THE Strong Willed, THE Witty, and THE Often Very Opinionated-- ISN'T THAT WHO YOU'D LIKE TO READ ABOUT?

The watcher, the listener, and the schemer. Now, those are interesting traits for one author who will entice you to read one of her books if you haven't yet.

Anne Patrick has authored more than a dozen novels of Romance, Mayhem & Faith, including the award-winning and best-selling Fire and Ash, A Familiar Evil and Kill Shot.  Her heroines are usually strong willed, witty, and often very opinionated…combinations that usually land them in situations where death seems imminent.  When Anne is not working on her next novel she enjoys spending time with family and friends or traveling to foreign countries to experience new adventures. 

SKC:   Welcome, Anne. What around your community inspires you into picking up your pen and begin writing?

AP: I'm a people watcher so you can often find me lurking in a corner of our local coffee shop or cafe watching, listening and scheming. I also like to hike or take long walks around the lake to clear my head.

SKC: What would you describe as the moral premise of each of your stories, or with each book, or does it differ?

AP: I've found that most of my inspirational threads runs along the line of forgiveness. Whether it be self forgiveness or having difficulty believing in God's grace. In my books Fire and Ash and Kill Shot, my heroines struggle with both.

SKC:   How disciplined are you each day, and when did you begin to take writing seriously?

AP: When I'm working on a story I often times become almost possessed. My characters are in my head night and day. I sleep very little, only eat when I absolutely have to, unplug the phone, don't answer the door.  And if I'm unable to write, like when I'm at my day job, I have a digital recorder I use. After four to six weeks when the first draft is done I become normal again. Well, almost normal.

SKC:   What  favorite writings do you use to help you in your craft?

AP: My absolute favorite is Stephen King's book 'On Writing.' I've read it several times. I've also gotten some very useful information from Karen Wiesner's 'From First Draft to Finished Novel' and Chris Roerden's 'Don't Murder Your Mystery.'

SKC:  What do you do when you are not writing?

AP: I like to spend time with family and friends. I also like to travel, and I'm highly addicted to role-playing video games like Tomb Raider and Final Fantasy.

SKC:   Why did you select your publisher, or did they select you?

AP: When I first got serious about submitting my work, I made myself a challenge. For every rejection I received, I would send out four more queries. I initially landed six publishers in one year and have since narrowed it down to three where I feel comfortable.

SKC:  What do you think is one of the most important thing you have learned so far since becoming a published writer?

AP: Writing the best story you possibly can is number one on the list. Once it's published, send it out to be reviewed to as many places as you can. Then you must promote yourself at every possible avenue. This includes a website and blog, Facebook, Coffee Time Romance etc, Place cover ads at popular review sites if you can afford it. Most are usually pretty cheap. Swapping blog posts and interviews is free and beneficial too.

SKC:  What is next on the horizon for you, Anne?

AP: The second book in my Wounded Heroes Series titled Trespasses is now available through my publisher and at most online bookstores. In July, I have another release titled Fire Creek. Then in February, book three of my series comes out and it's called Betrayal.

SKC: This has been a delightful conversation.  Tell us what question you have for the readers, other authors, and aspiring authors. Something that will get us to thinking.

AP: What book have you read that you wish you had wrote? Or non authors, what book have you read that touched you the most? 

SKC: What book do you have to donate and where can we reach you? 

AP: Trespasses: Book Two, Wounded Heroes Series http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-293/Wounded-Heroes-Book-Two-cln-/Detail.bok

Website: http://www.annepatrick.weebly.com

Blog: http://www.suspensebyanne.blogspot.com

Readers: Let's hear what you have to say to Anne's question for you. I will draw a winner in a few days:

ANNE'S QUESTION AGAIN: What book have you read that you wish you had wrote? Or non authors, what book have you read that touched you the most? Let's hear your answers. I will draw a winner from your answers.