I knew when I began writing, and I’ll circle to that in a minute, but why I wrote is a bit trickier.

For extra credit in fourth grade, I could read a book and write a report, or something else (I can’t remember), or write an original poem. I’d selected a poetry book. As I sat and thought about what to do, a poem flitted through my head, and I scribbled down the words. The teacher asked me if it was my own work, and I nodded a yes. From then on, I wrote poetry.

I am a huge reader. My mom took her four girls to the library every other week to load up on books. One time, the librarian said I couldn’t have that many because I wouldn’t read them all. With one look, my mom knew something was wrong, asked the librarian, and then told her to give all of my selections to me, that I would read them probably two times plus the books my sisters had checked out as well.

When my oldest son turned two, I discovered Dick Francis’ mysteries. I was enthralled and gobbled them like chocolate. Handsome asked why I liked them so, and out of the blue, I blurted something I’d never ever told anyone, “I wish I could write like him.”

It took me a long time to try to write.

My friends and I went on a girlfriend trip over a weekend, and on the way home, one decided to play a Q&A. “Pick one: Englebert Humperdink or Tom Jones.” I picked EH. They picked TJ. Then she asked, “Write the opening paragraph of a book using the word window.”

I had nothing. Nothing-nothing-nothing. She knew how much I wanted to try to write. But I had no confidence. I had no training except for writing some poetry, my love for reading, articles for newsletters, and writing good papers in college. So she said to send an email later on. Whew! Off the hook.

But “window” nagged at me until one day, I sat at the computer and produced eight chapters. I showed this to my friend, and she said to keep writing. So I did. And I became hooked. And thus far, I have produced two romantic comedy mysteries and 35-ish short stories and essays.

Why do I write? I love expressing myself in this way. I love the challenge. You can buy Temporarily Insane on Amazon.

Award-winning author, Vicki Batman, 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 practioner. 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??“