Friday, January 29, 2010

Vicki Lewis Thompson Brings Some Magical Fun To The Lair!

interview with Suzanne

I am both excited and pleased to have NYT bestselling author, Vicki Lewis Thompson in the Bandit Lair today! Welcome, Vicki, pull up a lounge chair and we'll have one of our cabana boys pour you a drink.

Suz: When you spoke at DARA (Dallas Area Romance Authors) holiday meeting a few Decembers ago, you told the story of how exposure on National TV helped your career. Some of our readers may not have heard that story. Would you care to share it with them?

Vicki: I’ll tell that story at the drop of a hat, LOL! But first, thanks for inviting me to the Bandit Lair! Cute cabana boys! Ahem. Back to the subject at hand -- Kelly Ripa used to have a book club on LIVE with Regis and Kelly. NERD IN SHINING ARMOR was my first single title, and the print run was very low. I was afraid it would sink like a stone, so I hired publicist Theresa Meyers to help me get on Reading with Ripa. With lots of lobbying and a dose of luck, we did it! I appeared on the show. The print run went from 20K to 350K and I landed on the NYT. What a rush!

Suz: I love that story and it is so inspiring to know it can happen out of the blue to an author. How did it change your writing career?
Vicki: It opened doors that would not have been open before. I’ve now worked with three mainstream publishers and have an agent who only takes on NYT authors. Most of all, though, it taught me that anything is possible. You just have to go for it. You may fall on your face, but you may shoot to the stars! I’m much more willing to take risks these days.

Suz: Recently you’ve switched gears and gone paranormal with your HEX series. What made you choose witches over say, vampires or werewolves?

Vicki: With all due respect to the vampire writers and readers out there, I’m squeamish about blood, so that lets out vampires. As for werewolves, funny you should ask! I’m working on a top-secret project right now for 2011, and it just might involve werewolves. But they’re not bloody. I’m not good with bloody. I write comedy.

Suz: Ooo can't wait to hear about those werewolves! Please tell us about the HEX series.

Vicki: The series came alive for me when I decided that instead of setting it in Sedona, Arizona, a hotbed of New Age thinking, I should set it in a conservative little town in Indiana, where NOBODY believes in witches, wizards, magic, or . . . heaven forbid . . . dragons! Big Knob, Indiana, is imaginary, but I’ve had readers ask if it’s based on a real town because they want to go there! So do I, but it doesn’t exist. I made it up totally. The series features a matchmaking witch and wizard who are sent there to rehabilitate the delinquent dragon living in the nearby woods. In between dragon-sitting, they do some matchmaking on the side, which is where the romance comes in.



Suz: Is BLONDE WITH A WAND the first in a new series for you? Can you tell us a little bit about the series?

Vicki: The Babes on Brooms series is – at present – two books long. If readers like it, maybe it’ll get longer! It’s a spin-off from the Hex series in that the matchmaking witch and wizard from that series make an appearance in both BLONDE WITH A WAND and CHICK WITH A CHARM. These two spin-off books are set in Chicago, which is less than a day’s drive from Big Knob, so it works out.

Suz: In BLONDE WITH A WAND, the heroine, Anica Revere, breaks a major witch rule and is stripped of her powers. How does she adjust to that?

Vicki: Not well! She’s always been the “good” sister and now she has to depend on Lily, who’s the rebel sister, to help her fix the magical mess she’s created.

Suz: The hero of BLONDE WITH A WAND, Jasper Danes, is the victim of Anica’s mistake. Does he exact a little revenge or does he easily find himself under her spell?

Vicki: I think it’s okay to reveal that Anica turned him into a cat, because that’s in the blurb. While revenge is definitely on his mind, he’s dependent on Anica and Lily to change him back into a man, so he has to be VERY careful not to tick them off.





Suz:
Can you tell us a little about the next book in the series—CHICK WITH A CHARM?

Vicki: I would love to! It’s Lily’s story, and she’s a little jealous of Anica’s love affair with Jasper. Lily’s a bartender who has a crush on a customer. Against Anica’s advice, she gives him a devotion potion in his cocktail and discovers that it doesn’t produce quite the results she’d hoped for.








Suz: What else can our readers look forward to from you this year?

Vicki: I hope you’re ready for this. I’ve been typing like crazy and I could sure use a massage from Sven if you’re willing to loan him out. I have *seven* releases this year. Besides BLONDE WITH A WAND in February, I’ll also have RACING HEARTS, a NASCAR anthology with Dorien Kelly and Nancy Warren. This June will kick off my “Sons of Chance” series with Harlequin Blaze. WANTED! comes out in June, AMBUSHED! in July, and CLAIMED! in August. They’re cowboy stories set in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and the series will continue with three more books in the summer of 2011 and three more in the summer of 2012. Also in July I’ll have CUPID CATS, an anthology with Katie MacAlister and Connie Brockway. The stories are linked by an animal shelter that specializes in magical cats who become matchmakers for those who adopt them.

