What will you do when you can no longer see? 

The Basement is a tale of angst, teamwork and solutions, of treasure hunts and adventure, and of facing your fears.  It is a focus on the small–but everything–world of a pre-teen named Robbie and the very real and wondrous world he braved. 

The Basement is available in paperback and eBook (Kindle, Nook, iBooks)

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