RMFW Spotlight

Mike Befeler, who posts here every other Monday, is recovering from a recent health setback. Mike, we send you lots of good wishes and prayers for a quick and full recovery.

While Mike gets a little R&R, we thought we’d take this time to introduce a few of our RMFW officers and volunteers. We sat them in the hot seat, shined the bright light on them, and channeling our best inner Oprah, plugged them with a few questions.

Today, we introduce you to Vicki Rubin, RMFW’s esteemed and much appreciated Vice President. Vicki we are so grateful for all you do for our group and the time you took to answer a few of our questions.

 

Let the grilling begin.

1. Tell us what you do for RMFW and why you are involved.

I am the RMFW Vice President. As such, I have few official duties. In fact, none. It’s a great gig. In addition to being VP, I am Co-chair Volunteer Coordinator. I get to help Scott Brendel recruit volunteers when the need arises. In both positions I get to meet people and help them figure out ways to become involved in RMFW. Being involved with RMFW allows me to visit with interesting people and learn how they create amazing worlds and fascinating characters.

2. What is your current WIP or most recent publication, and where can we buy a book, if available?

I’m working on a couple of short stories with a Twilight Zone flair as well as a manuscript about two reluctant (yet effective) sister private detectives: Calli Sheridan and Buttercup Rollins. In this book their adventurous grandfather, Chance, an ex-jewel thief, has been charged with–dang–jewel theft. He promised he’d gone straight. The sisters must clear him or he’ll lose his apartment at Beautiful Gardens Retirement Community and have to live with one of the women. That will never do.

3. We’ve all heard of bucket lists– you know, those life-wish lists of experiences, dreams or goals we want to accomplish– what’s one of yours?

I am a “worlds-biggest-ball-of-yarn” girl. I love to see stuff that is unique and incredible, like the Corn Palace in South Dakota or a moonshine still hidden in the Okefenokee Swamps of Georgia. In addition, I enjoy participating in things that scare the life out of me. I’ve zip-lined, tightrope walked, and rock climbed. Don’t ask what possessed me to do those things. I’m still trying to figure it out.

4. Most writers have an Achilles heel with their writing. Confess, what’s yours?

Being Southern, telling stories comes naturally; we have an oral tradition down there that I took to like a moth to a flame. Writing those stories down is a little more challenging for me. I duct tape myself to my computer to produce material. It’s not pretty, but it is effective.

5. What do you love most about the writing life?

I suppose I love the solitary life.The eyestrain acquired by glaring at a computer screen for hours at a time appeals to me. Not to mention the posture problems. Then there are the public conversations I have (complete with hand gestures) with people who aren’t there causing the people who are there to give me a wide berth. Honestly, what’s not to love about writing?

6. Now that you have a little writing experience, what advice would you go back and give yourself as a beginning writer?

Rejection is not about me. It’s about not being in the exact right spot at the exact right time with the exact right manuscript. No more, no less.

7. What does your desk look like? What item must be on your desk? Do you have any personal, fun items you keep on it?  

My blond-wood flattop desk is a wreck most of the time with different sized stacks for different projects on different corners sharing apace with reference books and a printer. My laptop has a little clean spot in the front center. My desk is next to an oversized chair where I read with Gracie, my Dalmatian. Mostly she pretends to read, but is really sleeping.

8. What book are you currently reading (or what was the last one you read)?

Just finished a writing book recommended by Angie Hodapp. It’s by David Farland and is called Million Dollar Outlines. He presents lots of insight into what makes a strong story and creates a solid bond with the reader. It was terrific. Thank you, Angie! I’m also reading Lee Child’s books because I love Jack Reacher.

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Thank you, Vicki, for being such a good sport and granting us this opportunity to get to know you a bit better.

Stay tuned to October 21st to see who is the next victim…er…gracious volunteer for our RMFW Spotlight series!