Genre: Women’s Humor Fiction
Book: Bunco: A Comedy About The Drama Of Friendship
Are you a full-time author? If not, what’s your side gig? I am not a full-time author. I have had many gigs over the years… accounting, retail store manager, elementary school/juvenile detention center office clerk. I was just getting back into accounting when the world turned upside down.
Favorite author/books: Okay… this is going to be weird list. I love Carrie Fisher! Her wit and cynicism cracked me up! Diane English, creator & writer of Murphy Brown, was my absolute hero going through high school and college. JK Rowling… I know… I know… but I started reading her books to my children when the were young. They would fall asleep and I was compelled to continue reading.
What experiences or people have influenced your writing the most? A combination of my friends and family in real life interactions and my imagination. I tend to play out potential scenarios to the extreme and when they don’t transpire, I throw them in the story😊
Do you keep a writing journal and if so, how do you use it? I don’t keep a journal. I should. I keep a Facebook account… which I have been advised to shut down and keep a private journal😊
Do you belong to a writers’ group? If so, describe your experience: I don’t belong to a writers’ group. I live with my husband and two daughters who think they are all hilarious, if that counts.
Are you up with the sun or do you burn the midnight oil? I’m 50… I’m up late, awake for 2-3 hours in the middle of the night, and then up with the sun! I think I do my best work in my pajamas, and that can be any time of day😊
How do you get over a writing slump? A long drive! I’m sure I’ve had several passing cars question my mental stability as they watch me talk to an empty passenger seat.
Do you prefer writing dialogue or descriptive passages? DIALOGUE! I have taken over 9 years to make my characters sound incredibly quick witted.
What are you working on now? Getting through this pandemic without a criminal record.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about writing and publishing a book? I don’t think I’m qualified to give advice about publishing a book. I’m new at this and really just kind of faking my way through it. I do, however, have experience in endurance events, and I will give the advice I used to give to new runners who would ask me if they could complete a certain distance. If it doesn’t scare the hell out of you, you aren’t challenging yourself enough.
Do you listen to podcasts? If so, which podcasts do you find the most interesting? I listen to a lot of true crime podcasts. It creeps out my husband because whenever he asks what I’m doing I always answer, “research.” I don’t really want to kill him, but I’ve listened to so many, I’m pretty sure I could get away with it 😉
Favorite escape: Going to thrift and antique stores and buying ridiculous things I have no room in my house for.
Have you ever tried Kombucha tea? I tried it once… maybe I got a bad batch.
Do you prefer a couch with pillows or no pillows? You can NEVER have too many pillows! I like them behind me, and next to me, and most of all, covering up my belly😊
Would you rather rake leaves, shovel snow or weed? Shovel snow for sure! Raking leaves isn’t so bad, but I have to resist the urge to jump in the pile. Weeding is the punishment of Satan.
Favorite mask – disposable paper, plain fabric, colorful print or something else? For comfort, the disposable paper… colorful print is my everyday go-to… but when this whole thing started, I used my Darth Vader voice changing mask. It was more uncomfortable than I thought it would be. That was a bummer.
Biggest writing challenge since Covid-19: I’m lucky if I can set aside enough time to write a grocery list.
Website and social media links:
Website: www.buncothebook.com
Goodreads link to: Bunco: A Comedy About The Drama Of Friendship
Amazon link to: Bunco: A Comedy About The Drama Of Friendship
Are you an indie or self-published author? Do you want to build your author network? Get your name out on Who’s That Indie Author!
Email bvitelli2009@gmail.com for a bio template and other details.
The cover is compelling, Robin, as is the title, suggesting that friendship is sometimes like a game. Judging from your Q&A, I believe your book would be light-hearted with subtle, serious notes.
Thanks, Barbara, for posting this.
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Thank you! My daughter designed the cover! I had a completely different idea and went to her with all sorts of props and photography equipment. I explained what I wanted the cover to convey, (You’re spot on!) and she told me to give her an opportunity to come up with something. The next morning I opened my email and all that art school tuition was worth it! She had designed exactly what the tone of the book is!
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It’s a great cover, Robin. Your daughter is very talented!
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Wow!
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Hi Marian – I also like the cover – sounds like a fun book! Thanks for stopping by to meet Robin. I’m glad you enjoyed the post 🙂
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Her responses to your questions are amusing Barbara so I’m guessing the book is too! I agree with Marian that the cover is compelling. Good luck Robin!
