Vicki's Speaking Engagements & Events
In Celebration of National Library Week
Vicki Sweatman, Nina Bruhns, Carolyn Davidson, Dorothy McFalls, Kieran Kramer and Tammy Williams will sit on a panel to discuss "Women in Romance: Shrinking Violets or Kick-butt Heroines?"
Organization: The Friends of the Summerville Library
Where: The Summerville Library's Westvaco Room
When: April 14, 2008, 7:00 p.m.
"It's Tea Time!"
Grab your favorite spring hat and join us for tea as Vicki reads a selection of her poems about womanhood!
Organization: Knightsville United Methodist Women
Where: Jewel Myers Fellowship Hall, Knightville United Methodist Church, Central Avenue, Summerville, SC
When: March 9, 2008, 3:00 p.m.
"My Journey as a Writer"
Organization: Lowcountry Christian Fiction Writers
Where: Atlanta Bread Company, Hwy. 78, North Charleston, SC
When: August 17, 2007, 7:00 p.m.
Vicki's Topics for Speaking Engagements:
"Writing in a Southern Voice--Y'all Just Can't Throw in a Couple of 'Y'alls'"
"Plotting With a Graphic Organizer"
"My Journey as a Writer"
"What's So Different About Writing Inspirational Novels--Well, Let Me Tell You!"
"Star Christians--It's Not About Hollywood!"
*To request that Vicki speak at your function, email her at the address below.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Vicki can be contacted at: vickisweatman@yahoo.com
A WRITER'S NEWS:
A writer's life can be terribly solitary if she allows it to be; however, time away from her laptop and communicating with others can be invigorating and inspiring. I love to share what I do with my writing colleagues, with friends and with people I meet. I am always amazed at how lively conversations with complete strangers can be when they find out that I write. It seems that storytelling and reading provide universal bonds with people. For that reason and for those who are interested, I'm providing news and highlights from my life as a writer on this page.
June 20, 2008--Update: I am on summer break from teaching! I have also gone back to get that final degree, so I'm waist deep in research and neck deep in writing papers. Help!
November 25, 2007--Christmas is around the corner! I am officially in the holiday spirit today as my review of Dorothea Benton Frank's The Christmas Pearl was featured in the Charleston Post & Courier. (Archives available)
November 2-4, 2007--The Beach Bound Retreat was an absolute blast! Imagine gazing at the Atlantic from a private balcony as the wind and water swirl together to wash all your worries away--and then, when you walk downstairs, you hear famous and fabulous authors tell all about their lives as writers. The whole weekend was an ebb and flow of learning and relaxing. Jennie Crusie, Bob Mayer, Kathy Seidel and others made the weekend unforgettable. (BTW--Kathy Seidel is my new "girlfriend"! She definitely got the whole "southern belle" thing.)
October 27, 2007--Alexandra Sokoloff spoke to our gathering of Lowcountry writers at Queen Anne's Revenge on "The Hollywood Connection: Writing Novels and Screenplays That Sell." (BTW, Queen Anne's Revenge has the best--and most unusual--shrimp cocktail.) I had the pleasure of meeting and transporting some terrific out-of-town writers to the Lowcountry RWA's "mansion on the beach" for our annual Beach Bound Retreat.
August 19, 2007--Check out my review in the Charleston Post & Courier of Nora Roberts' latest release, High Noon. (Archives available)
August 17, 2007--Thanks to the Lowcountry Christian Fiction Writers for asking me to speak!
July 16, 2007--The Romance Writers of America's Annual National Conference was held in Dallas, Texas, this year. I roomed with my friend and critique partner, Nina Bruhns. She was not only a great roommate, but was also a RITA Award Nominee! We had a fabulous time. It was great to see friends, meet new people, and get together with my former Triskelion colleagues in "The Dome."
July 6, 2007--Scott, my literary agent, called with good news (Hopefully, I will be able to share it with you soon)! Have I mentioned how great he is? Anyway, I sent him the overview, synopses (for three books), and first five chapters (of the first book) to my new Southern women's fiction series that I've begun. He really likes the high-concept idea, and he gave me some homework--to come up with three additional book ideas for the series (which I've already done)! This idea is H.O.T.!
July 4, 2007--I spent a couple of days in the beautiful Southern city of Savannah, Georgia (doing a little research). I watched a beautiful fireworks display from a balcony overlooking the Savannah River.
