Featured Interview With Vanessa Amohia Jones
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’m Vanessa Amohia Jones, a New Zealand born, Tasmanian-based author, ghostwriter, and indie publisher with a deep love for haunted landscapes, ancestral stories, and evocative fiction. I live in rural Tasmania, where storytelling is woven into the rhythm of the land. I write historical fiction and spiritual tales rooted in Australasian history. I’ve written and published two works available in paperback and ePub, Heart of a Warrior, a haunting novel set during the New Zealand Wars, and They Dwell With Us, a collection of creepy Tasmanian short stories. I also write regularly on Medium, where I share reflections on writing, publishing, and the creative life. When not at the keyboard I can be found outside, playing with my dogs or enjoying my horses.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I was hyperlexic as a child—reading obsessively from a young age. Books weren’t just entertainment; they were portals to entire worlds. I became fascinated with stories I loved, often rereading them until they felt like part of me. I started writing around age eight, beginning with a long, episodic serial about the adventures of my stuffed animals. It was probably the first sign that storytelling would become a lifelong obsession.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My influences are eclectic, ranging from the lyrical historical fiction of Hannah Kent to the dark psychological landscapes of Stephen King. I’ve long admired Anne Rice’s lush, gothic sensuality and Nora Roberts’ mastery of romantic tension, especially when she blends the paranormal with emotional realism. As a child, I was deeply shaped by Tove Jansson’s Moomin stories—her quiet magic, philosophical undertones, and empathy for solitude hopefully echo in my work.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
Heart of a Warrior is a haunting, emotionally charged historical novel set during the New Zealand Wars, where colonisation, resistance, and spiritual mystery collide. The story follows Maggie, a new immigrant with a terrifying gift, and Kahu, a young Māori girl whose world is torn apart by violence and grief. Maggie’s fate becomes entwined with Rei—a Māori warrior with a ghostly past and a heart steeped in ancestral fire. Alongside them is Matthew, a deserting bugle-boy from Tasmania whose uncanny presence links the narrative to Australia’s colonial past. With lyrical prose and a strong feminist lens Heart of a Warrior explores survival, identity, and forbidden love.
Connect with the Author on their Websites and Social media profiles
Vanessa Amohia Jones’s Website
Vanessa Amohia Jones Facebook Page