Thursday, May 10, 2012

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? 



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.


18 comments:

  1. I used to be able to toss out Leota's Garden (F. Rivers)without a thought, as I loved the restoration aspect as well as the young college student who thought he knew what was best for old people. Now I have to add Not in the Heart (C. Fabry), as it truly touches the issues of a dysfunctional/absent father.

    desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great interview Anne! I would love to have written "The Rector's Wife" by Joanna Trollope. The characters have stayed with me and I've reread it so much my original copy is falling apart.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have to answer this question too. I think it's a great one, Anne. If I wanted to consider the response for a book, I would say Francine Rivers' Redeeming Love. I can't believe how long that one keeps coming back as a favorite to so many. Now, if I was to consider what books I enjoy and which I truly enjoy reading, I would have to say one of Julia Quinn's books. I love her humor, and her finesse in her books. She has a great talent, I really admire.
    I'm looking forward to reading one your books, too, Anne. Sorry to say, I haven't yet had the opportunity. That day is coming.
    Shirley

    ReplyDelete
  4. I haven't wished I'd written another writer's book, but I do wish I'd pull myself together enough to write everything in my head. :-)

    The fictional book that has touched me the most would have to be Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien. With my BFF, I re-wrote the end for a HEA for Frodo, which landed me on the path of writing my own stories.

    Great interview.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for all the great answers! As for me, if I were to choose one that I wished I'd wrote it would be 'Escape to Witch Mountain', a science fiction novel written by Alexander H. Key. It was one of the first I read as a kid.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Safely Home by Randy Alcorn changed my life. After reading it, I finally understand the sacrifices we as believers may have to make in our lives. The main character is a Chinese national who loves the Lord with all his heart, mind, and soul. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to understand what love really is.

    Blessings,
    Denise
    ddjordan_sbg_0803@yahoo.com
    Saved by Grace in August, 2003

    ReplyDelete
  7. It hasn't been one particular book that has touched me but the entire Yada Yada Prayer Group series that has.

    Blessings,
    Jo
    ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Jo and Denise, thank you so much for your comments. Good luck in the drawing!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm a huge Anne Patrick fan. Would love to win!

    cindylweber@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sorry, forgot to answer the question. Max Lucado's 'It's Not About Me'.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love the inspirational threads you weave into your books, Anne. I've enjoyed them all and I look forward to reading Trespasses.

    The anwer to your question - The Shack by William P Young. It's amazing narratives between Mack and God so captured my heart

    ReplyDelete
  12. Ann, your approach is awesome! I wish I haad written "Gone with the Wind.'

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thank you, Cindy and Kris! Both great choices. I'm a fan of both books.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Love your choice, too, Jude. Thanks for dropping by.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I enjoyed learning more about you, Anne. I enjoy your books very much. Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson is my all time favorite read and has stuck with me since I was a little girl.

    cassiemsimmons@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Treasure Island is a favorite of mine, too, Cassie. Thanks for dropping by. Good luck in the drawing.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Excellent interview. Lots of food for writing inspiration woven throughout.

    I wish I had written The Chronicles of Narnia. I love the simple stories with layers of depth pinning them up.

    ReplyDelete
  18. This is my first time i visit here. I found so many entertaining stuff in your blog, especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! Keep up the good work.

    ReplyDelete