Suz: OMG...we'll have Sven work on those fingers ASAP!! You're going to be one busy lady this year!! Is there a question you’d like to ask our readers?

Vicki: How about this? If you could wave a wand and turn someone (a person you know or a public figure) into an animal, who would it be and what animal would you choose?

Suz: Thanks for being in the Lair with us Vicki. Vicki will be giving away a signed copy of Blonde With A Wand to one commenter today. And don't forget, you can order books by clicking on any covers.

106 comments:

mariska said...

; )

Christine Wells said...

Hi Vicki! Welcome to the lair. I can see you definitely do need some love from Sven's magical hands, with all that hard work you've been putting in for our sheer reading pleasure! The babes on broomsticks series sounds fabulous. Do you always go for high concept when you think up a new series or book?

Thanks, Suz, for bringing Vicki to visit today.

Christine Wells said...

Sheesh! Pipped at the post. Congrats on snaffling the rooster, Mariska:)

Amber Leigh Williams said...

Wow - great interview! I love your covers and titles. Thx for the chance for win :)

Amber

mariska said...

I think (well, i hope not coz i love my sister) I will turn my lil sister to A CAT. Because she loves cat very much. We happened to had 12 cats in the house : )
but now, we don't have anymore, the last cat was died almost 8 months ago.

and Vicki, i love 'wand' and magic :) perhaps i can 'read' and learn some magic from your books!

Wendy said...

I'd turn anyone who pisses me off into a toad, ha!

Great interview! So need to check out your books! :)

Anna Campbell said...

Again, Mariska!

Suz, what a great interview. Vicki, how fantastic to see you here. What a wonderful interview - I loved your story about the TV appearance. And the new book sound absolutely wonderful!

Unknown said...

Hi Suz, and Hello Vicki!

A huge welcome to the lair. We've all been so excited about your visit!

I love the sound of the Hex series. Yet another to add to the TBR pile, which is about to topple as it is.

I enjoyed the story about the TV appearance too. Were you nervous? Was it fun?

Thanks for the great interview!

Donna MacMeans said...

Mariska - Again? Looks like you're developing a fowl following!

Hi Vicki - Welcome to the lair. Seven releases! Good Lord, woman - you need Sven and all the cabana boys to work out those kinks. How do you do it?

Love your titles and your series. I think my TBR pile just grew.

These days I'm living such a solitary lifestyle, I don't think I'd turn anyone into an animal - but I might turn an animal into a human. Is that allowed? If so, I'll turn Killer our pet snail into my own masseuse. Sometimes it helps to have a man with a slow hand (grin)

Fedora said...

Vicki!!!!!!!! SO wonderful to see you here in the Lair! I need to get caught up with your recent series--your writing is such a pick-me-up no matter when I grab it! And I'm excited to hear about your Sons of Chance! I've become quite a cowboy fan!! Yum! You're quite busy this year, so I'll be quite happy all year! ;)

As for my wand waving, I'm not sure who I'd pick for a magical transformation... I'll have to think about whether I'd want it to be a punishment or a reward! ;D

Congrats on the GR, Mariska!

Laurie Logan said...

Hmmm... I think sometimes I'd like to turn my dh into an ass (the donkey kind). Only temporarily of course.*g*

Wonderful interview! Both the Hex and Babes on Brooms series sound like a lot of fun reading. I love the titles. Are they the original ones?

I'm also interested in reading your Blaze titles. Sexy cowboys - yummy!

Unknown said...

Welcome to the lair Vicki! Since your are turning over your magic wand to me I think I will turn Hugh Jackman into my own precious little kitten and since I have the magic wand I can turn him back when ever I want to, so therefore I would be able to pet him and do whatever I want to with him because I have the wand and in total control! A person can dream can't she.

Blodeuedd said...

I am just loving those covers, they look so fun, and cute! I would definitely pick them up just cos of that

Helen said...

Congrats Mariska have fun with him

What a great interview Ladies and WOW Vicki you certainly are busy I think Sven will need to give you an all over body massage.

The books sound great I have added them to my must have list and I gotta say I am not a big fan of vampires either but I do love shapeshifters yummo.

And if I could change someone into an animal right at this moment it would be my 4 year old grandson who is running around mad after too much chocolate cake into a nice quiet cat LOL or what about Hugh Jackman as a lovely grey wolf or black panther.

Have Fun
Helen

hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

Right off the top of my head I have some exes I would like to turn into rats.

hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

I love the sound of those books Vicki, I can only imagine what kind of trouble those potions would cause but as soon as I get the book I will find out won't I? :-)

PinkPeony said...

