Interview: Victoria Michaels
I’m so LUCKY to have interviewed another one of my favorite authors. Not once…but TWICE this year!! Here’s my second interview with Trust in Advertising and Boycotts & Barflies author, Victoria Michaels! 
Have fun!
Writing
1. What was your favorite pastime as a kid? Did you like reading/writing?
I loved to read. I read all the Nancy Drew books, the Little House on the Prairie books and I loved, loved, the Trixie Belden books. I enjoyed a good mystery. I also played softball and swam. My summers were swimming, softball, and books
2. Is there any book that influenced you in any way? Any books that you found inspiring?
I can’t say there was a single book that inspired me, but what I love in general about books is being taken away into this other world the author has created for a while. I love the emotions reading can bring out in you and I guess that’s why I initially started writing to try and make people laugh and have fun.
3. At what point did you realize being an author wasn’t just a dream but something you wanted to turn into reality?
I think it’s all still difficult to wrap my head around that I have two published books. I never set out to be a writer, but it turns out it’s something that I discovered I had a knack for and I went with it.
4. What’s a typical working day for you like?
I’m typically a hot mess. I have my spot on the couch where I like to sit and I’m usually flanked by a glass of ice tea. I’m not someone who will disappear for hours and write three chapters. I write, then take a break. Either because one of my kids needs something or just to clear my head. Then I’ll think of something during that downtime and go back to writing. It’s kinda scattered, but it works 
5. Who or what motivates you to write?
I do better when I’m on the hook to someone. When I know they are waiting for me to send them something that motivates me more than anything. I do have a dear friend who has been with me from the beginning of all of this and she just helped me get through NaNoWriMo which was no small task. She’s a great motivator, cheerleader and I adore her. Plus she gives me honest criticism which I think is extremely important when you write. Knowing she’ll be straight with me helps.
6. Do you have a favorite place/time to work?
The place is my couch. Time of day, typically early morning. 7am on a Saturday before the rest of my family wakes up is golden time for me. Also late at night some good things pop into my mind. Driving in the car is strangely inspiring at times. I have many notes I jot into my phone at stop lights.
7. What type of book/authors do you read for fun?
I read romance a lot and YA, there is a ton of great YA out there and I’m often the one suggesting books to my girls. Romance authors I adore: JR Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Lori Foster, Gena Showalter, Kresley Cole, Christine Feehan. When I’m in a bad mood I pull out my Janet Evanovich and laugh my butt off and get a Joe Morelli fix. I really could go on and on. There are so many amazing authors out there and I read waaaaay too much…
8. How did you get involved with Omnific? I had a previous relationship with Elizabeth the owner and she offered me the opportunity to publish Boycotts & Barflies and then Trust in Advertising and so I took it. It was a great opportunity and one I will always be grateful for.
Check out the B&B trailer by Omnific: CLICK ME
9. What would you say makes your writing different from other authors?
I think there’s a lot of ‘me’ in my books and that’s what makes them unique. I think five people could all write the same story, but it’s the bits of themselves they put into a book that make it different and special.
10. Is there a message in your novels that you want readers to walk away with?
That love is a fun and amazing thing when you find it. And in the end, you find that the two people are better together than they are apart. That’s what true love is to me anyway.
11. If you could describe your books in 3 words what would they be?
Fun, flirty, and snarky.
Boycotts & Barflies
12. What inspired you to write Boycotts & Barflies? How long did it take to finish?
Before I wrote B&B I had written some funny pieces, ones that I really enjoyed but I wanted to see if I could pull off writing a love story from beginning to end. Two people meeting, falling in love and finding a way to make it work. It was a challenge to myself, one that I think paid off. It took me probably 4 months to write? Maybe a little longer.
13. Was B&B harder to write or did it just come together easily? How did it compare to TiA?
B&B was easier for me because it was light and fun. TiA had some more tense situations, but B&B was fun from beginning to end as far as the storyline went and it was a fairly smooth write.
14. How did you choose Portland as the backdrop for the story?
I have some family in the areas and I mentioned those little pieces of ‘me’ in the books…
15. Is anything in the book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?
Not much is based on real life, a lot of it is what I wished I would have done a few times in my life, like ordering all the pizzas and things like that, but most is pure imagination. The songs I used in the book though, those are all some of my favorites
16. What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?
I loved writing the bar scenes. They were fun and I wished I could have been there to watch it all play out. Especially when the guys did their bar tricks!
