A BLOG ABOUT WRITING FROM CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE AUTHOR SARAH GRIMM
Join Sarah and her guests for conversations on everything from the art of writing to where we find our inspiration.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Writer Wednesday: It ALL Began with Tom Jones

LOL. It's true! And this is my story.

My girlfriends and I were returning from one of our fun trips to see my sister in Tulsa. We were tired, and our conversation had died to mumbles. One decided to spark things up with her version of Car Games. Simple, really. She'd ask a question and we'd answer. No brainer.

Question: Pick one--Tom Jones or Englebert Humperdink. I picked EH because he was more romantic. The other three picked TJ because he is wild.

A few more rounds went by, and then she asked, "Write the opening paragraph of a book, using the word window." My insides sunk to the floor because deep down, I wanted to write. And she knew it. (She's never said if she asked this question to jumpstart me or not, but it did).

The others said something. I was afraid to. Afraid what I'd say would be stupid. So I had nothing. And since I was holding things up, they said I could email them something later on. Whew!

Once home, the regular stuff of life hit and I didn't get to the computer for a couple of days. In the back of my head, I knew I had to do this because they wouldn't forget. Just like the proverbial elephant. So I opened a word doc and holy moley, my fingers flew. They didn't stop. I went back and back and before I could *snap*, I'd written eight chapters.

Still, I had to show my friend. I copied it on to a disc, met her for lunch, and gave it to her. We met a few days later, she passed the disc and said, "Keep going."

And I haven't stopped.

~Vicki




From sassy writer Vicki Batman comes three romantic tales with a dash of humor: Little Birdie Who… and Other Stories

"This is NOT Working": One of those days at a new job when nothing is going right until the new boss steps in.

"Check Her Out": Gum: it’s a sticky situation, especially between the store manager and Auntie Caren when her nephew has to pay for the package he stole.

"Little Birdie Who… ": A new town, a new friend, a new beginning. Who would have thought a little bird could bring two people together?


36 comments:

  1. Hi, Sarah! Thank you so much for having me today and posting my confession-the story of how I began writing. lol

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  2. We never know what will strike the match and spark us on our writing journey. Tom Jones seems like a really great place to start. He was sexy as all heck back in the day. LOL

    Great post, Vicki.

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    1. Thanks, Kathy! I think it hilarious that I can blame the TJ question on jumpstarting my venture. lol

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    2. What do you mean back in the day? He's still sexy!!! :)

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  3. For me it was Superman. Or more accurately, Clark Kent.

    Marilyn

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  4. I love this, Vicki!!!

    It's proof that you never know where inspiration will strike. It's also proof that inspiration is only a part of the journey - sitting down and doing the work - which you did - is the key to bringing the inspiration to life!

    Addison

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    1. Hi, Addison! Thank you so much. It took more courage than anyone would ever know. I pretty much got over my childhood shyness, but this one held me back. Twenty years later... VBG

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  5. Now THAT is a cool story, especially since I was such a Tom Jones fan when I was a teenager. My parents took me to see him and I almost walked into his dressing room accidentally after going to the ladies' room. That would have been fun! And I can relate to sitting down and writing my first book. I couldn't stop my fingers from flying across the pages either. I know that feeling!
    Patti

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    1. Hi, Patti! And what a funny story. And love that you are such a huge fan. Thank you for posting.

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  6. What a great story! I'm afraid I'd have chosen Tom Jones too. :(

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    1. Hi, Melissa! I was torn between the two. And surprised at who my friends picked. LOL

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  7. I love reading about how writers began in their journey! This was so much fun!
    Lani

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    1. Hi, Lani! And thank you. I like reading those stories too.

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  8. Awesome story, I'm so glad you didn't stop. I love your work.

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    1. Hi, Marian! You are always so kind to me and I truly appreciate it. There's more to come from this sassy writer gal. ox

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  9. What fun! Inspiration is all around us, isn't it? Glad you kept going!

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    1. Hi, Devon! I agree that inspiration is all around us. Who knows what someone will say or do which can influence us. I'm glad I kept going too. I've learned so much. Thank you for posting too.

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  10. Vicki, the soul sister to true romance, is true confessions. Today, you gave us both :)

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    1. Hi, Florence! It's pretty scary about Tom Jones is, isn't it? lololol. Thank you for taking the time to post today. oxox

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    2. I forgot to add--I've sold to True Romance and True Confessions too.

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  11. What a wonderful story. You have a good friend there.

    Thank you for sharing.

    Janice~

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  12. Hi, Janice! My friend has supported me all the way. Just love her to death. I wonder if she read this column because I notified her.

    Thank you for posting!

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  13. Vicki, what a great story! I love it. Did you finish that book? You write funny, sassy stories. You should write one based on your car ride with your friends.

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    1. Hi, Cara! I did finish the book and would love to sell it. It is an award winner, funny with a little mystery and romance.

      Great idea about car ride and friends. oxoxo

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  14. Vicki, I love how you got started writing and I love how quickly you became addicted to it. LOL! Thanks so much for sharing. :)

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    1. Hi, Sheila! my friend. I thank you so much for helping me with my writing too. You're the best and incredibly funny and sassy too. ox

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  15. Hey, Vicki--You have to tell me where you live...cuz I live in Tulsa!

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    2. I deleted the previous comment because I cannot spell today. lol

      Hi, Amie! I love Tulsa, especially the antique places in Jenks. I've had so much fun shopping there. Thank you for posting. :)

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  16. Oh that Tom Jones! He always inspired me and back then I was a home engineer raising a batch of kids. His pants fit so well and why you might ask? No pockets. Now I'm an author. Love your story. Thanks for sharing, Vicki.

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    1. Hi, Charmaine! As a home engineer, I hope you got to shake your booty with Tom. And you're welcome. Thank you for sharing, too.

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  17. Love this Vicki! I read a bad book and decided I could do a better job. What an eye opening experience that was. That first horrible book is still around to remind me of how far I've come. Keep writing, Vicki, you have stories to tell.

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    1. Hi, Sylvia! How interesting you began your career with a bad book. And look how far you've come...a long way. And I'm doubly proud of you. I'll keep on keeping on. ox

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  18. Thank you, Sarah, and Off the Keyboard for having me today. It has been utterly delightful.

    Come visit me at my website or the Plotting Princesses blogspot. Happy reading.

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  19. What a great story! I started by writing continuations of books I loved and didn't want to end. I'd think, what happened next? Then write another chapter. After a while I just started writing my own stories.

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