Hi Suz...welcome Vicki...
With the flick of my wand, I'd turn the surly postal clerk at my local post office into a fruit bat.

congrats, Mariska!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Good morning, Mariska! Congratulations on snagging that Golden Rooster, again.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Christine!

How are things down in Oz today? It was my pleasure to host Vicki today. I've enjoyed her writing and meeting her in person has only added to the experience.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Amber Leigh!

WE love hosting guests to the blog, especially those that can make all of our TBR piles teeter just a bit more!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Mariska!

My sister would probably love it if I turned her into a cat. That way she could make me sneeze and wheeze.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Wendy!

Would that be an ordinary toad, or a red-eyed tree toad? (can you tell I've been watching Dora the explorer with my granddaughter?)

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Anna C!

Isn't that an inspiring story about Kelley Rippa's book club?

Laurie G said...

I love your earlier books! I haven't tried the new magical books...YET! I do have Casual Hex & Wild & Hexy in my TBR pile.

I would turn my complaining neighbor into a snake so that he could slither away for good!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Cassondra!

I can't wait to read Blonde With A Wand. I loved the Hex books I've read so far.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Donna....you have a pet snail? Named, Killer? :) Perhaps I should introduce him to Rocky-the-wonder-dog?

Suzanne Ferrell said...

hey Fedora!

How would be turning someone into an animal be a reward? Of course right now if you turned me into a bear, I could hybernate until spring and be warm in a fur coat!! hmmmmmmmm

pjpuppymom said...

Hi Vicki! (waving enthusiastically!)

I adore your books. I have the release dates marked on my calendar and race to the store to buy them just as soon as they're available. I've really enjoyed the HEX series. They're just too much fun. And, of course, I have my own ADD dragon sitting here on my desk to keep me company between stories. :)

Love the sound of CUPID CATS!

Anna Sugden said...

Vicki!! Great to have you in the Lair!! As you know I'm a huge fan from way back (One of my all-time favourites is still Mingled Hearts! *sigh* Those were the days - fab Temptations!)

You've always been an inspiration and I love that you take such a proactive approach to your career - I remember when the Nerds series launched and it was so different from everything else out there. (*sigh* what happened to the Contemps market?)

Got the Amazon pigeon all lined up to bring your latest to me.

As for turning people into animals - could say my ex should be turned into a worm, but he already is one *g* - no offense to worms. I'd turn our prime minister, Gordon Brown, into a wart hog and our former PM, Tony Blair, into a jackrabbit *g*.
I'd turn Camilla Parker Bowles into a horse - oh wait, not much change there.

Wonder what fun we could have with famous people? How about turning Madonna into a hippo LOL?

Anna Sugden said...

BTW as someone who adores black cats - Eve (aka Sabrina) is adorable!

Gannon Carr said...

Hi, Vicki! *waving and blowing kisses*

You know I'm a huge fan of all of your books, and I'm lucky enough to have read and ARC of BLONDE WITH A WAND--loved it! My review will be up at The Romance Dish tomorrow. *shameless plug* LOL

Hmmmm, I'm not sure who I'd turn into an animal. My younger son always says how cool it would to be a dog, especially as our two are lounging around doing nothing all day. *g* I'm liking the idea a couple of others have latched onto...Hugh Jackman changed into a wolf maybe, but then I can turn him back into his very yummy self whenever I wanted. Not sure if my hubby would like that, though. LOL

CUPID CATS sounds like a lot of fun!

Congrats, Mariska on getting the GR.

pjpuppymom said...

Gannon said, Hugh Jackman changed into a wolf maybe, but then I can turn him back into his very yummy self whenever I wanted. Not sure if my hubby would like that, though. LOL

I'll keep him for you, Gannon. You could come visit. :)

Gannon Carr said...

I'll keep him for you, Gannon. You could come visit. :)

You're a good friend, PJ! *vbg*

Kirsten said...

If I had a wand I would turn my ex-boyfriend (whose name I shall not reveal but yes A. I'm talking about you!) into a .... pig! Because that's what he is.

We planned to meet for drinks. I came early at the right spot, on the right day. Waited for 40 minutes and nothing. He never showed. Then he phones??! me later: Don't think we should see each other anymore ...
I think I deserve an explanation or even rejection IN PERSON, Pig!

Joan said...

Hi Vicki!

Welcome to the lair!


Your books sound fantastic! So how challenging was it to switch from what you had been wrtiting to paranormal?

Unknown said...

Laurie said:

Hmmm... I think sometimes I'd like to turn my dh into an ass (the donkey kind). Only temporarily of course.*g*



OOOOOhhhhh!!!! I didn't have any ideas about turning people into animals, but this is a good idea! I don't think I'd want to have to do it. If I could make a spell so that when he started acting like one, he'd just instantly pop over and start braying...eeeeee-aaaawwwwww, eeeeeeee-awwwwwwww..

