Elisabeth Joy asked Vanessa Hall:

Have you ever been to Russia? Why did you decide to set the Grace Sufficient books there?

Vanessa Hall Such good questions, Elisabeth! Sadly, I have never been to Russia, though the more I write about it, the more I want to visit someday!

And for your second question, I guess it's a number of reasons. My original idea was a Russian ballerina and some sort of foreign spy, because the most cliche spy idea these days has something to do with Russia, right? :) Though that plot never really happened (it turned into Unknown, which has nothing to do with a spy), I still wanted to write something about this mysterious country. I've always loved ballet, and Russia is one of the most famous countries for that art form. And added to my enjoyment of armwrestling - also popular in Russia - I just had to write a book set there. All in all, I guess the Lord just wanted me to write a book set in Russia! :)

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