July 2, 2007--It looks like my agent was REALLY on top of things. Triskelion Publishing announced that it is filing for bankruptcy. My thoughts and prayers are with the authors who were previously with them.
(Coming Soon to the Charleston Post and Courier: My review of Nora Roberts' latest release, High Noon.)
June 15, 2007--Writing is a crazy roller coaster ride! BIKER SUNDAY was previously SOLD to Triskelion Publishing (and they held the option for CAROLINA TIME); however, due to business issues, my agent asked for and received my rights back for both books. Triskelion Publishing treated me well while I was with them, and I wish them and the authors with them success in the future. Triskelion is still a wonderful place to get some really great books!
May 14, 2007--I was interviewed about my writing on the "Make-believe Mondays" blogspot. Check it out!
May 7, 2007--I finally sent NEW HOPE SWAMP to Scott Eagan, my literary agent. Now, I can begin my new women's fiction series!
May 3, 2007--The Post & Courier's 15th Annual Book &Author Luncheon was held at the Omar Shrine Temple in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. I had a great seat up front at the Post & Courier table and was mesmerized by some terrific speakers.
April 8, 2007--Check out The Charleston Post and Courier for my review of Dottie Frank's The Land of Mango Sunsets. (Archives available)
April 4, 2007--The Summerville Writers Guild gathered at the beautiful home of Dora Reeves in honor of Dr. Adrienne Ellis Reeves who is in town for a book signing for Sacred Ground, her latest inspirational release. Thanks to Dora and her husband for their hospitality.
April 2, 2007--My news about Biker Sunday was included in the "Class Notes" section of the spring edition of CSU Magazine.
March 18, 2007--My review of Cassandra King's Queen of Broken Hearts was featured today in The Charleston Post and Courier. (Archives available) Look soon for my review of Dottie Frank's The Land of Mango Sunsets.
March 17, 2007--Roxanne St. Claire was the keynote speaker at the annual Lowcountry RWA awards banquet. She was lovely, informative and inspiring! The event was held at Magnolias, and our members' accomplishments were acknowledged. I received two awards that I will cherish. Thanks to Christina Sinisi, Nina Bruhns and Carolyn Davidson for all their hard work.
February 27, 2007--In the midst of all of the wonderful things that have been happening in my life, I was suddenly halted. I found myself in the Medical University of South Carolina with a tumor, and I had to have major surgery for it to be removed. The tumor turned out to be benign, and I am, again, 100% healthy. I am grateful for the experience because is crystallized many things for me. What did I learn? 1.) Heaven is so much closer than I originally thought. 2.) I haven't accomplished all that I want to during my time here. 3.) My most important accomplishments will be those that my Father will appreciate, and there could never be enough of those, even if I lived another thousand years! 4.) I need to get busy!
Thanks to everyone who prayed for my health and recovery.
January 9, 2007--I received my book cover today! What a feeling!
December 16, 2006--The Summerville Writers Guild held a public reading of excerpts from A Gathering of Flowers today in the Summerville Library on Trolley Road. Afterward, the guild gathered for its annual Christmas party at Barbara Hill's home.
December 11, 2006--I signed my contract with Triskelion Publishing today! I can't tell you how exciting that was.
December 10, 2006--The Lowcountry RWA held its annual Christmas gathering at Dr. Christina Sinisi's home. It was a wonderful afternoon of good food and great friends! Thanks, Christina!
November 16, 2006--My agent, Scott Eagan, called today with some terrific news. BIKER SUNDAY has been accepted for publication! Did I tell you that Scott is the best literary agent ever?
October 1, 2006--My review of Suzanne Brockmann's Into the Storm was published in The Charleston Post and Courier today. (Archives available)
August 6, 2006--I was interviewed and featured in an article in The Charleston Post and Courier today that originated on the Associated Press. It highlighted the RWA Conference in Atlanta. The article included information about the ever-evolving and forward-thinking romance genre. (Archives available)
July 29, 2006--(RWA Conference) The luncheon today featured Christina Dodd as our special speaker. She spoke to every writer's heart of hearts about what it means to be a writer. I wanted to laugh, and I wanted to cry at her humor and truth. The RWA Awards Ceremony was nothing less than spectacular!
