-
Read the new Sommerville Holidays by Vicki Batman @VickiBatman #RLFblog #SmallTownRomance #Romance
Vicki Batman, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Please tell us about Sommerville Holidays.
Sommerville Holidays by Vicki Batman
Genre: small town Christmas romance
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG
Hopes and wishes and holiday kisses…Sommerville holidays.
Holiday Disaster: Days before Christmas, a librarian experiences plumbing issues and a Mr. Maintenance Man who isn’t nearly as jolly as Santa Claus.
The Littlest Angel: Two people. One ornament for the tree. Can a twosome find common ground and discover the true meaning of Christmas?
Holiday Handbag Extravaganza: Christmas Countdown is on! A hunk-a-licious customer pesters a boutique owner to locate a vintage handbag for his mother. Too bad the wedge between them is his sister, the meanest girl in town.
Where to buy Sommerville Holidays
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z45SGC5
Vicki Batman Social Media
Vicki Batman has sold many romantic comedy works to magazines, several publishers, and most recently, two humorous romantic mysteries. Along the way, she has picked up awards and bestsellers. Avid Jazzerciser. Handbag lover. Mahjong player. Yoga practitioner. Movie fan. Book devourer. Chocaholic. Best Mom ever. And adores Handsome Hubby. Most days begin with her hands set to the keyboard and thinking “What if??”
Website http://vickibatman.blogspot.com/p/more-about-me.html/
Blog http://www.vickibatman.blogspot.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/VickiBatman/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Vicki-Batman-sassy-writer-of-sexy-and-funny-fiction-133506590074451/
Pinterest http://pinterest.com/vickibatman/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4814608.Vicki_Batman/
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/author/vickibatman/
Newsletter http://vickibatman.blogspot.com/p/more-about-me.html/
Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/vicki-batman/ -
How author Brenda Sparks became a #1 Blogger 2 years in a row on #RLFblog @Brenda_Sparks
How Does Brenda do it?
Brenda Sparks managed to be the top blogger on Romance Lives Forever, two years in a row. How? I can tell you one thing, she talks about other authors who appear here and sends out tweets every week leading people back to her posts. In return, she gets a book listed on the front page of the blog for a year. Not shabby at all! See an example of one of her tweets below. It’s about her book, but it goes to the RLF blog. I think one secret is she cares and shares.
And what about Vicki Batman, who managed to get 40 comments on one blog post? What does she do to get people to read and comment? One thing about her that I know, she supports other authors, and she has an incredibly compelling personal story to tell. She and her husband, whom she always calls Handsome, have been going through a long battle with cancer. She’s shared her unfolding story each year during Cancer Awareness in October. Her readers love keeping up with her. I think one secret is her big heart.
Both Brenda and Vicki get a full year of advertising on RLF. Congratulations!
What kind of books do they write? Brenda writes Paranormal and Vicki writes Contemporary and Women’s Fiction. The other authors listed below are an interesting mix. Two write historical fiction, and several write suspense. The biggest draw on this site is romance, followed by contemporary, PNR (paranormal romance), romantic suspense, historical, contemporary, and sci fi. That last one is partly because it’s what I write and I sneak in a post every month myself. We have a large number of Sci Fi posts from others too. But those are not the only genres. We have everything except kidlit.
In 2019, There were many authors who did an amazing job of bringing visitors to the blog. After Brenda Sparks, the following authors are listed in order based on the number of visits they brought to the blog.
#1 Lyndell Williams
#2 Dee S Knight (Dee comments on RLF every day!)
#3 Kryssie Fortune
#4 NJ Walters
#5 Alina K Field
#6 Daryl Devore
#7 Alexa Aston
#8 Karen Cino
#9 Jami Gray
#10 Amber DaultonTwo authors whose visits were also high overall were Vicki Batman (surprised? not) and Lorelei Confer.
So how do you get to be a number one blogger and get your name out there where people can hear about you? Use Twitter. Share on Facebook. Pop it into your newsletter. Share pictures on Tumblr. Whatever works for you, use it to tell people where you are going to be. When an author shares it helps others as well as the author. Being a champion for others is what it’s all about.
Here’s the link to sign up for next year. I use SignupGenius to let you pick your own date, plus, you’ll get automated reminders so you don’t miss a scheduled visit.
My thanks to all the wonderful authors who have appeared on RLF during 2019. Here’s to a prosperous and successful 2020.
— Kayelle Allen
-
Read the new Sommerville Holidays by Vicki Batman @VickiBatman #RLFblog #SmallTownRomance #HolidayRomance
Vicki Batman, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Please tell us about Sommerville Holidays.
Sommerville Holidays by Vicki Batman
Genre: small town Christmas romance
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG
Hopes and wishes and holiday kisses…Sommerville holidays.
Holiday Disaster: Days before Christmas, a librarian experiences plumbing issues and a Mr. Maintenance Man who isn’t nearly as jolly as Santa Claus.
The Littlest Angel: Two people. One ornament for the tree. Can a twosome find common ground and discover the true meaning of Christmas?
