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Five on Friday with Vicki Batman
I want to welcome Vicki Batman to my blog today. She is an award-winning and Amazon best-selling author, who has sold many romantic comedy works to the True magazines, several publishers, and most recently, two romantic comedy mysteries to The Wild Rose Press. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and several writing groups. An avid Jazzerciser. Handbag lover. Mahjong player. Yoga practitioner. Movie fan. Book devourer. Chocoaholic. Best Mom ever. And adores Handsome Hubby. Most days begin with her hands set to the keyboard and thinking “What if??”
Now, let’s get to know Vicki a little better through the five questions she chose to answer.
If there was one person, real, fiction or fantasy, you could spend time with, who would it be and why?
My grandmother. She was an amazingly strong person. Her husband died when she had five young children. She raised them on her own during The Depression. And equally important was how crafty she was. She crocheted, tatted, knitted, quilted, sewed, baked great cakes. When I was nine, she taught me how to embroider. I loved listening to stories of her life when she grew up.
Ann: I’m right there with you, Vicki. My grandmother was also very special to me. It’s amazing how much influence our grandparents have on us, isn’t it?
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Actually, I love where I live. If I moved to somewhere that I think is the most special place in the world, would that specialness go away?
Ann: If you’re like me, I’m happy wherever my family/husband is.
What is the most romantic thing a man/partner has ever done for you? Have you put it in a book?
For Christmas one year, Handsome gave me a trip to Paris. He’d arranged everything (we landed on Valentine’s Day) and even care for our boys. It was freakin’ cold, but we had a wonderful time. No, I haven’t put it in a book, but maybe one day…
Ann: Well, that is some romantic surprise. Not sure anyone could top that one! It definitely sounds like it should go in a book. Sigh.
What is your greatest fear?
I combine this with a favorite quote which comes from the movie “Strictly Ballroom”: “A half-lived is a life lived in fear.”
Ann: Most of my answers to this question would not be nearly as thought provoking as yours. I’d probably say something lame like snakes.
Do you remember your first kiss? Care to elaborate?
Yes. With a boy scout at a dance and I was incredibly embarrassed.
Ann: When a guest answers this question, it always makes me wish I remembered mine. :+(
I am so happy to have Vicki on my blog today and hope you will check out her books and social media.
Website: http://vickibatman.blogspot.com/p/more-about-me.html
Facebook: http://bit.ly/293iZIz
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VickiBatman/
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/vickibatman/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4814608.Vicki_Batman/
Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/author/vickibatman
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=116288777&trk=hb_tab_pro_top/
Plotting Princesses: http://plottingprincesses.blogspot.com
Sisterhood of Suspense: http://sistersofsuspense.com/2015/08/16/vicki-batman-sister-of-sassy-writing/
Email: [email protected]
Just You & Me
What if the love of your life was right in front of you all along?
It began innocently with a few margaritas… Kelly Stinson is persuaded to represent Yahoo! Ranch Steakhouse in the Chamber of Commerce’s beauty contest. After an unexpected swan dive off stage, her heart goes pitter patter over the orthopedic surgeon who repaired her ripped up ankle.
Daniel Ackerman has always had the hots for his twin sister’s best friend. Much to his dismay, her doctor has taken notice of the dark-haired beauty and invaded his territory. That’s about to change when he moves in to help Kelly recover physically and open her eyes to what’s been in front of her all along.
Find Just You and Me at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XCZWL6N
Temporarily Insane
No man. Bad job. And Murder.
Hattie Cooks is still searching for her dream job and one might be available…in the Big Apple, far from friends, family, and Allan Wellborn, the man who still makes her heart race. In the meantime, she finds temporary employment at an accounting firm where two auditor friends turn up dead.
Detective Allan Wellborn dropped Hattie for Blonde Bimbo who, coincidentally, is employed at NLB where fishy things are taking place. When Allan interviews Hattie, he must determine why all signs point to her as a suspect.
Can Hattie discover why Allan dumped her and who is murdering auditors before death strikes again?
Find Temporarily Insane at:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Temporarily-Insane-Hattie-Cooks-Mystery-ebook/dp/B01JBSHE0K/
The Wild Rose Press ebook: http://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/all-titles/4520-temporarily-insane.html?search_query=vicki+batman&results=4
The Wild Rose Press paperback: http://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/paperback-books/4576-temporarily-insane-paperback.html Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/temporarily-insane-vicki-batman/1124273024?ean=2940157032470
Season of Promises
Featuring “The Littlest Angel”: Two people. One ornament for the tree. Can a twosome find common ground and discover the true meaning of Christmas?
Lauren MacDonald has always coveted her mother’s ornament, The Littlest Angel. When her mother gave it to another, Lauren finds a replacement only to have it snatched from her hands.Architect Smith Hancock’s grandmother has a little angel which is missing. Locating another would make her holiday the best ever. Only a feisty girl is claiming it for herself.