July 28, 2006--(RWA Conference) In addition to some great workshops, I met with Krista Stroever, an editor with Steeple Hill, about my manuscript, BIKER SUNDAY. She asked that my agent send the entire manuscript! One of the many workshops I enjoyed today was one on Southern fiction, given by Mary Alice Monroe, Mary Kay Andrews, and Patti Callahan Henry. The South is rising once again!
July 27, 2006-- The Romance Writers of America's 26th Annual National Conference began in Atlanta, Georgia, today and will continue through the 29th. The conference is packed with workshops, luncheons, and other events. I will highlight some of the special events. Today, I attended the "Pro Retreat," where I heard Nora Roberts, Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer speak. In addition, some of the editors from Harlequin and Berkley spoke. Meg Cabot (of the Princess Diaries series fame) spoke at the luncheon. She was hilarious and made me wish I was thirteen again (NOT)! What a talented writer!
July 17, 2006--I am continuing to write my new "work in progress" (WIP). It is currently called NEW HOPE SWAMP. It is an inspirational romance about Southern culture clashes and a heroine's lack of self-worth. I am also preparing for the Romance Writers of America's conference in Atlanta. I am looking forward to seeing old friends and making new connections!
July 6, 2006--A couple of my friends (writers) and I attended a book signing party for Beth Webb Hart at the Smith-Killian Fine Art Gallery in downtown Charleston. It was nice meeting a kindred spirit. Beth and I write with "inspiration" guiding our thoughts and words.
July 5, 2006--Tonight our critique group welcomed a new member, Al Chaput, who has won numerous contests with his writing projects. He brings a new male insight to the table. We are pleased that he has joined us.
May 14, 2006--My book review of Dorothea Benton Frank's Full of Grace was published in The Charleston Post and Courier. (Archives available)
May 6, 2006--Marjory Wentworth, South Carolina's Poet Laureate and publicist for Dorothea Benton Frank, invited me to a "do" for Dottie that was held today on Sullivan's Island. "Meeting" Dottie was a bit strange because I felt that I already knew her from reading her best-selling novels. She is so personable, and that easy way she has with people comes through in her writing! I met many delightful people at the party. It was also nice hangin' with some of the crew (Judy Watts, Bill Thompson and friends) from The Charleston Post and Courier. The party was a huge success--and I know that Full of Grace, Dottie's latest novel, will be, too!
April 30, 2006--My book review of Eat, Pray, Love was published in The Charleston Post and Courier. (Archives available)
April 26, 2006--Tonight, my critique group got to--once again--wrap its arms around Dr. Adrienne Ellis Reeves, a former member who moved to California. She is in the Charleston area, promoting her latest release, Bitter Waters, Blessed Hearts. Our group used to meet at Adrienne's when she lived here. Going to her house was like going home to something warm and familiar every time we gathered. Adrienne is an inspiration to me. She began her writing career rather late in life and has seven novels published--and she is well into her eighties!
April 15, 2006--I finally put BIKER SUNDAY in the mail to Scott Eagan, my agent! It was the most FUN I've had to date doing research for a manuscript. Many thanks go to Joe and Paula Rutledge, my brother-in-law and my sister-in-law, who aided immeasurably with the research. Joe took me for my first ride on a motorcycle--and I was terrified! Before the ride, I could never have imagined myself on the back of a Harley, going sixty miles an hour on Highway 61 (by the way, it felt like one-hundred and sixty)! Joe still complains that he has marks on his sides from my grip. Joe and Paula were also there with me at the Heritage Classic Motorcycle Rally where I picked up a few last details to put in the book. I can't wait for BIKER SUNDAY to get "out there" for people to read and laugh at April, the heroine in the book. I must admit that I had to stop writing at times to laugh myself.
March 11, 2006--The Lowcountry Romance Writers of America (LRWA) held its annual awards banquet at Magnolias today(if you know me, you know that Magnolias is one of my favorite restaurants). Many thanks go to Dr. Christina Sinisi for arranging the entire affair!
March 3, 2006--I received a call today from Scott Eagan, a literary agent with Greyhaus Literary Agency. He offered me a contract for representation! It seems that he is as excited about CAROLINA TIME as I am. I still can't seem to wipe the smile from my face! The professional fit seems perfect, and I'm really looking forward to working with him.