Holiday Handbag Extravaganza: Christmas Countdown is on! A hunk-a-licious customer pesters a boutique owner to locate a vintage handbag for his mother. Too bad the wedge between them is his sister, the meanest girl in town.
Where to buy Sommerville Holidays
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z45SGC5
Vicki Batman Social Media
Vicki Batman has sold many romantic comedy works to magazines, several publishers, and most recently, two humorous romantic mysteries. Along the way, she has picked up awards and bestsellers. Avid Jazzerciser. Handbag lover. Mahjong player. Yoga practitioner. Movie fan. Book devourer. Chocaholic. Best Mom ever. And adores Handsome Hubby. Most days begin with her hands set to the keyboard and thinking “What if??”
Website http://vickibatman.blogspot.com/p/more-about-me.html/
Blog http://www.vickibatman.blogspot.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/VickiBatman/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Vicki-Batman-sassy-writer-of-sexy-and-funny-fiction-133506590074451/
Pinterest http://pinterest.com/vickibatman/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4814608.Vicki_Batman/
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/author/vickibatman/
Newsletter http://vickibatman.blogspot.com/p/more-about-me.html/
Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/vicki-batman/ -
Read the new Sommerville Holidays by Vicki Batman @VickiBatman #RLFblog #SmallTownRomance #HolidayRomance
Vicki Batman, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Please tell us about Sommerville Holidays.
Sommerville Holidays by Vicki Batman
Genre: small town Christmas romance
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG
Hopes and wishes and holiday kisses…Sommerville holidays.
Holiday Disaster: Days before Christmas, a librarian experiences plumbing issues and a Mr. Maintenance Man who isn’t nearly as jolly as Santa Claus.
The Littlest Angel: Two people. One ornament for the tree. Can a twosome find common ground and discover the true meaning of Christmas?
Holiday Handbag Extravaganza: Christmas Countdown is on! A hunk-a-licious customer pesters a boutique owner to locate a vintage handbag for his mother. Too bad the wedge between them is his sister, the meanest girl in town.
All stories set in the small town of Sommerville.
Where to buy Sommerville Holidays
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z45SGC5
Vicki Batman Social Media
Vicki Batman has sold many romantic comedy works to magazines, several publishers, and most recently, two humorous romantic mysteries. Along the way, she has picked up awards and bestsellers. Avid Jazzerciser. Handbag lover. Mahjong player. Yoga practitioner. Movie fan. Book devourer. Chocaholic. Best Mom ever. And adores Handsome Hubby. Most days begin with her hands set to the keyboard and thinking “What if??”
Website http://vickibatman.blogspot.com/p/more-about-me.html/
Blog http://www.vickibatman.blogspot.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/VickiBatman/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Vicki-Batman-sassy-writer-of-sexy-and-funny-fiction-133506590074451/
Pinterest http://pinterest.com/vickibatman/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4814608.Vicki_Batman/
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/author/vickibatman/
Newsletter http://vickibatman.blogspot.com/p/more-about-me.html/
Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/vicki-batman/ -
Miserable Isn’t in Our Vocabulary by Vicki Batman @VickiBatman #CancerAwareness #RLFblog
Over the years on Romance Lives Forever, I have shared Handsome’s battle with throat cancer and the treatment/surgeries which followed.
A year and a half passed since Handsome’s last surgery, the one to repair the thin skin tear along his left jaw. (In actuality, the first one failed after five days, and he had to have a second go.) With a new graft taken from his left wrist and vessels from his leg, the doctor declared the second surgery a success. Handsome went home with a feeding tube in his stomach, which the doctor removed after a few months. Because his swallowing was compromised, he could only drink his food. He consulted with the nutritionist and found a full-power formula to consume. Ten surgeries zapped his energy. His daily routine included long naps.
In January, he researched his condition and found something which might be of benefit—steroids in high doses to reduce inflammation. He consulted with his ENT specialist and the oncology doctor. Both read the studies and, seeing no complications, decided to go ahead.
Within two days of taking the steroids, Handsome said he felt a tingling sensation in his throat. His mouth and jaw moved better. He spoke distinctly. He had the urge to swallow. However, in the midst of treatment, he immersed in stressful negotiations to sell his company, and his mother passed from lung cancer. Quickly, the benefits of the steroid treatment dissipated. Disheartening, to say the least.
After the sale of the company was completed, his life wound down some. He talked with the oncologist about what had happened—the tingling, the better movement—when on the higher dosage steroids. The doctor decided to try a second round. This time, next to nothing occurred.
The scars, grafts, and jaw healed. His energy level returned. He worked out regularly. Recently, we traveled to Europe and faced challenges with the Italian customs to clear his food (formula) to our hotel. Eventually, all resolved in a nail-biting last minute. Now, we had better knowledge of how to operate when traveling.
What does Handsome’s future entail? Pretty much, he won’t be eating a steak, just drinking the liquid diet. I’ve asked him to consult with a speech therapist. I believe one could help him speak better and correct his bad habits. Maybe, maybe, maybe he might swallow a teensy weensy bit better, too. We don’t know for sure, but he must try. And there is a possibility of another kind of steroid treatment.
Cancer IS a booger-bear. I implore all of you to take care of your body. Because of what I know about throat cancer, my heart bleeds when I see someone smoking even though Handsome didn’t get cancer this way.