17. Who were your favorite characters to write? The parents are just as hysterical as the kids!
Parents and kids are always fun to write because they change the dynamics between the characters so easily. Whenever parents are in the room we turn into those 13 year old kids, praying they don’t embarrass us, so that’s always fun. And not being the mom of teenagers, I know how easily I can wield that power over them so it’s fun. But I think I loved writing the guys because I could just let them be ridiculous with that hint of oblivious that makes us love them.
18. If you could meet any of the characters from B&B, who would it be & what would you be doing?
Dancing with Michael. Hands down. *insert my Chris Hemsworth fantasy montage here*
19. Susan is one of my favorite characters & she LOVES Christmas too! Do you have a favorite Christmas memory?
One of my favorite memories of Christmas is going to sound odd, but my dad passed away two years ago, so it’s very sentimental to me now. It’s of my dad, surrounded by yards of ripped up wrapping paper on Christmas morning. Whenever the last gift was opened, he’d wait all of thirty seconds, then pull out a big, black trash bag and start cleaning up all the paper. It drove him crazy. It’d take him longer to clean up than it did to open everything and every year, he’d be so proud because he’d find one or two gifts my brothers and I hadn’t opened because they got lost under all the paper.
20. Both the girls and guys have great bailing methods. Do you have a go-to move with your hubby?
With four kids we typically ‘need to get home.’ When they were little it was to save the babysitter .Now that they are old enough to be home themselves we leave to make sure they aren’t killing each other.
21. We know you’re a fan of football just like Grace & the boys. Are you a fanatic for sportswear like
Meg? Do you have a collection of foam fingers?
I am a sports nut and superstitious. I have been known to rearrange the sitting positions of my children on the couch if someone moved and the momentum of the game changed. Pro football mainly and everyone in my real life knows what team I like so yes, I think I am a bit fanatical about it. Every dress down day at school I’m decked out in Black and Gold. It’s a given. If I didn’t, the kids would ask me why I’m not wearing it.
22. I noticed there are little details related to numbers, i.e. movie theater 12, number 7 buckle, room 315, etc. Do they mean anything or just random?
Sometimes those are little pieces of me again, a theater my husband and I went to a lot when we were dating, a highway in town where I live. Somehow those familiar number sound better to me as I’m writing.
23. If B&B were a movie, in my dream, I’d play Grace, Julia Louis-Dreyfus my mother & Stanley Tucci my dad. Haha Do you have anyone in mind to play your characters?
I love your casting! They would be fabulous!! The one I have in my head, and it has to do with my fan girl style crush on him, I’d die to have Chris Hemsworth play Michael. *fans self* I might not survive some of the bar scenes with him in it though. For Grace I’d go with someone like Jennifer Lawrence who could pull off that down to earth girl and the unassuming sexiness that she has. Plus, my son thinks she’s “a babe.”
24. If you could picture any of the characters from TiA and B&B meeting, who would they be?
Ohhh Vincent and Lexi could do an ad campaign for Michael and they guys at the bar! Now that would be a scene to write
25. You mentioned before you were working on a YA book and a Romantic/Suspense. We’re excited to read your next project! *squeals* How are they coming along? Any sequels in the works *hint hint*
Sadly there are no sequels in the works. There is a sequel to B&B but it was a short pile of goofiness that I write. I doubt it will ever see the light of day. As for new projects, I have been a busy girl since last we talked. I still have the YA and the Romantic/Suspense I was working on and I’m hoping to get back to them over the winter but I had another idea for a book that kinda came to me and after talking to a friend of mine, I decided to sit down and write it. I used NaNoWriMo as my motivator and right before I started answering these questions I was finishing up one of the last two chapters! Now, I literally sat down and typed it out like a crazy woman so I have to go back and do a lot of editing work but I am really excited with the story and how it’s turned out so far. It’s another Romantic Suspense; I must be in phase or something. I just like to try new things and this is one I’m really excited about so when I have something solid, I’ll have to give you a sneak peek.
26. What question have you always wanted to be asked? What would your answer be?
No one has ever asked me how many copies of my books I own. The answer- one of each
7 Smooches Showdown
- Favorite movie food?
Popcorn, extra butter and twizzlers (yes that part of me made the book too - Manolo Blahniks or bragging rights?
Bragging rights, I’m stubborn like that. - Shopping weakness?
Purses- Michael Kors purses. - Favorite football team?
*waves Terrible Towel* STEELERS! WOOT! - Peacock lust or blue?
Peacock lust of course - What side of the bed do you sleep on?
Left - Do you believe in love at first sight?
Yep. Lived it.