THAT would be perfect. Only if he realized it, of course. And it might actually alleviate some of the angst cuz...you'd have to start laughing, ya know?

I'm liking this idea more and more. (evil grin) Vicki, do you know any spells for that?

Deb said...

What a great interview, Vicki and Suzanne!

Your books sound so fun and zany, Vicki! "Bewitched" was one of my fave shows when I was little and the description of you stories brought it to mind....I like the fact that your books are light-hearted and fun.

Lucky you, getting a massage from Sven. Sigh.

If I could turn someone into an animal, I would turn my prinicpal (I'm a teacher) into a donkey because he's an ass 99.9% of the time. A jerk, too, but can't think of an animal that is considered a jerk...

Thanks for being here today, Vicki!

Unknown said...

Wow, the lair is jumping and it's still early in Arizona! Let me get some coffee and I'll be right back. Congrats on snagging that rooster, mariska!

Susan Sey said...

Good morning, Vicki! So glad you could join us in the lair! I love the sound of your Babes on Broomsticks--I'll look forward to a fun read!

Now if I could turn people into animals? I think--just for one afternoon--I might turn my kids into Golden Retrievers. They'd always be happy to see me, there would be no fighting, & best of all there would be NO crumbs under the kitchen table. :-)

A question for you, though, from a girl who adored your nerds--are you forever done writing straight single title contemporaries? I love light paranormal but like you, I dislike blood. And the idea of werewolves doesn't do much for me either... I miss plain old romances and as much as I love categories, I miss the big ol' meaty single titles. I was thrilled when Nora Roberts released the first two books of her Brides quartet for just that reason--they're just love stories.

What's your take on the future of the straight contemporary single title?

Marnee Bailey said...

This was a great interview! :) Vicki, these books sound great! And I'm absolutely excited about your (possible) werewolf project next year.

Unknown said...

Ah, now I'm semi-awake, and I see Sven coming my way with some of his magical oils and those magic fingers. Life is good!

Christine, I go with high concept when my pea brain can come up with that, but it doesn't always happen. :-)

Hi, Amber!

mariska, I hope you get some more cats, and not just by turning your sister into one, LOL.

Wendy, some people deserve to be turning into toads, don't you think?

Hi, Anna! This is such a great site. Lots of good energy here.

Minna said...

There are some drivers who I would like to turn into snails or turtles. Like that woman who nearly ran me over when I was crossing the street and the green was definitely not burning for her.

Mikko Kuustonen: Abracadabra
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R81mIiX5z6I

Queen A kind of magic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbN_XqYJ5-o

Lady Gaga - Poker Face - Parody ("Outer Space")
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h47fNaOb-JU&feature=fvw

Susan Sey said...

Kirsten wrote: He never showed. Then he phones??! me later: Don't think we should see each other anymore ...


Oooooh, Kirsten, he deserves worse than piggy-dom for that. He deserves to come back as something truly reprehensible. Like a rat or a cockroach. Something people shriek & run from. Or stomp under their shoes. :-)

Unknown said...

Cassondra, I was PETRIFIED prior to going onto the set with Kelly and Regis. But it's true that adrenaline kicks in, and once I was into it, I lost all fear, but I don't remember any of what I did. ;-)

Donna, a pet snail named Killer? You have my same sense of humor, girl! If you all don't mind, I'll just continue to comment while Sven works out the kinks . . .

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Vicki! *waving madly* Great to hve you with us today. I love your books and am so excited about this new release.

I hadn't check your website lately so I didn't know about the Nascar book. COOL! Oh, and the blazes sound hot. (Sorry, it was there, I had to do it...)

Suz, thanks for the great interview! Mariska, Congrats on catching the early morning bird!

As to people and animals, I think I'd turn a few local politicans into shelter dogs. Maybe the experience would make them more grateful for what they have. Smirk.

Unknown said...

flichen1 -- Hi, there! Hmmm . . . punishment or reward? The comments seem to be running toward the punishment side of the question, but I also like the idea that the spell could work in reverse, turn an animal into a person! Now wouldn't that be fun?

Hi, Laurie! The titles were partly mine, partly my editor's. I'll take credit for Over Hexed, though, and Blonde with a Wand and Chick with a Charm. I'm also thrilled you have a hankering for cowboys.

Oh, Virginia, HUGH JACKMAN!!!! He would work great in the role of Jasper in the book. And dreaming is what romance is all about, right?

Blodeuedd -- I love the covers, too. They have sort of an art deco feel to them. They could be my favorite covers of all time.

Unknown said...

Ah, Helen, I see we have a Hugh Jackman fan club going on. I noticed a couple of other Hugh fans coming up later on. (Waving and blowing kisses to PJ and Gannon!)

Dianna, I think by definition those exes have already turned into rats. :-)

PinkPeony -- A postal worker into a fruit bat! I love it!

