My good friend Vicki Batman is my guest today. And she’s got just what you need to cheer you up. Welcome, Vicki, and take it away:
What’s your favorite holiday?
Many people love Thanksgiving—all the pumpkin pie, turkey, family and friends, and falling leaves.
I know someone who loves Halloween. She always had an amazing costume. And is there anything more fun than little kids screaming, “Trick or Treat?”
I am a Christmas person. I love the movies, the treats, the tree, buying gifts, family and friends, and fruitcake.
Ever since I began writing short stories, I’ve written holiday ones. Holiday short stories which feature a cute-meet, boy meets girl, small-town romance ones.
“The Great Fruitcake Bake-off” began when I sat down to write a new story and told myself I wanted to write one to honor my grandmother’s fruitcake. Every Thanksgiving, Grandmother would bake her famous (in our family) Tomato Cake. I know, I know, you’re thinking, “Tomato Cake, Vicki?” It’s not what you think. This dessert is a wartime recipe and yes, it does contain tomato soup as the liquid, but it is a fruitcake. Lots of nuts, raisins, dates, with a dash of spices and pineapple compose the batter. And better yet, topped with a pineapple cream cheese frosting.
“Christmas Romeo” began when I wanted to remember the Rhine River cruise Handsome and I took. I loved this trip so much, I hated leaving the ship. Although my cruise was in the summer, I knew the cruise line had a Christmas market one. Lots of treats, holiday feeling, gift buying.
“Twinkle Lights” commemorates my love for Christmas trees. For many years, my family and I went to the tree farm and chopped our own. We roasted hot dogs and marshmallows, and road the hayride through the fields in our quest to find the perfect one. Drought killed many of the farms, and #1 and #2sons outgrew the event. So Handsome and I turned our eyes on perfect Fraser firs. We always haggle about the height, the fullness, and the freshness. But every argument is worth it when the piney scent imbues our home.
Do you have a favorite holiday or celebration?
Well, Vicki. You know mine is definitely Thanksgiving. I write about it all the time on my blog, newsletter, in some books and post pics on FB and Instagram. I can never have too much Thanksgiving. 🙂
Hey, friends, we’d love to hear from you. Vicki, thanks for coming by to share some cheer. 🙂
Marsha R. West, Author 
Welcome, Vicki. Happy to have you and your delightful stories here.
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Reblogged this on Vicki Batman – sassy writer of funny fiction.
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Hi, Marsha and thank you so much for hostessing me and my fun book today! May your Thanksgiving be glorious.
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Hey, Vicki. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I’m grateful it looks like the weather will cooperate and we’ll be eating our turkey and sharing the things we’re grateful for outside on the lawn, enjoying the view of the lake. 🙂
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I LOVE fruitcake and have yet to try the tomato cake. Look forward to reading these!
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Hey, Liese. I think the tomato cake sounds intriguing, too. May have to give it a try. Thanks for stopping by. Liese. 🙂
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I think tomato cake will surprise you. Becayse of the spices and fruit theres no tomato taste. Long ago, we changed the name to Grandmothers Cake. Last year, i had my moms had written recipe put on cuptowels. A true treasure.
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I love the story of the tomato cake, Vicki. And your new cover is gorgeous! Great to get to know you through Marsha’s blog. Best wishes for your new release.
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Hey, Helena. Yes, I love Vicki’s cover, too. It looks like it it could be the lead in for a Hallmark movie, movies I’m inhaling right now. LOL You’ll enjoy Vicki’s stories, too. She’s got a good sense of humor. Always makes me smile. Thanks so much for stopping by. 🙂
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Hi, Helena! I love the cover. The designer has done all the books in this series and has been a delight to work with. Wishing you a glorious holiday!
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