Confession time:
I've never been interviewed on Get Lost in a Story! :(
So now seems like a great time to do so and maybe some of you will like me.
Like some of her characters, award-winning author, Vicki Batman 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, giving her plenty of crazy material for her writing.
<Check out this nice author photo Handsome took a long time ago and I still use it because I think I take a terrible pix.>
Writing for several years, she has completed three manuscripts, written essays, and sold many short stories. She is a member of RWA and several writing groups and 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??"
So Vicki Batman's new romantic comedy mystery is Temporarily Employed. Here's a story blurb:
New Job. New Love. And Murder. Hattie Cook's dream job is down the toilet and her new SUV
violated. Desperate for cash to cover the basic necessities of rent and
food, she takes a temporary job at Buy Rite Insurance Company where she
uncovers an embezzling scam tied to the death of a former employee--the
very one she replaced. The last thing she wants is to clash with
By-the-Book Detective Wellborn, no matter how much he makes her heart pound.
Detective Allan Charles Wellborn has secretly adored Hattie all his life. When the police determine there's more to the death of a former Buy Rite employee, he steps in to lead the investigation. Overly dedicated, always perfect, he puts his job first, even if doing so ultimately hurts the one he loves.
Can the killer be found before Hattie's time is up?
Vicki’s GOTTA ASK: I’m a
huge handbag lover; so I have to ask--do you have a favorite handbag? There are two I needlepointed: Paris scenes and another with flowers.
Q&A
with Vicki Batman:
What’s
the first book you remember reading? Probably Dr. Seuss. My BFF lived next door and
she got them in the mail and shared.
What’s
your favorite cartoon character? Bugs Bunny! Besides the cartoons, the genius of
Warner Bros. – wow!
Where do
you read and how often? I like to park on the sofa with white cheddar
popcorn and a diet Dr. Pepper. But mostly, I read before falling asleep almost
every night.
What
sound or noise do you love? My kitty purring. She’s 21 and doesn’t do it very
well now.
What’s
your favorite movie of all time? The Thin Man. But there are dozens more!!
What is
your biggest vice? Hershey’s chocolate drops.
Do you
write while listening to music? If so what kind? I write
to classical guitar. Songs with words messes with my brain. Even Michael Buble
messes my head.
What’s
the first thing you do when you finish writing a book? Party!
Even if it is by myself, I eat chocolate.
Do you
read reviews of your books? If so, do you pay any attention to them, or let
them influence your writing? I do and no, they don’t influence me because they
have been pretty silly. Like “there’s no Batman in these books.” Or “these are
short stories” when by the title of the book the words romantic comedy short
stories is right by the title.
Tea or
Coffee? And how do you take it?
Neither. Milk and diet Dr. Pepper.
What
does it mean to love someone? My heart bursts with joy.
What one
thing about your hero drives his heroine crazy?
Always-Always-Always his job comes first. And
what one thing about your heroine drives her hero nuts? Her chocolate
consumption which he buys gifts for.
What’s
the best birthday (or any holiday) present you ever received? One
Christmas, Handsome gave me a trip to Paris and a Walther.
What
drew you to write in the genre(s) you do? Writing romantic comedy
fiction is an extension of me. I can’t not write funny, although it is hard
work.
What has
been your most rewarding publishing moment? The day I got the email
saying my book, Temporarily Employed, would be in print.
What is one thing most people don't know about you? I probably need a new one after today. Once Upon A Time, I was Miss Oak Lawn Moped. The End.
FIND
Vicki Batman at:
You have two things coming November 1. I do! My essay, “Sister Act,” appears in the Sisters Born, Sisters Found
anthology. Sister's Born, Sisters Found embraces the notion
that some women you meet are connected to you even though they don’t share your
DNA.
A group of 75 writers representing every continent except Antarctica
contributed to the anthology.
Sister Act blurb: Christmas
Eve traditions included a trip to Grandmother’s house, good food, lots of
relatives, and a special holiday movie with sisters.
AND my holiday romantic comedy short story, “Holiday Disaster,” will be in
the Season of Wishes holiday anthology.
PREVIOUS
RELEASE: Bug Stuff...and other stories
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for an adorable handbag!
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GOT A
QUESTION YOU’D LIKE TO ASK YOUR FANS? My heroine drives a Jeep Wrangler,
similar to the one I owned for 14 years. What’s your favorite ride?
I don't drive so i am not picky! As long as someone picks me up, i am happy!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your book!
Maybe31 at Yahoo. Com
Good morning, May! There's nothing wrong with having a chauffer. LOL Party on and thank you!
DeleteOH NO !!! I feel horrible that you've never been interviewed. I've known you for so long..and everyone deserves to get to know you better. My friend, I love you ! Congrats and the best of luck on your new release.
ReplyDeleteHi, Angi! and we have known each other a long time. I was so flattered you wanted me for GLIAS. This is a wonderful group and blog. Thank you so much.
DeleteI terribly miss my Mercury Mountaineer that my son borrowed and killed this last January. The car did as it should - he walked away without a scratch - but I miss the car terribly. I'm still waiting for an automobile designer to come up with a spacious car that has a practical place to put my handbag that isn't in the back seat or my passengers lap! LOL
DeleteHi, Chris! Since I don't carry huge bags, I've been tucking mine next to my left leg and close to the door. So far, not a problem. Your Mountaineer was a great size, too.
DeleteHi Vicki!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know either. I'm so sorry. I would've gladly interviewed you! Your book sounds fun - as ALL your books are. I've pre-ordered my copy.
Hugs
Hi, Kat! No worries, I think hilarious. And you should know about my book since you gave me my first critique and pointed me in great directions for improvement. Eternally grateful, my friend. Hugs!
DeleteHi, Vicki! Great interview. My favorite bag is a Gucci a friend gave to me. And my favorite ride, so far, was a Porche I drove for a week when I traded cars with a friend of mine. I had the better deal by far.
ReplyDeleteHi, Lani! What a nice friend to trade cars with you. If you had a Porsche to drive everyday, would it be taken for granted? Thanks, hon!
DeleteMy favorite purse is whatever I happen to be carrying at the moment. Usually a cast-off from my daughter (who has much better taste than me). My favorite ride is on a horse!
ReplyDeleteOK, so now my turn to interview you, Vicki... What is the current handbag you are using? And what is your "dream ride?"
Hi, EE: Aren't you lucky to have a horse to ride?
DeleteMy current handbag is a very red vintage Enid Collins with a fabulous buckle on the lock. And my dream ride is still a Jeep. I love the way they handle and the utilitarian use of them.
Thanks bunches, sweetie!
don't have a fav
ReplyDeletebn100candg at hotmail dot com
May of Maybe31 is the handbag winner! Thank you all for your support with my mystery!
ReplyDelete