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Thank you! It does have some adult language and themes. Nothing gratuitous, I promise!
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Thanks for coming over to meet Robin, Susan. I loved her answers too!
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Thanks for introducing us to Robin, Barbara. I laughed at her remark on being 50. Wait until she gets to 55…she’ll never sleep!
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Okay, this frightens me, as I’ve noticed that I’ve had a harder time sleeping as I age. I’m 40 now, so you’re saying it only gets worse?! Aiy-yai-yai!
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Sorry… maybe you’ll be the exception!
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I can only hope!
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Well, I’m a bunch older than you (can’t even speak the number – eek), but yes, the 50s start out like that, but I’m a good sleeper now 😉
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Then there’s still hope! Thanks, BCM. 🙂
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When my kiddies were little I had no trouble falling asleep. Now I make sure I am very very active all day so I’m tired!
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I guess that helps! 🙂
I had no trouble falling asleep right away after waking multiple times nightly with my girls. But with Joe, now three, it was dreadful.
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Oh yes, I know how that is! The hardest part was when no one napped anymore – afternoons were very long!
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That’s the point I’m at now with my three-year-old. His sisters and I miss that hour and a half of quiet time! 🙂
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Yup! My 2 older guys used to nap for 4 hours every afternoon. I got so spoiled. And then it all changed!
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Wow! FOUR whole hours? Daaaaaannnggggg!!!
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Oh I know – I was so spoiled. I thought it would always be that way, but when I had my 3rd, everything changed. It’s all good now, though 😉
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Now they nap as long as they want to! 🙂
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Haha, yes they do and bedtimes have changed too 😉
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I imagine they have! 🙂
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I hate to break it to you, but yes. I can fall asleep easily but once I wake up I’m wide awake. I typically sleep four hours a night if I’m lucky. Sleep while you can, girlfriend!
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Oh, Jill… I think I’m already there. And the worst part is, I get to lie awake and listen to how soundly my husband sleeps for hours!
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Haha – that’s tough! I think it gets better, hang in there 🙂
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Same here!! And he falls asleep instantly!
What a strange thing to be jealous of someone for. 🙂
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Oh, Jill… I think I’m already there. And the worst part is, I get to lie awake and listen to how soundly my husband sleeps for hours!
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Oh you’re not kidding. We could be having a conversation in a minute after he stops speaking he’s asleep! It’s so not fair.
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Haha! I loved Robin’s answers, too, Jill. Especially the pillow one. That’s a running discussion at my house. I’m the only one who things pillows on couches are a must!
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That sounds like loads of fun! I must look for it now. Thanks! 🙂
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Thanks! If you give it a read & like it, email me. I’ll tell you all the parts that actually happened.
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Oooh! That’s so enticing! 🙂
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It does sound fun – thanks for stopping by!
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I love these remarks and it looks like a good book 🙂
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Thanks Victoria! I tried to write something that would make you laugh & think of your friends!
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Hi Victoria – Robin had such great answers, didn’t she? Thanks for stopping by to meet her 🙂
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Hi, Robin – It’s wonderful to meet you here. I also find your book cover compelling. That combined with your wit in this post makes me definitely want to read more!
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Well, thank you! I try to save my good stuff for print😉 People seem to be liking it, so I hope that trend continues with you. I do have an excerpt on my website and on the Amazon order page if you’d like a little more to go on.
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Ordered and looking forward to it. 🙂
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Thank you! I hope you enjoy it!
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It’s on my list now. I will do a review when I’m done. (I do have many books ahead of it though).
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Hi Chatter Master – it sounds good, doesn’t it? Thanks for visiting 🙂
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It does 🙂 and you’re always welcome! 🙂
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Great interview with some good insights!
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Hi Noelle, I agree. I loved Robin’s answers. Thanks for visiting 🙂
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Barbara, a terrific interview with Robin…. your questions are great and I love her answers to them all!😀 Quick-witted, funny and direct! I’m with her on just about getting a shopping list written at the moment and working best in PJs! Oh yes, children and a husband giving feedback counts in my book! I cracked up at weeds being sent by Satan!! After a summer of intense gardening I tend to agree, I turn my back and the weeds are halfway up the wall! How??!!
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OMG Annika, I just came in from pulling out a bunch of weeds and morning glories that had taken over our deck. I swear those vines grew 2 feet overnight! 🙂
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😂😂
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Oh, and thank you for reading and commenting 🙂
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