Unknown said...

`Hi, there, Suz! Ignore my frantic email I sent you when I had trouble getting on this morning. Obviously I made it. :-) And THANK YOU for inviting me to hang out with the Romance Bandits. Is that cabana boy coming over to refresh my coffee? What a sweetie. Love his outfit, too.

Laurie, have you got one of those complaining neighbors, too? I swear every neighborhood has a grouch. Mine lives next door, and she seriously needs to get a life.

Unknown said...

PJ!! It's so good to see you here! Hang onto that stuffed dragon, girl. I kept one for myself, but the rest have all been given away. I'm waiting for one to show up on eBay.

Anna, your post is making me LOL. I want you to get a magic wand so bad! The world would be a far more interesting place. And you remember Mingled Hearts, my first book? What did you do, read it in when you were five years old, LOL? And BTW, the word is that contemporaries are coming back. Stay tuned!

Unknown said...

Hi, Gannon!! Extra smoochies to you for writing and posting a review of Blonde with a Wand. Okay, I read ahead and I'm now picturing Hugh Jackman turned into a cat, because that would be more transportable, and the Romance Bandits have him flying all over the country in a little carrier, along with the wand, of course. A wolf would be most excellent, but harder to get into a carrier . . .

Kirsten, you are well rid of that %^%$#*& man! He's a coward, and who would want to hook up with a coward? He'd have let you down sooner or later, so good riddance to bad rubbish!

Hi, Joan! What a great question. I was a little intimidated at first, but then I realized that in paranormal, the writer makes ALL the rules. When you think of it that way, paranormal is easier, because you can make up whatever you want. You just have to be consistent once you set something up. That's where a critique partner comes in, LOL.

Laney4 said...

I would ask my friends if they would like to be turned into a specific animal, as not everyone would like this happening to them. I'm thinking that a good ol' golden retriever would be a calm, easygoing, friendly dog, but then again, that's just me. I wouldn't turn anyone into an animal I felt was dangerous in any way, though.
BTW, thanks for the Kelly Ripa story. I think she and her influence are underrated.

Unknown said...

Cassondra, I have an idea. All you have to do when he's acting like an ass is look at him really hard and "see" him braying like one. I know everyone in the lair is blessed with a great imagination or you wouldn't be here. So this would work! Instead of getting mad at him, you'd start laughing, and I'll bet that would really frost him!

This would also work for you, Deb, although you probably can't start laughing at your principal. Poor you. I hope he transfers to another school or retires!

Hi, Susan! Thank you for loving those nerd books. So did I, but I think they ran their course. But I also think straight contemporaries are making a comeback. Nora doesn't make bad career decisions. And I also read it in Publishers Weekly. As for me, who knows? Right now I'm having fun with magic and stuff, but I'm also writing about cowboys for Harlequin, so anything is possible! I've learned to go with the flow. :-)

Unknown said...

Hi, Marnee! I'm excited about the werewolf project, too. It's a new challenge, which is always good.

Minna!! It's great to see you here, especially if you've been dodging bad drivers! I always love your music links, too. :-)

Hey, Jeanneeeee! Yes, well, Blazes are . . . hot. What can I say? And I love your transformation idea. Lots of folks should probably be turned into shelter dogs and cats! BTW, I dedicated Blonde with a Wand to Best Friends, which is a huge no-kill sanctuary in the southern part of Utah. It's an awesome place.

gigi said...

Hi Vicki!
It has been a while. As you know I have been a Huge fan of yours since Nerd in Shining Armor. I watched you on Regis and Kelly when Kelly had her book club. That is how I found you.
The work you did on your end to get on the TV show is inspired.
I wish Kelly had continued the book club. I enjoyed it.
I loved the Hex series I can't wait to read Racing Hearts it looks like a winner. You are just one of the best comedic romance writers. everything I have read that you write is just a joy to read.

Hmmmm... who would I turn if I had a wand. Right now I would turn most politicians into snakes and donkeys. Seems like that is what they act like, right.

I would turn my dog into a smaller dog because I can't lift her anymore. My back has been giving me trouble lately.

After you are finished with Sven send him over and let him rub the kinks out of my back and shoulders.

Kirsten said...

Thanks Vicki & Susan!

Yes, a cockroach is a MUCH better animal. Why didn't I think of that. Can you use that wand more than once?

Louisa Cornell said...

Again, Mariska? People are starting to talk! Better luck next time Christine !!

Hello Vicki !! This series sounds like loads of fun!

Hmm. I have a couple of managers over me that I would LOVE to turn into cockroaches or worms. Maybe worms would be better. Then I could put them on a hook and dangle them in the water and let them experience what it is like to be thrown in front of the sharks!

And I might use it to turn a certain Pro Football Player into a dog to teach him a little empathy.

