|
Q: Are you pleased with the results of this contest, did you enjoy the questions and will you have another contest next month? A: Yes, I am very pleased. I thought I would have very few people participating as that's how contests go sometimes. As you can see--I was asked a good variety of questions of which I had fun with. I'll leave this page up and if people continue to have questions, I'll answer them here. As for the next contest. Yep--I plan to have another one--not sure what I'll do for that one, though. Thanks to everyone who participated! Q: What's the book you haven't written yet and are afraid to write? A: Probably LOVE YOU TO PIECES. I'm starting that next, and it will be a bit off the beaten path for me. Although it will be a thriller with a romantic interest, this one will not contain a mystery. So the book, plot and pacing will solely rely on the thriller aspect of the story. I'm hoping it works out as well as my past books. But always trying something a bit different can be scary.
Q: How long does it take for you to write a book and how long is it between the time you give it to your editor and it is published? A: I used to be able to write a book in about eight months. But since I have gone back to work, that time has drastically changed. It now takes well over a year and that's if I discipline myself. As for the time it takes from editor to publication, that also varies. I work for a small press, so the turn around time on my book can be pretty fast and be on the shelf within a couple of months of turning it in.
Q: What book are you resting your hand on in your photo and have you read it? A: A collection of Tales by Edgar Allen Poe. So it is my book, and I have read it. I am a fan of his dark writing and because it was my first author picture--I brought it to the photo shoot.
Q: When writing a thriller do you know right from the start how your novel will end? A: For the most part. I do have the ending in mind and who the killer usually is. There are always little problems that usually need figuring out and how to weave my way out when I get toward the end. And usually the last few sentences is always a surprise to me--I usually don't know what I'm going to do with that until I get there or close to it.
Q: How much input do you have as to what is on the cover of your books? A: Not a lot as an author. I guess it depends on the house. I've been asked for input before and the cover is created. If I totally hated it--they might fix it to a point. Maybe not change the entire cover, but make minor changes. With one house, Amber Quill Press, I was able to put actual people on the covers that I knew. But that's a rarity in houses. And of course we are talking small presses here. In the larger houses, I was told by an author friend she had no input at all.
Q: What is your favorite color and why is it your favorite? A: Red. I'm not sure why it is my favorite. I have liked the color for years. It's bold and sassy. It's the color of love and blood--the fluid that gives us life. So the red rose is one of my favorite flowers.
Q: Share a favorite food recipe with us. Something that you love to cook/have cooked for you? A: I do love food, so a favorite recipie would be hard to come up with. But since I love dessert, try this one:
Q: When you sit down to write, what is going on the background? Are you listening to music? Is the room completely silent? Do there have to be certain elements coming together? A: Usually nothing when it's my preference. I like a silent background. It's easier to concentrate for me and less distraction. If I listen to music, sometimes I wind up listening to that more than writing. But there are times I do put music on if it fits the book. Like Gun's 'n' Roses and Metallica for Deadly Obsession and it was country themes like Billy Ray Cyrus and Daryl Dodd for Facade. Now, since I don't have the luxury of writing when everyone is gone from the house as much, often times the television is a backdrop as I write on my laptop. So no, I don't have to have certain elements for it all to come together---thank goodness or I'd never get any writing done with this crazy crew I live with. :-)
Q: Do you believe in love at first sight? A: Yes, I do. I've fallen in love twice--and both times were at first site. My first one wasn't quite as lasting as the second. My husband and I met twenty years ago and come this late fall we will have been married twenty years. So in this case, it worked out well.
Q: Are you having a good summer? A: I've had better summers. But we are happy and thankful for what we have. So yes, I am enjoying the sunshine and the outdoors whenever I get the chance and time away from work. Summer is my favorite time of year. Not to mention my birthday is in the summer and this year I reach a milestone for me.
Q: Hi there, I was curious about how you're able to handle the stress of your job? A: Sometimes it's not easy. It's hard enough to write and keep your mind active when you don't work as it is so easy to allow life to get in the way. But when you add kids, teaching karate, and working outside the home into the mix, I do tend to get a bit more stressed. I guess you just have to try and take some time to yourself, whether it's to watch a movie, read for an hour, or whatever you enjoy. It takes a lot of discipline when you get that busy to sit down and write, especially when under a deadline.