Since it’s Day 4 in our Christmas Reads week (and I can’t get enough of Victoria and her books) there’s another giveaway! Just like yesterday it is only going to be up for 24 hours; and who ever wins gets an ebook of Boycotts & Barflies…along with bragging rights! (Sorry no Manolo’s! )
ENDS MIDNIGHT!! HURRY!!
ENTER HERE
Leigh’s Lost Letters
Have you ever wondered what happened to Vincent’s other assistants? Well here you go, from the desk of Leigh. Enjoy
Recipe: Calamari Salad
Remember that delicious Calamari Salad from the Italian restaurant, Bravo, featured in Trust in Advertising? Well, I’ve adapted a NON-SPICY version that even Vincent might enjoy!
Ingredients:
• 1 lb cleaned squid
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 small red onion
• 1/3 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved lengthwise
• 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes (3/4 lb), halved or quartered if large
• 1 bag of Mixed Greens or Spring Mix lettuce
Directions:
1. Rinse squid under cold running water, then lightly pat dry between paper towels. Halve tentacles lengthwise and cut bodies (including flaps, if attached) crosswise into 1/3-inch-wide rings.
2. Cook squid in a 5- to 6-quart pot of boiling salted water, uncovered, until just opaque, 40 to 60 seconds. Drain in a colander and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice and cold water to stop cooking. When squid is cool, drain and pat dry.
3. Whisk together lemon juice, vinegar, oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then stir in half of red onion, minced and let stand 5 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, combine squid, olives, tomatoes, and thinly sliced onions to bowl. Toss with dressing and season with salt and pepper again if needed.
5. Let stand at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
6. Just before serving, place lettuce in serving dish or bowls and place portion of calamari mixture on top.
7. Drizzle with additional dressing if needed.
*Recipe adapted from epicurious.com
Recipe: Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
In Trust in Advertising, Maddie is all about the cookies! What a special treat it was for her to go Vincent’s office and of course sneak in a few cookies. Cookies speak to everyone because they remind us of our childhood and how fun it was to bake.
Here’s my recipe for chocolate chip cookies.
Ingredients:
• 8 oz or 2 sticks of Butter (unsalted)
• 5 oz Sugar
• 5 oz Brown sugar, light
• 2 Large Eggs
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 10 oz All purpose flour
• Small pinch of salt
• ¾ tsp baking soda
• 4 oz of dark chocolate chips or chunks
Directions:
1. Measure and weigh all ingredients using kitchen food scale *Note: ingredients that are weighed do not equal the same in cup measurements (Example: 8 ounces of flour does not equal 1 cup of flour)
2. combining all dry ingredients in one bowl
3. In mixer, with paddle attachment, cream butter until light in color
4. Add sugars, cream again
5. Scrape bowl and add eggs and extract until incorporated
6. Add all dry ingredients on top until smooth
7. Remove batter from mixer and using spatula, fold in chips or chunks
8. Use scoop or large rounded tablespoons to place portions on to baking sheet
9. Bake at 350 degrees for 6-8 minutes until edges are golden brown
10. Cool for 2-5 minutes on pan to allow to set up.
Eat while warm for ultimate treat! Enjoy!
Favorite Quotes: Trust in Advertising
We’ve complied a list of our favorite quotes from Trust in Advertising. We hope you enjoy them!
“Never forget to be true to yourself and go after your dreams, for dreams really do come true – Michelle Futton
“You’re smart and witty. You’re so talented and really have an eye for advertising. Trust in that, and trust in the person who interviewed you today to see that about you.” – Hope
“I need a phone number”….”’Hired assassins don’t come cheap, Lexi. Do you have enough cash on hand?’ Sean leaned forward and began flipping through his Rolodex. ‘Guido the Squid is good and works on credit, but he’s kinda messy. How about Jimmy? You get a discount if you use him, cuz he only has one hand.’” – Lexi & Sean
“…the suits he wore were just plan unfair. No woman alive should resist Vincent Drake in Prada menswear.”
“’Well find him.’….’Nope, he’s not in my drawer.’” – Jade & Lexi
“’I’ll tell Sean you said he was hot’…’I said he was a rat bastard with the potential to be hot!’” – Hope & Lexi
Read More…
Book Trailer: Trust in Advertising
Trust in Advertising…Victoria Michaels once again delivers a can’t-put-it-down novel loaded with engaging characters, cheeky dialogue, and powerful emotions. Trust in Advertising is a cleverly woven tale about two people getting to know each other and ultimately themselves.
Recipe: Pasta with Vodka Sauce
Victoria Michaels shared her own delicious recipe! YUM!!