And I would love to turn some of our state legislators into roosters so they can experience cock-fighting first hand. Then maybe they would pass the bill we have before them to make cock-fighting a felony in this state. Right now it is a misdemeanor with a 20 dollar fine.

Unknown said...

Laney4, I totally agree with you that Kelly Ripa is underrated. I wish she'd kept the book club, but I'm sure she had her reasons to cancel it. I was lucky to be the last one chosen. But she is *very* smart and very focused.

Hi, gigi! It has been awhile, but now you're here, and I'm here, and we can party! Thank you for all those sweet things you said, and I'm so sorry about your back. Lifting big dogs can do that. I'm sending Sven right over!

That sounded more than a little suggestive, Drew, and I like that in a person! Obviously you're happy with those Blazes, LOL!

Yes, Kirsten, you can definitely use that wand more than once. Now I'm off to find something good to drink. Maybe some of that tea that Drew's making!

Donna MacMeans said...

Where's that wand? I need to transform a whole hive of worker bees into people so they'll clean this house! ARRGH!

Jennifer D. said...

Hello,

Thanks for the great interview - the Kelly Ripa story is pretty cool. As for the question, I think I would turn the person into an Eagle. Then they would get to fly, which would be a good adventure, at least. Although, if I had a wand I would probably use it to magically clean my house.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Vicki! Glad to see my Bandit sisters and our Bandit Buddies are keeping you company this morning. (I'm afraid I'm a bit under the weather today...hugging my box of tissues.) Yes the cabana boys will refresh your coffee this morning and of course any margaritas you choose to consume this afternoon!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey, Virginia!

I love your idea about Hugh and the use of the wand. I wonder if that would get you frequent flyer miles on the wand? :)

Deb said...

P.S. I'd like to borrow the wand from Donna and Jennifer. The laundry fairy and the dust fairy have not shown up at my house lately.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Blodeuedd!

Those are cute and fun covers, arent' they?

Unknown said...

Vicki said:

Right now I'm having fun with magic and stuff, but I'm also writing about cowboys for Harlequin, so anything is possible! I've learned to go with the flow. :-)

Regarding going with the flow, I meant to ask this earlier and forgot. SEVEN releases this year....okay don't smite me, but I'm thinkin these were not under your bed, unreleased and pre-written in the way a lot of new authors manage multiple releases in one year. You've been writing long enough that you would have used those up already. ;0)

So...how do you do it? First, how do you manage to churn out that much material?

Second, how do you fill the well and keep it flowing for that much generation of story?

And third, HOW do you make the switch from one story to another and from one genre to another when you have to create so consistently? I don't see how you could have time for breaks from the writing, which seems like a necessary evil to me, when you're doing this much work.

On second thought maybe it's easier when you're switching genres, but still, that's a helluva lot of story coming out of one muse.

I'm interested because I'm a slow writer, I'm striving to get faster and make the muscle work more efficiently. I love hearing how other people do it, the issues they've had, and how they've written through them.

Louisa Cornell said...

Donna, send those worker bees over to my place when they finish with yours !! Whether the kids are human or furry why is it they have to have every single toy they own scattered all over the house at once before they can have fun?

Unknown said...

Laney4 said:

I'm thinking that a good ol' golden retriever would be a calm, easygoing, friendly dog, but then again, that's just me.

Oh, I dunno Laney. Those Goldens can be quite the ditzy dogs sometimes. They're the sweetest things on Earth, but they have a big D'oooohhhhhh factor happening.

You got any friends who would fit that description?

(grin)

jo robertson said...

Hi Vicki, welcome to the Bandit Lair, so good to have you here! Great interview, Suz.

Vicki, you are one prolific writer, girl. Can you give us any tips on how you manage to keep everything straight?

jo robertson said...

My goodness, Mariska, twelve cats! Good thing no one has allergies in your family.

jo robertson said...

I like the toad idea, Wendy. I wasn't thinking of amphibians, but I think there are a lot of folks I wouldn't mind seeing as toads LOL.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Helen!

Hugh as a grey wolf, huh? I could see him as that.

What would you turn your grandson into?

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Diana!

Right off the top of my head I have some exes I would like to turn into rats....

hehehe, now there's a good use of that wand!

jo robertson said...

Helen, I love the idea of Hugh Jackman as a lovely wolf grey wolf.

I think I'd turn my husband into a giant black Labrador. Without the urgent need to chew on everything in sight! They're sleek and lovely and so protective.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Pink!

Why a fruit bat? And would that get your packages delivered faster?

catslady said...

Well it would have to be turning someone into a cat. If I could do it on and off (like Samantha) I'd turn lots of family members into cats - large and small. Obviously they're my favorite creature. I'm looking forward to your anthology, Cupid Cats!

Unknown said...

