Thursday, December 13, 2012

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??"

10 comments:

  1. Vicki, nice post. I do the 'what if' a lot. I'm betting we look odd, staring off into space. But it works!

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  2. I love your books, Vicki. Good luck with the new one. Happy Holidays!

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  3. Hi, Jerrie: We're the what if??? compadres! I do stare off in space too and you know, it somehow works. Oh yeah, in grade school, the teachers called it daydreaming. lol. Thanks for visiting.

    Hi, Marian: You are so sweet to visit with me. I send you more luck with Jake! Happy Holidays.

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  4. Nobody does second chances at love better than Vicki!

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  5. Hi, Liese and thank you! I had fun writing Twinkle Lights. I love writing sassy dialogue.

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  6. I have a theory. And no doubt it's because I can't properly sew on a button, but I think you authors who are so adept at knitting, crocheting, quilting, etc. have developed these talents in order to have something to stare at other than a blank wall whilst thinking all along "what if"... Am I close? =)
    Joelle

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  7. Hi, Jodi/Joelle, sweetie. You have a great theory. I do stare at my handiwork and work out plots and dialogue. But not all the time. Sometimes, I do the crafting just for pure fun.
    Thanks for joining me and happy holidays. ox

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  8. Great advice for writers...never giving up is the key to getting published! Too many people "write" but never take the rest of the steps needed.
    Love the cover...puts you right in the Christmas mood; very inviting for readers!

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  9. Hi, Marianne! Anything worthwhile takes a lot of hard work and perseverance--I truly believe that. Oh, if it only could be easy at times. But for me, it's not been. I work at my craft each and every day. I'm so glad you like the cover! Thank you for posting and Happy Holidays to you and the ones you love.

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  10. Thank you so much, Two Ends of the Pens, for hosting me on your blog! I wish only good things for you in 2013.

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