I always end these posts by saying how positive he is. Miserable isn’t part of his vocabulary. He doesn’t dwell on being miserable. Truly, he thinks of others’ suffering first. We embrace life fully. Of course, we wish for the old norm, but that’s life. It takes on new life adventures—good and bad.
~ Vicki Batman
Sommerville Days
Love blossoms in the small town of Sommerville in these heartwarming tales, filled with fun and forever possibilities.
Raving Beauty: What if the love of your life was in front of you all along?
Store Wars: The competition is heating up when Janie’s old flame returns to town and is running his family’s store. Could following dreams break her heart?
San Diego or Bust: When a young woman plans a romantic getaway with her boyfriend, disaster strikes. Is her Mr. Right the right Mr. Right?
Where to buy Sommerville Days
Publisher: VLMBatman
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V4NPYFP/Vicki Batman Social Media
Vicki Batman has sold many romantic comedy works to magazines, several publishers, and most recently, two humorous romantic mysteries. Along the way, she has picked up awards and bestsellers. Avid Jazzerciser. Handbag lover. Mahjong player. Yoga practitioner. Movie fan. Book devourer. Chocaholic. Best Mom ever. And adores Handsome Hubby. Most days begin with her hands set to the keyboard and thinking “What if??”
Website: http://vickibatman.blogspot.com/p/more-about-me.html/
Blog: http://www.vickibatman.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VickiBatman/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vicki-Batman-sassy-writer-of-sexy-and-funny-fiction-133506590074451/
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/vickibatman/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4814608.Vicki_Batman/
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/vickibatman/
Newsletter: http://vickibatman.blogspot.com/p/more-about-me.html/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/vicki-batman/ -
Read the new Sommerville Days by Vicki Batman @VickiBatman #RLFblog #smalltownromance
Vicki Batman, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Please tell us about your book.
Sommerville days by Vicki Batman
Genre: small town romance
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG
Love blossoms in the small town of Sommerville in these heartwarming tales, filled with fun and forever possibilities.
Store Wars: The competition is heating up when Janie’s old flame returns to town and is running his family’s store. Could following dreams break her heart?
Raving Beauty: What if the love of your life was in front of you all along?
San Diego or Bust: When a young woman plans a romantic getaway with her boyfriend, disaster strikes—is her Mr. Right the right Mr. Right?
QUICK
Do you write more than one genre? If so, what are they?…
Not technically. Even though I classified the stories in Sommerville days as small town romance, they are also romantic comedies. I write romantic comedy mysteries, too.
How do you come up with ideas?…
Lordy, stuff just smacks me sometimes, especially when people say crazy things. Once, I answered a question for an author interview–“what are two things no one knows about you.” And the answer/confession? I was Miss Oak Lawn Moped.
Way back when, my college friend owned a moped shop. We went to a party with my roommate, and after a few margaritas, he asked me to represent his store in a beauty contest. I blame the margaritas. I was weak and said yes.
So, when two writer friends saw my answer about being Miss Oak Lawn Moped, they said I should write a story which I did and titled it “Raving Beauty.”
BTW, the other answer? I am in a music video. LOLOL. I used to tell the boys I bet none of their moms were in a music video.
What is the single most important part of writing for you?…
Just writing. I have too much fun making up stuff.
When did you write your first book?…
My first book, Temporarily Employed, was started in the spring of 2003. I’d been traveling with girlfriends, and on the way home, one wanted to play car games to break the monotony. Mostly, we had to answer crazy questions, for example, pick one—Tom Jones or Englebert Humperdink. Then, she asked, “Write the opening paragraph of a book using the word window?”
My friend knew I had an urge to write. But to answer her question? I had nothing as I was fearful I would sound stupid. I got the okay to send an email with my answer. Her question bugged me. One day, I sat down and wrote eight chapters. I showed my friend who told me to keep going. I did.
FUN
Leather or lace? Leather handbags
Black or red? I love red but wear black.
Satin sheets or smooth cotton? Cotton
Ocean or mountains? Mountains
City life or country life? City life!
Party life or evening at home? Evening at home
Dogs or cats? Both!
Where to buy Sommerville Days
Publisher: VLMBatman
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V4NPYFP/
KU: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V4NPYFP/Vicki Batman Social Media
Vicki Batman has sold many romantic comedy works to magazines, several publishers, and most recently, two humorous romantic mysteries. Along the way, she has picked up awards and bestsellers. Avid Jazzerciser. Handbag lover. Mahjong player. Yoga practitioner. Movie fan. Book devourer. Chocaholic. Best Mom ever. And adores Handsome Hubby. Most days begin with her hands set to the keyboard and thinking “What if??”
Website: http://vickibatman.blogspot.com/p/more-about-me.html/
Blog: http://www.vickibatman.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VickiBatman/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vicki-Batman-sassy-writer-of-sexy-and-funny-fiction-133506590074451/
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/vickibatman/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4814608.Vicki_Batman/
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/vickibatman/
Newsletter: http://vickibatman.blogspot.com/p/more-about-me.html/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/vicki-batman/