Hi there, guys and dolls! So, so long April. Can you believe that it’s already the last week of the month? I do hope that wherever you are, you’ve had your share of April showers to bring some of those beautiful May flowers. Of course, the month end also means one of my favorite things, an interview with one of my fellow Cozy Cat Press authors. This time, it’s Vicki Vass, who has the fantabulous Antique Hunters Mystery series. I love them. She’s got a couple of savvy sleuths whose curiosity keeps them finding not only valuable treasures but a great deal of fun and romance, too. Settle on in, friends and get to know all about Vicki and her tales. Her latest and third in the series, KILLER FINDS has just been released.

1. So tell me a little about your series and main characters.

My series tells the not-so-real life adventures of my two best friends, Anne and CC. It is based on their weekly exploits hunting for antiques. Anne is a consummate shopper, searching for bargains among flea markets, antique stores, garage sales and auctions. Like me, CC is a journalist who has a vast wealth of knowledge except for when not to share it.

2.What is your writing process like? Do you thrive on routine or work spontaneously as the whim takes you?

My writing process is a little bit of both. With my years of experience as a journalist, I try to make it a practice of writing every night after my full-time job. However, I have been known to be inspired at other times and write. I do not write an exhaustive outline instead letting the story build.

3. What exciting moment or moments have made you realize that you were really an “author”?

There are several. I think the first time that we received the actual book in the mail. Even after having 1,400 articles published in the Chicago Tribune, it was still exciting to see that book. When I did my first book signing and people were actually waiting to meet me.

4. What do you do to spark up your creativity when you feel the well of inspiration is running dry?

I don’t know. I haven’t actually had that problem. I have plenty of ideas for characters, series, my only limit is time. When I get stuck in a story, I usually take a break and walk my Australian shepherd or take a shower. The best ideas sometimes come when I’m not sitting at the computer but instead doing something else.

5. Who are some of your favorite authors and how do you feel they have influenced your desire to write?

Would I be predictable if I said Jane Austen? I’ve loved her command of language and dialogue since I first read PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. I’ve also been a fan of Nancy Drew, Cherry Ames and Vicki Barr mysteries. In fact, I changed the spelling of my first name after reading Vicki Barr. I think reading those authors helped steer me toward writing mysteries, and I love cozy mysteries. I enjoy getting to know the characters and their environments.

Thanks for joining me, Vicki. It was great fun to clink a glass or two with you. And fellow mystery lovers, be sure to get your copy of KILLER FINDS today. She’s also on Facebook and has a swell website and blog that she would love to have you visit. Till next week, friends.

Toodles,

Barbara Jean