Find Season of Promises at:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Season-Promises-Holiday-Box-Set-ebook/dp/B01LQUP9AS/
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/season-of-promises-holiday-box-set-merry-holly/1125361898?ean=2940153535586
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/season-of-promises-holiday-box-set
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/season-promises-holiday-box/id1161260762?mt=11
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASeasonOfMagic/?notif_t=page_name_change¬if_id=1475259216084740
New Adult Romance, Chirp, Releases today!
Chosen as a Kindle Scout Winner, my latest new adult romance, Chirp, releases today.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MT7DXF4
When I begin a new book, I choose actors to play the characters. That way, as the story unfolds, I know how those characters look…at least to me. If you’d like to see my choices for Chirp, then go to my Pinterest board:
https://www.pinterest.com/loacl/ann-everetts-new-adult-romance-chirp/
I enjoyed writing about the fictional town of Bluebird, Texas so much, I’ve decided to write two companion books. I’ve already started the next one and a few characters from Chirp will more than likely show up from time to time.
Leave a comment on this post, and you’ll be entered to win a “Come Fly With Me to Bluebird, Texas T-shirt.
**contest open to U.S. residents only…however, if you live in the UK, and win, then I’ll send you a free audio copy of my best selling book, Tell Me a Secret.
April Fools
There are plenty of theories as to how April Fool’s Day got started. Some say it has to do with the date in relationship to the Georgian Calendar, or to the Vernal Equinox in the northern hemisphere.
This is what Wikipedia has to say:
In Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales (1392), the “Nun’s Priest’s Tale” is set Syn March bigan thritty dayes and two.[2] Modern scholars believe that there is a copying error in the extant manuscripts and that Chaucer actually wrote, Syn March was gon.[3] Thus the passage originally meant 32 days after March, i.e. 2 May,[4] the anniversary of the engagement of King Richard II of England to Anne of Bohemia, which took place in 1381. Readers apparently misunderstood this line to mean “32 March”, i.e. April 1.[citation needed][5] In Chaucer’s tale, the vain cock Chauntecleer is tricked by a fox.
I’m going with the Chaucer theory…since cocks all over the world are still being fooled by foxes and sometimes cougars….just saying.
Here’s a list of the top 100 April Fool’s pranks of all time. http://hoaxes.org/aprilfool/
Happy April Fool’s Day!!
March 25th~~Waffle Day
Belgian Waffles Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. salt 4 tsp. baking powder 2 TBs. granulated sugar 2 eggs 1 1/2 cups warm milk 1/3 cup butter, melted 1 tsp. vanilla extract Directions: In a large bowl, mix together flour, salt, baking powder and sugar; set aside Preheat waffle iron to desired temperature. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Stir in the milk, butter, and vanilla. Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture and beat until blended. Ladle batter onto the preheated waffle iron. Cook the waffles until golden and crisp. Serve immediately. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B015NGU8P2 digital copy $2.99 Want a signed printed copy? Order on this site under Books.
Chocolate Covered Raisin Oatmeal Cookies
In Celebration of Chocolate Covered Raisin Day!!
Ingredients:
3/4 cup all purpose flour 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/4 tsp. baking soda 1/2 cup light brown sugar 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/4 tsp. salt 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 large egg 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 1 1/4 cups old fashioned oats 1/2 cup chocolate covered raisins 1/2 cup pecans (optional) Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, set aside. In a large bowl, combine butter, vanilla, and sugars, beat until creamy. Add the egg, then gradually add flour mixture and oats, mix well. Stir in raisins and pecans. With a small melon scoop or tablespoon, drop mixture onto a parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Cool on wire racks. Makes about 30 cookies.
Four Phases of Falling in Love
Today, I welcome Ginger Monette to my blog with a great article about writing romance.
Thank you, Ginger! Wonderful information.
Falling in Love: Plan it, Plot it, Show it—in Four Phases
by Ginger Monette
As romance novelists, it’s our job to weave stories that give readers a front row seat to watch the unfolding of a beautiful love story.
So what’s the best way to show a couple moving from “Hello my name is” (or even “I despise you”) to “You’re my soulmate and I want to spend the rest of my life with you?”
Having been disappointed by numerous novels where the couple claimed to suddenly “be in love” without actually “falling in love,” I went on a quest to investigate this mysterious process of falling head over heels. What I discovered changed my writing.