Donna, Jennifer and Deb, I'm seeing a pattern here. In Blonde with a Wand, the heroine uses her wand to clean her house! Wonder where that idea came from . . . We've had lots of rain recently, and that means stuff tracked in. I need a magic wand, and fast.

Suz, I'm so sorry you're feeling sicky! I'm sending one of the cabana boys over with some chicken soup and Sven's available for a back rub. Thanks for being here, despite the bug, and I'm loving my stay in lair.

Unknown said...

Cassondra -- Yes, all seven releases were written within the past fifteen months or so, but two were novellas, so that helps, and three were Blazes, which are around 60,000 words, so that left two that are 90,000. First of all, I don't have a lot of time to do lunch, LOL, but I love to write, so it's not a burden, just tricky.

I've refined my process over the years and I'm faster than I was, partly because now I don't print out . . . anything. I just go for it and BACK UP (very important) on a flash drive. But deadlines are a wonderful and a terrible thing. They motivate me to keep going, because I HATE missing one. I recommend setting one even if you don't have something under contract, and then have a reward (or punishment if that works better!) when that deadline arrives.

Donna MacMeans said...

I'm echoing Cassondra's question - being something of a slow writer myself. Give some hints! You seem relatively sane for that level of productivity (grin). How do you do it?

Unknown said...

Louisa, I have only furry children at this point, but I'm always stumbling over dog or cat toys!

Hi, Jo! Black Labs are wonderful. Come to think of it, my son was born in the Chinese Year of the Dog, and he's a lot like a Golden, LOL. As for how I keep all my stories straight, I have this fabulous daughter who's my assistant, who sometimes works for money but sometimes for love. She creates bibles for any series of books I do, which is great because without her, I'd mess it up. I'm *not* organized, but she is.

Catslady! It's so good to see you! As you know, I share your fascination with cats. Living sculpture. My black cat Eve is the role model for Sabrina in the Hex series. Black cats are so cool.

Silvia said...

I would turn my Husband into a penguin. So that he will instinctively help take care of our daughters while I go out for a nice relaxing swim :)

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Welcome to the Lair, Vicki! And HUGE THANX to Suz for bringing you here!!

I only have a dainty little riding crop instead of a magic wand, but that crop can cause some very amazing things to happen. ;-)

If I did have a wand, I'd love to flatten all the tires on the vehicles that run red lights, cut you off on the freeway, and take up two parking spaces in lots. Probably would not improve any of the drivers' abilities, but would create a nice little bit of havoc.

AC

Jessica C. said...

I would turn other drivers along with their cars in a traffic jam into a flock of birds so they will clear the way!

Louisa Cornell said...

Aunty, you are SO right about the crop! All hail the power of the crop!!

And I had a friend in undergrad school who had a sincere hatred for people who took up two parking spaces in mall parking lots. She had cards printed up that said "Did you have to park this way or are you just a selfish (expletive)" She would put them under the windshield wipers of vehicles that were "double-parked." We thought she was nuts, BUT we also wished we'd thought of it!

Minna said...

Then there are all those truck drivers *shudder* I'd like to turn into sloths or something. When I hear a truck coming I'm always ready to rush off the road and to the forest, with or without my bicycle. They always drive too fast -once I saw how this truck that passed me(fortunately I had already turned to another road) was going way too fast and other end of the truck was doing a swinging motion. And I don't even want to think about the Russian truck drivers and their trucks that might not be in the best possible shape.

Woohoo! I just got rid of one the books I have accumulated. Only about 100 books (in English, Swedish and German) left. I need to get rid of them to make space for more books.

"Weird Al" Yankovic - Truck Drivin' Song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZSBrM2SybY

The Baseballs - Umbrella
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DM2177pHMT0&feature=PlayList&p=BCB9ED35D095DD23&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=12

Watch this video in a new windowCopycat - Copycat (Belgium)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoCrJEqS214

Taylor Swift - Parody - You Belong With Me ("Just A Zombie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5bL5mZk8hk&feature=related

Unknown said...

LOL, Silvia! I'm guessing you saw March of the Penguins. :-)

Aunty Cindy, now I'm wondering about that riding crop. ;-) Yes, crummy drivers are truly worthy of being wanded, and not in a good way.

Minna and Louisa, all I can say is, be careful out there! Some drivers get belligerent. :-0

Beth Andrews said...

Welcome to the lair, Vicki! I Love your covers and both Blonde With A Wand and Chick With A Charm sound fabulous :-)

Thanks so much for being with us today!

Pat Cochran said...

I would wave a wicked wand and
turn David Boreanas into a cuddly
Teddy Bear! (Not a real animal,
but suitable for snuggling!)

Pat Cochran

Unknown said...

Welcome to the lair, Vicki! Great interview, Suz!

I love witches in paranormals so I look for yours.

I'm not quite sure who I would like to turn into an animal. I'll have to think about it and get back here later.

Unknown said...