“This recipe can easily be adjusted to taste. I make it all the time without the Vodka when there’s none around. Also, if you don’t like crushed tomato sauce, you can easily substitute with tomato sauce. Enjoy!!” – V
Ingredients:
• 1/4 stick of butter
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1/4 tsp of red pepper flakes
• 1 (29 oz) can of crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup of Vodka
• 1 1/2 pints of heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese
• Chopped Basil
• Penne pasta
Directions:
1. Melt butter. Chop/crush garlic and sauté over low heat. Add Red Pepper flakes. Do not let the butter burn. Then add the can of tomatoes and the vodka.
2. Cook over medium heat for 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and add the heavy cream. Stir.
3. Then add the parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil and continue to stir and cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes.
4. Serve over penne pasta.Thanks V! You bet we’ll enjoy it!;)
Review: Victoria Michaels’s Trust in Advertising
Title: Trust in Advertising
Author: Victoria Michaels
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Grade/Rating: 5 out of 5
Trust in Advertising is a love story that will make your heart melt and break…in a GREAT way! Lexi has just lost her only other family member, her father Harry, and she moves to San Francisco to start over. She had put her dreams to work in advertising aside to care for Harry, and now she’s ready and willing to give it a second chance. Her best friend, Hope, gives her the courage to apply for jobs and she lands a great job in a prestigious company, Hunter Advertising. However, she never would have thought that she would see her high school crush again, let alone WORK for him as his assistant! Vincent Drake was the guy in school that every girl wanted to be next to, including Lexi. Ten years later, is it fate or just a coincidence that brings them back together?
If you were that shy girl in high school, the wallflower, the one who watched from afar, then you’ll definitely LOVE this book. If you weren’t, then you’ll STILL LOVE this book because it’s an engaging story. You get to see Lexi fulfill her dreams as well as see the interactions between Vincent and Lexi. Victoria Michaels has an amazing writing style that makes her characters seem so real & makes you think they could be your best friends. Michaels will make you root for Lexi after the rough life that she’s had; you cheer her on, watching her try and make her dreams come true. She’ll also have you wanting to have a best friend like Hope. Hope is there to be her wing girl and support her. When things begin to crash around Lexi, she’s there to help her pick herself right up.
Read More…
September Read Along Selections
We have scheduled two great books. While we are wrapping up our discussion on our first book there’s still time for you to read it.
Title: Trust in Advertising
Author: Victoria Michaels
Dates: September 10-22nd
Chapter Dates
Blurb: Lexi White finds herself at a crossroads. After putting everything on hold to care for her ailing father, it’s finally time for her to start living her life again. An exciting new job holds the promise of a fresh start, until she comes face to face with someone from her past who has always stopped her dead in her tracks, and who evidently still has the power to make her forget her own name. This time around, Lexi’s a grown woman who refuses to back away from her dreams, even if it requires working with her old high school crush. Side by side. Every day. Will he end up being her downfall or exactly what she needs?
Vincent doesn’t even remember Lexi from high school, but he begins to take notice when the fiery young woman is hired as his new assistant. Quickly, Lexi turns his world upside down and becomes an invaluable addition not only to his team, but to his life. Having learned a few hard lessons about trust in the past, Vincent is reluctant to let down his guard, especially when it appears that someone is out to sabotage his family’s advertising agency. Professionally, they are dynamite together, but when sparks fly between them personally, will Vincent let lies and jealousy ruin everything between them, or will he finally learn not only how to love, but ultimately trust…in advertising?
Title: The Siren
Author: Tiffany Reisz
Dates: August 29-September 8
Chapter Dates
Blurb: Notorious Nora Sutherlin is famous for her delicious works of erotica, each one more popular with readers than the last. But her latest manuscript is different—more serious, more personal—and she’s sure it’ll be her breakout book…if it ever sees the light of day.
Zachary Easton holds Nora’s fate in his well-manicured hands. The demanding British editor agrees to handle the book on one condition: he wants complete control. Nora must rewrite the entire novel to his exacting standards—in six weeks—or it’s no deal.
Nora’s grueling writing sessions with Zach are draining…and shockingly arousing. And a dangerous former lover has her wondering which is more torturous—staying away from him…or returning to his bed?
Nora thought she knew everything about being pushed to your limits. But in a world where passion is pain, nothing is ever that simple.
Follow Us
literatiliteraturelovers
rozette69
Hobbitgirl
Elizabeth
Tiffany (TLC4YOU)
mandacolette
Michelle
