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??"