Q: If you took your research even further and could interview a serial killer what would you ask them? What would you talk about? A: I think my curiosity lies within their minds and what drives them. In my head--I cannot even perceive taking another life, so I am curious at how their mind works, why it doesn't bother them to take the life of another human being. Most of my questions would be centered around that curiosity.
Q: If you had not become a writer, what else do you think you would have enjoyed doing? A: I think if I would have thought about it when I was younger, I would have loved to become a detective. Solving puzzles has always been a passion of mine. Something I love to dig away at to find the answers. And in this case help others. I have a brother that is a police officer and evidence technician and my son is pursuing becoming a police officer. So the passion must run in the family.
Q: Once you decided to write that novel, were there many rejections or requests for rewrites? And if so, how hard was it to send it to another publisher and/or change any of it? A: I had several rejections from the onset of trying to get published. They say you once you can paper a room with the rejections, you've almost made it. Me? I went for the whole house. I was asked a couple of times for changes, which I gladly did, and then was rejected again anyway. SO I guess--you will do the rewrites in a heart beat in hopes of a contract. Even now, after being published, you still get asked for changes from your editor. So I guess you need to be able to live with changing your baby as for the most part, they see things you can't in your writing as you are too close. Sure it's hard to take something out or change your original vision of the book, but you have to do what they think is best for the novel. And down the road--you might just see what they did and agree with them.
Q: What dreams do you have for your writing? You have written so many various themes, historicals, thrillers, etc. Is there any theme you have yet to write that you would like to? A: My dreams for my writing was to see my work in print and have others read a like what I have written. Now? I'd like to see my books have better distribution and find a larger audience by having my books on bookstore shelves. I guess I'll need a bigger publisher for that. I guess my goals and dreams come in steps--once I reach my dream, then I dream bigger. As for another genre I would like to try writing--no, I love writing the suspense/thrillers. At this time I don't see that changing, unless I decide to write another historical romance down the road.
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years? A: Hopefully still be doing what I am doing, but possibly getting back to writing fulltime. I'd hope to get better distribution on my books as well and get them in bookstores so they are easier to get. I'd like to get a larger publisher and possibly and agent to meet those goals. But definitely still writing.
Q: Do you have any upcoming vampire books? A: The vampire books I do have are Deadly Obsession and The Hour Before Dawn. If you haven't read them and are interested--Deadly Obsession is available now from Hard Shell Word Factory and you can find a link how to buy from my books page. The Hour Before Dawn will be re-released in July. I haven't written another vampire novel yet, but do intend to in the future. I have a short story, In the Mind of Darkness, available for free yet from Amber Quill Press, where you can download it--again, check the books page. It's also included in the Fear the Dark paperback copy. And I am writing a novella dealing with a vampire entitled Sanitarium. That will be included in an anthology released next June.
Q: Have you ever created a character based on the personality of one of your dear friends or relatives? A: In a way. I really don't use anyone's personality to a tee...but borrow from them. It's hard not to take things from life and I often do. But yes, the book Lawfully Yours, coming out in August--the lead character is based loosely on my cousin. I did it to have fun with her. But I can't say the character came out a lot like her and how she is. It's hard once you get into the characters as they start taking on lives of their own.
Q: What would you say is the key to your success? A: I would have to say hard work and persistence. I never gave up and I am continually working at it to get better. I think in life, we can always stand to learn and grow. And once you get published, the work doesn't end. Then you need to learn to market yourself and get your name out there. Your publisher won't do all the work. If you don't market yourself--your career will go no where. It's all about name recognition and without the author working hard at getting their name out there--the books won't sell.
Q: What attracts you to writing suspense novels as opposed to another genre, such as romantic comedies? A: The darkness. For some reason I am very attracted to the dark side of life. I love bad boys--always have. I love researching things like serial killers, vampires, biker gangs, you name it. My mind is fascinated with the dark side of life. And to meet me--you would never know it as I have a big heart and try my best to do what is right--so I don't exactly understand it myself--but I do know I have this fascination with the dark side of life. Q: Do you base your hero's on your husband? And if NOT ALWAYS, does he ever read your stories and get jealous of the hero's you create? A: No. Actually, I never base my heroes on my husband. I guess maybe it's because I've been married to him for twenty years and he's my best friend. I usually base my heroes on fantasy men. Men that I may find attractive, whether it be an actor, model, musician. I often tare out pictures from magazines, then base the characters looks on that person. And no, My husband never gets jealous. We have a very secure relationship. And as a matter of fact, my husband has never read a single one of my books. He's not much of a reader, only the newspapers--but then he's my sounding board and I often read chapters or parts of my books to him to see what he thinks.
