Welcome Stephanie:
We’re joined on the Starline by an advocacy guru. By day she’s lobbying congress, by night she’s drinking wine and writing romance novels. We welcome the author of “Across the Aisle” Stephanie Vance.
Stephanie, let’s go Beyond the Mic. In your years in Washington you have seen the hormones rage as lawmakers, lobbyists, interns… it’s like a recipe for love and disaster. How has your own experience in Washington influenced this book?
What’s the male / female % ratio in the dating scene up there?
“I don’t want to work with that woman, no matter how entertaining it would be to melt her ice queen exterior… if that is even possible.” Grant’s everyone in Washington D.C. isn’t he? Why?
Was there a Grant in your life realm in Washington?
And Dallas McGrath is a special breed “Is it sad that the person at the nap place knows my name?” Dallas has such a type-a personality but if you get to know here there is compassion and love in that heart?
You live there. You are an advocacy guru, helping others. Even with such a divided city, why is Washington still so special in your heart?
Stephanie you have a Masters in Legislative Affairs, Liberal Studies and Fine Arts. Some people say you have a love of school. How did these three degrees help you and did they prepare you for the real world?
Can politics and love really mix?
The Rockin’ 8:
It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions; answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.
1. Stephanie, when you have writers block you drink wine, but what kind of wine, box wine, good wine?
2. You’ve written for Bark Magazine. What makes the love of a dog so special?
3. What’s the best thing that has happened to you this year? Went on a cruise to Alaska?
4. Where is the best place to think in Washington D.C.?
5. What percentage of the Smithsonian Museums have you explored from 0 to 100%?
6. Do you get scared, angry or relaxed when someone says “settle down”?
7. During quarantine you reorganized the photos on your phone, but have you backed them up yet?
8. How many pairs of pajamas do you own and what’s your favorite pair?
The Back Half with:
As an advocate how has writing freed you to let go the daily stresses in your world?
How has writing romcoms helped kept you sane?
You’ve written several non-fiction books. But you can’t go back to your non-fiction publisher and go “I’ve written this rom com romp, do you want it?” What was the challenges of writing this book?
If you could get the book sold for tv or a movie do you have any idea of who would want to be cast as Grant / Dallas?
How has writing this book help you regain your love of Washington?
One Big Question:
As you have written books, helped others with policy advocacy and speaking. What would you want to tell your 18 year old self before she sets off to college the 1st time?
What’s the one story of Washington you haven’t told before?
Everyone may not have the true concept of what goes on in Washington. Are there even more shades of grey than black and white right now?
What’s one tip for people that you can give constituents?
Why is your work so important to you?
Where can people find you online?
The Wrap:
Known to sprinkle humor in when she speaks, loves box wine and has been on an Alaskian dog sled. Author of “Across the Aisle” Stephanie Vance thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.
And that my friends is Beyond the Mic.
Check out Stephanie’s world at her website here.
Listen to other Beyond the Mic conversations with authors here.