Hi, Beth! I've had a great day, and I'm thinking it's about time to break out the margaritas. Oh, cabana boy . . .

Pat, I'm betting you're a Buffy fan!

Hi, Christie! Thanks for checking out my witches. :-) As for turning someone into an animal, some bright person in the lair came up with the reverse idea of turning an animal into a person, so you might like that option!

Tawny said...

WOOT!!! Vicki's in the Lair :-) Welcome to the Bandits and hi.

I'm a huge fan of your Hex books, as well as all your Temptations and Blazes and can't wait to read this new series. They sound so fun.

Animal, huh? There are a few people I wouldn't mind seeing as slugs, but then they remind me of slugs anyway so that'd hardly be a change, huh?

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Tawny!

Somehow I knew you'd be a big fan of all of Vicki's work, especially the Blazes! Are you deep in the Lair's writer cave this week?

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey, Pat!

David Boreanas would be a most cuddly teddy bear, wouldn't he? Once you use the wand, could I borrow him? For cuddling purposes only, I promise.

Tawny said...

Suz asked: Are you deep in the Lair's writer cave this week?

Yep. I have a partial due on Monday and the full due the first of March- and found out that my revisions would be here on Monday as well so I'm in that nice happy panicky deadline place *g* Luckily, I do my best work here. ahahahahhahaaaahaa.

And yes, I'm a mondo fan of Vicki's!!! I absolutely love her books.

pjpuppymom said...

PJ!! It's so good to see you here! Hang onto that stuffed dragon, girl. I kept one for myself, but the rest have all been given away. I'm waiting for one to show up on eBay.

*My* George has a home for life, Vicki. He's never going to show up on ebay. It would be too dangerous. He knows all my secrets!

pjpuppymom said...

OMG, Drew! I'm so glad I swallowed my coffee before reading your Clive Owen comment! LOL!

Unknown said...

Tawny! I'm looking forward to seeing you in Nashville, girl! Congrats on all your wonderful success. Mondo fan. I like that. Good luck on those deadlines. I'm right there with you, but I keep telling myself I do my best work under pressure, too! I sometimes play Billy Joel's song "Pressure" and dance around to get the kinks out.

::Gulp:: I hadn't thought of that, PJ. My dragon George knows all mine,too! So he can never leave . . .

Pat Cochran said...

Vicki,
Definitely more "Angel" than
"Buffy!"

Suz:
Definitely will send "David the
Teddy Bear" right up I-45 from
Houston to you! I was taught well,
I share!

Pat Cochran

Unknown said...

Pat, I get that!

Suz and everyone, a huge thank you for making me so welcome in the lair today! I'm finishing up my strawberry margarita, which was delicious, and heading off to dinner. I've had *such* a great time. The lair rocks!

Nancy said...

Mariska, congrats on the rooster!

Nancy said...

Vicki and Suz, what a great interview!

Vicki, welcome to the Lair and congratulations on your success. Witches and comedy and a little town where no one believes in magic sound like a wonderful combination! I read a lot of dark books, which makes the relief of a chuckle or two all the brighter.

Nancy said...

Tawny--Looks as though you'll be very busy the next few weeks! You can do it, though. Nothing like a deadline to get the brain hopping. :-)

Sherrinda Ketchersid said...

Wow, that's alot of comments! Goodness! I loved the question of the day. During the President's address, I thought about all the Democrats and Republicans in the room and wondered what it'd be like if they became their party's animal. Elephants and Donkeys all around the room...making stinky waste. I thought it would be so much better if they became all the same animal...say a cow...and then they could all get along and provide something good...like milk...for the country, instead of fighting each other all the time and accomplishing nothing. Sigh...I don't like discord.

Vicki, I loved the interview and must say your books look great!

sherrinda(at)gmail(dot)com

Linda Henderson said...

Well first off I want to say I love your books. I'll look forward to your new series. Well if I could change someone into an animal it would be a friend of mine that loves cats. I think she might enjoy being one temporarily.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Vicki,

Thanks so much for such a fun day in the Lair...and keeping Sven and the cabana boys hopping.

Lady_Graeye said...

Hi Vicki! Welcome! Great Interview today. This series look fun to read. I will have to pick it up and soon.

donnas said...

Great interview. Your books look really entertaining. I am looking forward to getting the chance to pick them up. Thanks!!

Stacy Boyd said...

Vicki,

I'm just now checking my RSS feeds and saw your smiling face--and our beautiful NASCAR cover! Wonderful interview. Now that I know there are six more(!) of your releases coming out this year, I know what to add to my TBR pile.

I saw your comment about deadlines, too. LOL. Your dedication was greatly appreciated.

Oh, and if I could turn anyone into any animal, I would turn myself into a bear so I could hibernate my way through the cold winter months. Summer can't come soon enough for me. :-)

Stacy