Interview with Vicki Bateman

Briefly describe your journey in writing your first or latest book.

My first book began hilariously.  Basically, a friend challenged me and after eight chapters, she said to continue on. So I did! After a few years of contest, critiques, etc., I met a critique partner who asked me to review her short stories. I did and through osmosis, began writing my own. I've sold twenty-one short fiction pieces.

Are you currently under a traditional publishing contract for future books or do you have manuscripts that you will publish directly for Kindle?

I have traditional and self-published works. The reason is simple--like the stock market, spread yourself around. Don't put all eggs in one basket.

If you used a graphic designer/publisher’s designer, how involved were you during the creative process for your cover?

For my published work, I filled out the CAS forms and gave specific input. When I received the preliminary cover, I really looked it over because I'd heard horror stories from other authors. Sometimes, I've asked to tweak color, an element, font. In most cases, the artist complied or told me why not.

What is your writing process?

Each story is different. After sitting at my desk every morning, I work. Sometimes, on different stories or blog posts.

Do you use an outline for your books or just go where your muse takes you?

A friend said the word plotster and it works for me. Plot(ster) + (Pant)ster=Plotster. Being a romance, we have a hook, a black moment, and a happily ever after. The fun is all the stuff in between. That's where the pantstering comes in! Sometimes, I make a heading and type in put ________ here so not to lose momentum.

What kinds of social media [twitter, facebook, webpage, blog, writing forums] are you involved with trying to garner publicity for your book(s)?

I do a bunch! Twitter, Facebook, blogsite, Savvy, RomanceBooks4Us, and Coffeetime. I belong to RWA, DARA, Elements, and RWAWF chapters too.

Besides Amazon, are there any other sites where your books are for sale?

At my publishers-Noble Romance and MuseItUp Publishing, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords

Besides writing, do you have any other passions?

Yes!! Needlepoint and reading

What is the best advice you can offer new authors?

Persevere.  Persevere. Persevere.

What’s next for you?

I have three submissions out right now. Am working on a holiday story for next year.

Author Bio:

Like some of her characters, Vicki has worked a wide variety of jobs including lifeguard, ride attendant at an amusement park; a hardware store, department store, book store, antique store clerk; administrative assistant in an international real estate firm; and a general “do anything gal” at a financial services firm. The list is…endless.

Born in Dallas, a graduate of Texas Tech, she is married to Handsome, has two big boys, an attention-demanding cat, and two adorable poopies.

She has completed three manuscripts, written essays, and sold many short stories. She is a member of RWA, and the DARA, Elements, and RWA-WF chapters. In 2004, she joined DARA and has served in many capacities, including 2009 President. DARA awarded her the Robin Teer Memorial Service Award in 2010.

Most days begin with her hands set to the keyboard and thinking "What if??"