I dissected some fifty romance novels and made notes. All the couples had hefty doses of attraction, but the most satisfying stories went beyond attraction to something deeper. They showed the characters passing through four phases that moved them step by step from “meh” (or downright hatred) to “wowie-zowie he’s the most wonderful person in the world.” And each phase seemed to be characterized by distinct thought patterns—particularly if at first Prince Charming seemed to be more of a frog than a prince. Here are the stages I observed:
Acknowledgement
-Acknowledges some good quality about him (talented, kind, generous, etc)
-Finds him attractive
-Hyper aware of him, or hyper-critical of his shortcomings (which often signals preoccupation or a subconscious denial of admiration)
-Acknowledges an attraction, but blows it off
Appreciation
Man Teaching Woman How To Play Pool
-Defends his character while not necessarily liking him
-Is genuinely thankful for a good quality
-Beginning to warm towards him
-Not so judgmental towards him
-More willing to consider his opinion on a matter
Admiration
woman resting on the grass
-Takes his advice
-Imitates quality or action of his
-Admits her initial criticism or objections were exaggerated or biased
-Curiosity grows—willing to spend more time in his company
-Acknowledges similar values or mutual interests
-Finds she is thinking (fondly) of him more and more
Adoration
-Openly acknowledges her love/warm feelings for him
-Desires to be in his company
-Thinks he is wonderful
-Thinks he is perfect match
-Misses him painfully when he is gone
-Thinks about him constantly
So how did this awareness of stages change my writing? In my novel Darcy’s Hope ~ Beauty from Ashes, I kept these stages and behaviors in mind as I crafted scenes. They became an outline of sorts that I wove with compelling action, mystery, suspense, and historical detail. When my characters (Jane Austen’s iconic Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet) are reunited at a WWI field hospital, Elizabeth is none too happy to encounter Darcy. And although she disdains him, I had her acknowledge that he is handsome and there is something between them. This cracks the door to romance and gets readers rooting for the couple.
Then, I moved her into the appreciation stage by having her surprise herself by praising and defending Darcy to a colleague. After she directly benefits from his wise leadership, she comes to appreciate him, even though she still doesn’t like him. Readers can feel her slowly warming towards him and eagerly turn pages to find out how the couple will sort out the baggage between them.
As truths of Darcy’s past are dramatically revealed and she comes to understand him better, I have her admit that her initial criticisms were misplaced. Now, with a softened heart, she’s able to look at him more objectively. Then I set up an ah-ha moment where she realizes they both share a similar deep-seated insecurity which turns her reservations about him into empathy. Now that her appreciation has turned to admiration, her feelings are almost there! And readers are waiting with bated breath to find out what it will take for him to fully win her heart.
I gave him some scenes that show off his admirable qualities, so not only does she find herself attracted to him, she admires his leadership, work ethic, and drive. Then I purposely played up the things they have in common and showed her enjoying his company. In short, I showed them building a relationship. Finally, after they share a heroic act and laugh over a tent whipping in the wind, she realizes that in fact, she adores him.
Intentionally crafting scenes that follow this four-stage progression of romance enables readers to sense her falling in love, so it’s no surprise when she finally declares it. I think a lot of romance authors make the mistake of never showing the characters moving beyond physical attraction and chemistry. It’s not easy! But to write a fulfilling romance, the characters need to interact on a deep level and share common interests. Readers should see the couple building a relationship and hear their internal dialog as their thoughts and feelings evolve.
Using this four-step model, I think Darcy’s Hope has succeeded in providing readers a deep sense of satisfaction as they watch the heroine’s tiny bud of acknowledgment open into appreciation, then expand with admiration, and finally blossom into full adoration.
What challenges do you face showing a couple falling in love?
Website: http://www.GingerMonette.com
Author’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ginger-Monette-Author-612096318934524/
Video trailer Beauty from Ashes link: https://youtu.be/px2fUiZdpGI?t=3s
Purchase Links: Feel free to use just the universal links if you’d like.
-Darcy’s Hope Beauty from Ashes:
Universal link for all retailers. https://books2read.com/u/47kXOj
-Amazon USA : http://bit.ly/2cy01KFBlogTourAmaUS
-Darcy’s Hope at Donwell Abbey:
Universal link for all retailers. https://www.books2read.com/u/3GMPaK
-Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M6A76CZ/
Downton Abbey Meets Pride & Prejudice!
Escape to the era of Downton Abbey and experience all the drama of World War 1 alongside Jane Austen’s iconic Elizabeth Bennet & Fitzwilliam Darcy. You’ll watch their tender love unfold as they learn to work together and reconcile their differences at a field hospital only miles from the Front. When injury and espionage separate the couple, Darcy is crushed. But Donwell Abbey holds a secret that just might change everything.
“…a stellar example of fine Austenesque literature. …an exceptionally moving story complete with a compelling plot, danger, mystery, action, introspection, vivid detail, and an emotionally wrought romance.” ~Austenesque Reviews
***** 90% of reviews are five star!
The Darcy’s Hope Saga:
Vol 1: Darcy’s Hope ~ Beauty from Ashes
Vol 2: Darcy’s Hope at Donwell Abbey
Video Trailer: http://youtu.be/px2fUiZdpGI?t=3s
Winner of Char/Meck Library’s 2015 “Picture This” grand prize, Ginger Monette lives with her family in Charlotte, North Carolina. When she’s not writing historical romance, she enjoys dancing on the treadmill, watching period dramas, public speaking, and reading—a full-length novel every Sunday afternoon.
Ann Everett, Best Selling Author
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{I hope you enjoy this sweet, short-story romance!}