Q: I have always wondered where you get your inspirations for your books. Do you read something inthe paper and take it from there? Do you have several sources which you put together? Or is it all from your own imagination? Do you use like a stream of consciousness to come up with your stories? A: I've done a lot of research for my books, so I do read a lot about cases having to do with murder or serial type crimes. I guess I could say that maybe because of this, my mind will pick up on something and I do maybe use that type of crime or situation at times. It's hard not to borrow from real life and since I want my books to be as realistic as possible, I do tend to use real life situations. Thanks goodness, or maybe not :-), most on my killers come straight from my imagination, though. I usually sit and think what scares me the most. Once I come up with the crime, then I might look for a case that is similar to mine. Like in Facade, I buried a guy up to his neck alive. The idea came from researching ancient methods of execution and torture. Then I took it a step further and asked a forensic pathologist about the crime scene and what he would do should he come across a similar one and who would dig up the body. He said, 'Not me." Then I asked my brother--a police officer and evidence technician who would dig up the body and got the same response. So I made a bit of a joke about it when it came time to dig up the body in the book. So I would have to say, most of the ideas start in my head and go from there wherever the research takes me. Q: You said you know the lead singer from DSG. What famous people have you met? (Singers, actors, writers, etc.) A: Trace Zaber (singer of DSG) is my claim to fame. :-) Seriously, I live in a very remote area, tiny little town in Ohio--so I don't have a lot of opportunity to meet a lot of famous people. So, no, I really haven't met any others. Trace and I actually met on line about three years ago and have become best buddies. We always have a great time together--and I can't wait to see him perform live with the band this weekend (you listening Trace--CALLING ALL HEROES). I have met several authors through writing conferences. The closest I have ever gotten to an actor would be Arnold Schwarzenegger who puts on a yearly Fitness and Karate tournament in Columbus. I've attended and competed a few times. I've gotten close enough to take pictures, never close enough to talk to, though.
Q: Will you have a second Fear the Dark book? A: I never really thought about it actually. I guess it was in the back of my mind when I finished it, and there is always that possibility. Since it's a shorter book, it wouldn't take as long to do. But right now, my next project Love You to Pieces is going to be taking up my time. I also want to do sequels to Facade, The Hour Before Dawn and Eyes of Betrayal. I never really know what I am going to do next until I near the finish of a project.
Q: What is your least favorite part of writing? A: If I was to answer about the writing itself, I would say the middle of the book. I usually feel a drag begin about midway through and need to find a way to pick up the story. I try not to allow my stories to lag. At times writer's block sets in about that time and I feel the need to 'chat' with a friend to try and work out whatever problems I seem to be having at the moment, which usually helps.
Q: Do you have any advice for aspiring authors? A: To follow your dream and never give up. Work hard at perfecting what you do...there is always room for improvement. Take small writing courses if you need to, find critique partners that are willing to help, and join writing organizations such as Sisters in Crime or Romance Writers of America. They are invaluable to help you in your beginning stages. Once you have a well done and thought out manuscript, then go after publication and don't allow the rejections to get you down. I have a mountain of them in my drawer. Soon, you'll land on the right desk and you'll get that contract--but if you give up--you never will see that day.
Q: How did you get started being a writer? What inspired you? A: I started writing because of my over active mind. I put my daydreams to use. My inspiration was reading. I had quit my job to be a stay home mom and read whenever the kids were in school. I soon begun to think I could do this as I used to write stories in school. I gave it a shot--tried it out on my friends, and then decided I wanted to further pursue it once I got their approval that they thought it was good. Once you start writing, it drives you. The thoughts never stop and you feel the need to get whatever story that is rolling around in your mind down on paper.
Q: Do you have a fixed time every day that you set down and write or just when the mood strikes you? A: I used to have a fixed day and time when I wasn't working outside the house. But now it is nearly impossible. I have to sneak writing time in between my youngest son's sporting events, working and teaching karate. It's easy to get burnt out from being so busy, but I love writing. So even if it's an hour here and there, I enjoy my time spent when I'm writing. Someday I would love to get back to writing full time again.
Q: You have said that you enjoy listening to live bands. Who is your favorite band and have you seen them perform live? A: You have certainly hit on a favorite subject of mine. My husband and I both share the love of music. My favorite band of all time was Guns 'N' Roses. We saw them perform live three times. We've also seen bands such as Bon Jovi, Jackyl, Aerosmith, Cinderella, Motley Crue, Kansas, Billy Joel, Poison, Skid Row, Billy Ray Cyrus, Michael W. Smith, Petra, Stereomud, Godhead and I could go on and on. We have seen a wide range of musicians but we pretty much like the heavier metal. This weekend (July 12th) we are going to Chicago to see The David Shankle Group (DSG) play in their first live performance--and we get to hang with the band since the lead singer is one of my best friends, so that will be fun. I'm so excited for them. There's a link on my links and home page to their website. Check them out if you like the heavy metal style music--they are awesome. Q: How did you and your husband meet? A: My husband and I will be married twenty years in November, so it was a long time ago. But we met through and old acquaintance of mine. I was dating a guy at the time, and my husband was living with his best friend states away. So when they moved back to the area, we started hanging in the same circles. One look at him and I knew I wanted to meet him and learn more about him. Glad I did.
Q: If you could be one of the characters you've written about who would it be and why? A: Since I like all my characters, it would be hard for me to chose. But--I would have to say at this point Whitney Montgomery. I think one of my favorite created heroes is Egan 'Villain' Tate, so I would love to meet him up close and personal. Plus I think she's a pretty classy lady with a toughness to handle Egan.
Q: Patricia, whatever, made you draw a connection between a Blue Moon and Vampires as you did with Jake in "Sanitatarium"? In the many books I have read this connection has only been drawn between werewolves and the Blue Moon. A: I was asked to be part of an anthology involving two things: the Blue Moon and paranormal fiction. I have never written a fictional story on werewolves before, and I think there will be a novella included that is about them. The idea was to take the stories across the board in the realms of the paranormal/fantasy type fiction so they would all be different from each other. I chose vampires because I like writing stories on them as well as reading them. I tried finding some legends on the Blue Moon, but there wasn't a lot out there. And being that it's purely fiction, I felt it was pretty safe creating my own little legend just for the sake of the story. Jake wants mortality back...and he thinks this legend just might help him accomplish that.
Q: How does one overcome writer's block? A: I talk out my plot problems with friends. Whenever I find myself stalled, it's usually because I am stuck on something, or not sure if my original idea will work any longer. So by calling a friend, I can talk to them and often times the problem solver will pop in my head as I am chatting about it. I have great friends who are good listeners. And often, they offer suggestions that I might not have thought of.
Q: Do you think having a critique partner, or joining a critique group, is beneficial to both authors-in-training and published authors? Why or why not? A: Yes, I do. For the most part, authors (published or not) are too close to their own work to see their own flaws and mistakes. And often a second pair of eyes helps see something you may not have thought of. But it is very important to find someone at your same level of writing or close to it. Otherwise, if your skill level is more advanced than theirs, they won't have much to offer you in return for a critique. I think finding a good critique group is a must for the unpublished author--I learned a lot from mine. Now? I don't have one as I am too busy at the moment. My editor winds up being the one offering suggestions and molding my book. But that doesn't mean I don't find a critique partner beneficial, it just means at this time in my life I don't have the time to devote to what should be a two-way street. Q: How do you pick the names of your characters? A: Most times they pop in my head and just seem right. Picking my hero's name is my favorite part. But there are times I get stumped and I go to the phone book, mixing up first names with different last names, but that doesn't happen very often. In the novella I am writing now, I had a villain who was from the orient. I looked up names on the Internet for that one. My next project, LOVE YOU TO PIECES, I used the spelling of a friend's first name, Jaycen--then ran a contest to give my hero and heroine last names. It was fun going through those and finding one that matched the first names. :-) Q: What is your favorite part of writing? A: I love the telling of the story. I really enjoy sitting at the keyboards and allowing the story to evolve in my mind. Sometimes my fingers won't go as fast as my mind does.
Q: What is the funniest thing a fan has said to you? A: My mind is drawing a blank. I'm not sure I have had any funny stories about what a reader said to me. I love to hear from readers and what they think about my books, whether good or bad. I always learn from the comments. And if it's something they didn't care for--I try to examine it and see what I could do to change that in the future in my writing.
Q: Do you like to do book signings and other prom stuff for your books. Or would you rather stay home and write? A: Promo does take a lot of time away from my writing, which is the foremost important element. Without the time, the novels end. So I wish I didn't have to work as hard getting my name out there so I could write faster. But I do enjoy the book signings. I love getting out and meeting readers that enjoyed my work. That is what it's all about the end, not the royalty checks, making someone else happy that you told the story.
Q: Have you ever had a character make a turn in a direction you were NOT heading in, taking the story on a different path? Does that make the telling of your original premise for the story difficult or do you just make that change of direction with your character? A: A lot of the times. My characters definitely have minds of their own. Many times in the course of writing a book, something will happen, change what I originally envisioned. I usually trust that instinct and the story winds up better for it. I normally don't do heavy plotting and outlining down to every detail. So when that happens, it's really not hard for me to alter the end of the book or the remainder to reflect that change in direction.
Q: Do you 'borrow' characteristics from friends, family, and acquaintances when you create your characters? A: I have. Not always, but there are times small things in my life that touched me in one way or another, whether it was humorous or it bothered me, and it made its way into one of my stories. As a writer, you can't help borrowing from real life. A lot of your characteristics are due to certain events that happen along the way. It's the same way with characters--their personalities are created by the life that led up to the opening of the book. And by incorporating a little bit of reality into them, I think it makes them more real.
Q: Who would you not want to be alone in a room with and why? A: Richard Ramirez. He's the Night Stalker from LA and still on death row at San Quinton. I did a lot of research on him and I think he's pretty scary. I think there is part of me that would actually like to talk with him and pick his brain--the other part is glad his jail cell is nearly an entire continent away. Q: What attracts you more to writing about the darker side of mankind? A: I can't really say. I think we all have a dark side if we examine ourselves. For some reason I am attracted to the darker side of human nature. Which is strange because my own life is pretty normal. But I love reading and researching things about serial killers and the like and learning what makes them tick. I have read a ton of true crimes and research books. Someone once told me when writing a book you do 110% research and put 10% in the book. I always hated research until I started writing thrillers, then I understood what the person was talking about--I love the research.
Q: How did you decide to start writing? A: I was a stay at home mom at the time and my kids were both in school, leaving me loads of cleaning time. Soon, finding myself bored, I began reading a lot of books. One day I just decided I can do this and began a prologue, enlisting my friends to read it and give me their honest opinion. One said, 'Not to mean this as a cut on you and not that I didn't think it would be good, I just didn't think it would be that good.' Words of encouragement like those go a long way. So I started my journey and here I am today. I have a lot of thanks to give to those who encouraged me early on.
Q: Do you write what you like to read most? A: I would say yes for the most part. I love reading thrillers and I love reading romances. So often when I read one without the other--I find myself slightly disappointed as if I was missing something. I do prefer my books to combine both and is probably why I write that way.
Q: Are you a fan of Harry Potter? A: I guess I would have to count myself out. Not that I didn't enjoy the writing, or the movies for that matter, but I think I am one of the very few who can say I have never read one of the Harry Potter books or watched the movies. I guess I am missing out and should give one a try someday.
Q: What is the meaning of life? A: When you find the answer to that question--you let me know. LOL I haven't a clue! And you thought I might not post my answers to your questions? Q: What does God look like?
A: He has long hair and a beard...I have his picture on my wall...oh wait, that is Jesus. Hmmmm...never seen God, but he appeared in a burning bush once.
Q: Why would anyone use a blow drier in the shower, or the bath?
A: I don't know, but you know it's happened. Why else would they need to put that warning label on the thing?
Q: And how stupid does one have to be to try the above?
A: Since they are probably dead, we'll never find out. :-)
Q: If I hold the synopsis up to my screen, will the story just type itself? Oh, wait, that falls under wishful thinking doesn't it?
A: You wish!
Q: What is your very most favorite thing to do? (beside maybe writing)
A: Sitting on my deck in the summertime, sipping ice cappuccinos or iced tea, and reading a book. I love sunny skies. Next to that would be going to an outdoor concert and sitting in the grass with an ice cold beer and watching a band. I love live music.
Q: If you could meet 3 historical people who would they be and why?
A: You are killing me. :-) I'm not a real history buff. Okay--three historical people. Al Capone would be one. I was always fascinated with that era and mobsters. I think it would be fascinating to do a mind study on him. Blackbeard would be another. Leave it to me to think of the criminals. But I have always carried a fascination with pirates and the high seas. And the third, if I lived long enough after the first two, would be Edgar Allen Poe. I am a fan of his work and I bet he was a bit off, so it would be pretty neat to see how he matched up to his writing.
Q: Before you were published, did you have a fear of success, and if so, how did you overcome it?
A: I'm not real sure I ever thought about it. I wanted my work out there and to be read by others. I never really thought beyond that. I am lucky enough to have achieved that goal, but I am far from a recognizable name at this point. I have set my goals higher since the beginning and would like to get my name out there more and possibly increase the sales, which of course comes with more success, but I really don't see myself as becoming that recognizable...just making a living at this would be nice. I think the idea is to never allow the success to go to your head and never stop trying to better your skills. If success comes from that, then its a reward, not expected.
Q: What would you most like to experience?
A: Wow, tough question. There are a lot of things I would like to experience, traveling comes to mind, probably because of the question below. I would have to say grandchildren...but not quite yet. My boys are both getting older and neither are married yet. So I am not in a rush. Traveling comes in a close second, though. I would love to have enough money that I could go the places I've always wanted to see. First stop...Vegas!
Q: Where have you traveled overseas? What was your favorite place?
A: Oh, this is an easy one. No, I have never traveled out of the United States. I lead a sheltered life. As a matter of fact--the farthest west I have traveled is Omaha, and the farthest south is Orlando. I haven't gone very far east. But if I were to travel overseas...it would definitely be Europe. ;-)
Q: Just about how much longer do you think we have here on Earth before our Ozone gives out completely? ;-}
A: You are bad! Well, let me just say that I hope that it at least holds out until I get to meet those near and dear to my heart in Georgia and California! Just wear lots of sun block or stay in the shade!
Q: Is writing thrillers your first love?
A: I started out writing historical romances because I loved romance, so I would have to say my first love in writing is just that. Once I turned my sights on the thrillers, I found a new love and prefer to write in the thriller/suspense genre. But because of my love for romance, I can't help sticking one in every book I write. My books don't always end neat and tidy, but hopefully the romance leaves the reader satisfied.
Q: I am quite curious as to how authors feel about the advent of the electronic books. I've been a book-lover for many years and to me there is nothing like feel of a real book in your hand and being able to thumb through it My question is, do ebooks affect the sales of print books adversely, or do you regard them as a supplement to an already established print market?
A: I actually support the electronic book medium. If it weren't for those books, I may not be published today. Both my publishers are considered electronic. Although--they both saw the need to offer both paperback and electronic. However, most my sales do come from paperbacks. I honestly don't see one medium affecting the other. It's simply a choice on how one prefers to read. Some people still prefer to hold the paperback in their hands while others like to read off an electronic device such as a Palm or Visor PDA. Me? I read mostly eBooks any more. Not that I don't read paperback--but if I am looking for an author, I look to see if they have an electronic version of their book, simply because I am one of those people who always has her PDA with her, and therefore I always have a book to read. Besides--it's nice reading in bed or on a trip at night with the backlight. So I am happy about the invention of the eBook and I don't see how it would affect paperback authors at all. It's more of a choice. I don't think it's any different than walking into a bookstore and deciding which paperback to read.
Q: I have read your excerpts and they don't mention where the stories take place. Do you always pick the same locale (city or state)? If so what makes you pick this particular place. If not how do you decide where to set your stories?
A: No, I don't always pick the same place. Facade takes place in Pine Knot, Kentucky, whereas Kiss of Deceit and Eyes of Betrayal take place in Napoleon, Ohio. Deadly Obsession takes place in Fairview Park, Ohio and The Hour Before Dawn in Chicago, Illinois. Usually I think about the story and what's taking place, then I decide on the locale. The two in Napoleon, Ohio are where I was born and raised, so I wanted those books to be a tribute to my home town. Facade needed deep woods and a very tiny town so I chose Pin Knot as it's in the thick of a forest. Deadly Obsession was done in Fairview Park because my brother is actually a police officer and evidence technician for the town. It made the research easy. And finally, Chicago because my editor lives there and I really enjoyed the city--not only that, but in my research I learned there was an underground vampyre cult there. I guess I never really mentioned in the excerpts where each takes place, but it does come out in the course of the books.
Q: As an author, how much say do you have in the design of the cover?
A: It depends on the house really. If you have a traditional publisher such as one of the New York houses, then as the author you have no say so. They create the cover and if you don't care for it, that's too bad. The small independent houses such as the ones I am with, will generally ask your opinion of what you envision and create a cover for you. You have some say so when it's finished as well, other than I hate it...redo it, they will work with you and make some minor changes. It also depends on how much experience you have with a house as an author. Such as with my covers for Deadly Obsession and The Hour Before Dawn, when I switched publishers with those books--I had to change covers because the old ones belonged to the artist. I had no say so in that. I'm still waiting to see the new cover for The Hour Before Dawn, as I did have a few problems with the first version of it. So at least they are working with me which I appreciate.
Q: Other than writing, cheering your sons at their sporting events and taking karate what else do you like to do? Tell us what a day in the life of Patricia Rasey is like.
A: Busy. :-) There are days I wonder how I even find time to write. I think the older we get, the busy our lives become. For some reason I thought it would be opposite of that as the kids got older. I work a day job, besides writing, being managing editor, and copyediting for Amber Quill Press. So when I am not at work, I have to spend most my free time at the computer or on my laptop. I love watching movies, though...so any chance I get or when I need a break, I'll rent and watch a ton of movies. We often go in streaks here, watch none for a few weeks, then have a movie fest one weekend and watch five or six. Last night I watched Queen of the Damned for the third time. I love that movie. I also have a year old Cocker Spaniel that thinks she's a princess and is still a puppy for the most part that demands my attention. So I do keep pretty busy.
Q: What question is asked most often that you are the most tired of being asked?
A: Probably how I got started in writing. Not that it's a bad question, but I think it's probably on every interview I've ever done--so I feel like everyone has more than likely read the answer to that a million times. Either that or I feel my answer is pretty generic. Most writers have a vivid imagination and frequently daydream, so it wouldn't be much different from any author's answer to that question.
Q: Who are some of your favorite authors and what are you reading now?
A: I have a lot of favorite authors, too many to name actually. But a few of them are Tina St. John, Teresa Medeiros, William Diehl, Charlotte Boyett-Compo, Trace Edward Zaber and many, many others. Right now I am reading Where Tiger's Prowl by Karin Story from AmberQuill.com. It has been an exciting read so far and I highly recommend it. Q: Is it true you're WAY, WAY, WAY ahead of a certain writing-friend who was in
an ONWARDS contest with you...and she somehow got left in the dust when you
whipped right by her?
A: Well, I guess I have to say that's true for now. But should she be up for another contest...I'm always willing. So get writing!
Q: You say you're a fan of haunted houses. Have you ever witnessed paranormal activity and if so have you put your experience in one of your stories?
A: No, I haven't. I'm a bit of a skeptic. The closest thing I have come to it was my husband and I were watching TV one night, dead of winter so all the windows were closed. I have this small wind chime that was given to me by a special friend that hangs from the center of the curtain rod. There is no air ducts beneath it. We were watching TV and all of the sudden the thing just moved violently and started chiming. My husband and I looked at each other...then shrugged. Q: What advice would you give to an aspiring writer?
A: Never ever give up. Just when things look their bleakest, often times a miracle can happen. And if you give up--you'll never realize how close you might have been to achieving that dream because you quit before it happened. Dreams do come true for those who work hard to achieve it. Q: What inspired you to write your stories?
A: I've always had a vivid imagination. As long as I can remember I have daydreamed elaborate tales in my head, usually a story surrounding me. I took those daydreams one step further and started writing stories of characters that intrigued me and putting them in interesting situations. And since I've always been a romantic at heart--I've always added that element into everything I've written, whether it was a paranormal, thriller, or a historical romance. My personal favorite genre is the thriller, though. I've always been a fan of haunted houses and love the thrill of being scared. It's an adrenaline rush. I try to do that with my writing, try to scare the reader and at the same time have them falling in love with my characters. I'm hoping that most readers will identify with the characters I create, because they are far from perfect and have flaws. I've always embraced the underdogs and loved the bad boys, which probably got me in trouble more times than I care to remember as I was growing up.
|
