Good morning!
Today, I am thrilled to have a somewhat new author, Patricia Antone visiting my blog. She described herself to me as a newbie, but with several books under her belt, she sure isn't! Read on to learn more about this up-and-coming author. And make sure you come back tomorrow for my mid-month writing update!
Patricia, author’s lives intrigue readers and other writers. Tell me about your typical daily schedule.
As I hold a day job, I tend to write evenings and weekends. Sometimes I bring home post-its with ideas for a resolution to a story part I am stuck, as it hit me while at work and I didn’t want to forget it.
Do you have a pre-writing routine to prepare yourself to get down to business?
Not really, but I usually reread the last chapter or two I wrote to get back in touch. Other times I open my manuscript and type away because my characters have been bending my ear all day with their opinions.
What’s your writing style? Slow and steady? Quick and prolific? All over the place?
It is a slow and steady journey if I had to describe it. I start a notebook and have most of the book “planned out” before I will touch the keyboard. As I put it in the computer it evolves. It is like the true story starts to reveal itself.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned since starting work in this industry?
To be patient. The story and its destination will come. I get to my goal with the result of a good story for my readers.
What are you working on now?
I am a flea on a hot plate when it comes to my ‘work in progress’. I have a series I am plotting with a bit of magic and history. I have a military romance I am nearly done with. Then I started plotting a new story for my next paperback. There is always something in the works.
What’s your favorite genre to write?
Romance! I love a romance with a Happily Ever After (HEA).
Do you have a favorite author or someone you look up to in the industry?
I can’t say I do to be honest. I have a list of favorites as long as my arm that I read and adore. I do pick up new authors regularly to explore. There is so much talent out there.
Tell me your writing story. When did you decide this was what you want to do? How long did it take you to get “the call”? When were you first published? Etc.
My husband saw in an adult learning catalog a class on novel writing and self -publishing. I have a box full of my creative writing projects from college and he encouraged me to go check it out. It opened a door that has been the most amazing journey.
How many books have you had published and for whom?
With my new release I have six books available. Two as paperbacks, while all are available as Ebooks. I believe I am an Indie as it is called, as I have Self-published all my books via Amazon and Nook.
What is your goal as a writer?
To have fun and make my readers happy. I believe you should enjoy what you do, or it will show in the results.
What do you love most about writing?
How creative I can be. The possibilities and plot twists are endless while taking the journey to the HEA.
What’s your latest release? Can you tell us about the book and how you got the idea?
My latest release is The Light at the Tunnel’s End.
I have two lost souls, Jan and Lucy, who find each other while healing after suffering traumatizing experiences.
I was in turmoil from a personal experience, and this book let me work my way through it. When I read the proof copy over it was freeing.
My critique group and editors were invaluable with guiding me when spots got rough.
What’s your writing space like?
It is a very creatively vibed space. A rainbow dream catcher, bookcases, and a space to hang those post-its by my desk.
The most important item is a bed for Zeus, my lab mix. He listens while I work out plot ideas while Fabio, my Blue Beta, has been my faithful office assistant the last few years.
What do you do when you’re not writing?
I have a million hobbies. I love to garden, craft, and I am always reading to name a few. My husband and I are transitioning with our sons making their way through college.
It has been neat planning things for just us, then planning things with them when they are home.
I’m all about ‘giving people something to talk about’. We all experience crazy things from time to time. Can you tell us something unusual that you’ve done or had happen to you?
When my husband and I got married in 1995, there was an insane storm that left 60,000 people without power. We were among a few lucky ones who did get married that day.
Fast forward 10 years we went away for our anniversary for a few days, leaving our boys with our parents. Calling to check in, there is a storm of the same caliber on nearly the same day, causing the same havoc. Our one son wanted us to come home, using the need of Daddy fixing his cartoons as the reasoning.
We joke the warnings are issued for out thirtieth anniversary in case this storm tradition holds.
Tell us… What’s your favorite movie and why?
Overboard. I have watched it a million times, but it never ceases to suck me in start to finish. Aturo!
I love that one too! Is there anything else you’d like to share with readers?
Do not be afraid to chase a dream. I took such a risk. This made me vulnerable in writing is very personal. Living with "I gave it my best" is much better to live with than "I should have tried."
The rewards of what I have achieved have been such a joy.
Last questions…
Coke or Pepsi? Neither. I don’t drink Soda
Summer or Winter? Summer
Cat person or Dog person? Dog
Bronte or Austen? While I have never read Bronte, I do enjoy Austen.
Star Trek or Star Wars? Star Trek
Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate
Chips or Cookies? Cookies
Zombies or Werewolves or Vampires? Werewolves
Country, Classical or Rock? Country
McDonalds or Burger King? McDonalds Fries, Burger King Whopper. Yes, I will make 2 stops.
Where can people contact you and find you online?
I am on Facebook and my newly done WEBSITE went live on February 1st. Stop by for a visit to either.
It is a pleasure Brynn – thank you for having me!
Patricia
Thank you for being here, Patricia!!
~~ Brynn
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