Path to Publishing by Vicki Batman
I blame Susan. (Yes, she
knows and gleefully takes credit where credit is due.)
Once
upon a time... Several girlfriends and I were on a getaway. When our merriment
had died on the way home, Susan suggested we play her version of car
games—basically, she asked nonsensical questions, and her captive audience
answered. For example: pick one-Tom Jones or Englebert Humperdink? I went with
EH because he seemed more romantic. The others picked Tom because he was
wilder.
Then
she asked us to write the opening paragraph to a book using the word window. I panicked because she knew how
I had toyed with the idea of writing. At the moment, the words did not come to
me. So she left me off the hook and said, "Email something later."
Two
days had passed when I sat down to fulfill my promise. My fingers began to fly.
I kept returning and returning to the doc. After eight chapters, I got brave
and gave it to Susan. She read what I'd written and said to keep going.
I
knew if I wanted to continue and make something of my work, I needed help. I
turned to RWA and my local chapter. There, I made friends like me! I submitted
to contests, one of which asked why I was writing?!!! (That had my crying for two
days. After that, I put on my big girl panties and thought "no one is
going to define me!") I submitted to agents. I subbed to editors. And
finally through critiquing for a friend, I discovered writing short
fiction.
I've
written twenty-seven short fiction pieces, essays, and three books. This year,
my first book, Temporarily Employed,
the one I showed my friend will be published. What a glorious ride!
Title: Bug
Stuff…and other stories
Publisher:
Vicki Batman
Date
Published: 02 04 14
Genre:
Contemporary romantic comedy
Word Count:
2,512
Blurb:
Three short
and sweet romantic comedies by sassy writer gal includes: "Just Desserts": a political dinner gone disastrous
brings together a reluctant attendee and her handsome seat-mate. "Bug Stuff": A cute
accountant unites with his co-worker to fight a pesky adversary. "With This Ring": When a wife
forgets her little black dress, all turns into something utterly romantic and
unforgettable in the end.
Available for purchase:
Author Bio:
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.
Writing for
several years, she has completed three manuscripts, written essays, and sold
many short stories to TRUE LOVE, TRUE ROMANCE, TRUE CONFESSIONS, NOBLE ROMANCE
PUBLISHING, LONG AND SHORT REVIEWS, MUSEITUP PUBLISHING, and THE WILD ROSE
PRESS. 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??"
Author Links:
