I am here today with romanctic suspense author, Anne Patrick.  Your books are wonderful Anne. We have alot to cover so lets get started.

 

            

 

 Tell us something about you and your books. 

I’m an author of ‘Sweet’ Edge of Your Seat Romantic Suspense.  It’s an odd combination I know, but everyone who knows me knows I’m far from normal.  I love keeping a reader up all night, and even giving them a nightmare or two, but when it comes to my romances I prefer the ‘G’ rated stuff.  Sure, I’ll let my characters kiss, hold hands, and even think about what may come next, but as a Christian Fiction author that’s as far as I’ll allow them to go.  I guess if I was to give an example of my work I would compare it to Dee Henderson, though I’m not anywhere in her league.  But I hope to be someday!

 

 Are there any new authors who have grasped your attention? 

 There are several in my Sweetest Romance Group who have written books that are at the top of my TBR list.  What with edits and all I haven’t been able to read much lately.  If only there were more hours in the day!

 

What’s your latest book about? 

 Lethal Dreams is about a very courageous young woman who has faced many obstacles in her life, including the devastating loss of your husband who was gunned down during a school shooting.  Since then she has been struggling with her faith, searching for answers that she may never find.  To make matters even worse, someone wants to get rid of her.  Here’s a book blurb about it:

 

Dr. Erin Jacobs is making a name for herself in the sports world.  Drawing on her own life experiences, she encourages and inspires athletes to recover from career ending injuries.  So why would someone want to hurt the good doctor?  Detective Logan Sinclair is determined to find that answer.  He’s been mesmerized by Erin from the moment she found him and his partner shot in an alleyway.  Since that night their lives have never been the same.  Will Logan be able to solve the puzzle of who wants Erin out of the way before it’s too late?  And if so what impact will those answers have on their lives?

 

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books? 

My idea’s come from many different sources.  I’ve had them pop into my head while walking my dog, mowing the yard.  I’ve even dreamed a couple of them.  There’s nothing more frustrating than having my muse wake me at 4am, with an awesome idea, when I have to get up in another three hours.  Thank goodness for tape recorders!

 

What promotional ideas can you give to other beginning authors? 

 Joining author groups is a very good way to make new friends and it has lots of promotional opportunity.  Trading off interviews and guest blogs, for instance J.  Some authors may feel threatened by having another author as a guest on their blog but from my experience, it’s beneficial in getting your name out there.  Anyone who comes to see their interview will also see your work.  Creating a Facebook page is another big advantage, and be sure to have your blog fed into it.  Join as many author sites as you can find—they’re all over the internet.

 

What advice would you give to somebody trying to get a literary agent? 

Unless you’re set on getting your foot in the door of a major publisher right away, you don’t need one.  Many well-respected small publishing houses don’t require them as a middle man.  Whiskey Creek Press, Desert Breeze Publishing, Champagne Books, Wings ePress, Whimsical Publications, Rogue Phoenix Press, Awe-Struck Publishing, just to name a few.  Okay, so I plugged my own publishers…shoot me!

 

Is there anything you would like to say to other aspiring writers? 

Never give up!  You’re going to get rejections, probably lots of them, don’t take them personally.  Believe in yourself.  Believe in your writing.  Keep submitting.  Sooner or later that door will open and your dream WILL come true.

 

As a child what did you want to do when you grew up? 

I wanted to be a cop or an author.  As an author I get to do both, plus a lot of other careers.

 

As a writer and published author how do you feel about e-publishing? 

 This is an interesting controversy.  Each has their pros and cons.  Personally, I’ve been published both ways and I think ebooks are great.  Not only are you saving trees, you’re providing books at reasonable prices.  In this economy you can’t beat it.  And interesting enough I’ve found my ebooks earn more money in the long run.  The idea situation is to have both.

 

What advice would you give to other aspiring authors about getting their work placed with a big publishing company? 

 Since I haven’t made it into the door of one yet….We are talking about the big boys in NY, right?  In that case, do like I’m doing and just keep growing as a writer, toning your craft, and keep submitting.  If it’s meant to happen it’ll happen. To be perfectly honest, I, like every author, dream of landing on the NY Times bestseller list some day, but if it doesn’t happen… that’s fine.  I’m living the dream I’ve had since I was a kid.  My work is out there with several different publishers, and hopefully my books will keep selling.  More importantly are the friends I’ve made in these smaller publishing companies.  I can’t imagine doing that in the big boy’s league!  Unless maybe your Nora or Stephen. 

 

Please give us a list of all of your books currently available. 

Every Skull Tells a Story, Journey to Redemption, Lethal Dreams, Dark Alliance.  Also, under the pen name Kinzie Monroe, I have an Inspirational Romance called Reservation for Two.

 

How long does it take you to do research on the books you write? 

 I might do a little research before I begin, say a couple of weeks worth—maybe more depending on the subject matter.  Then as I’m writing the story if I come to a place where I need to do some more research, I highlight the area and come back to it later.  On my first draft, my main concern is getting the story written while its fresh in my head.

 

 How do you give credit to any research you do? 

If I’ve researched one on one with someone I give them credit in the acknowledgements.  I do most of my research on line. I then try to find someone who works in the profession I’m writing about.  For instance my book Fire and Ash (coming in July) I sought the expertise of a veteran fire investigator.  And right now I’m researching with a sergeant in Iraq for a new story I’m hoping to start in the near future.

 

What inspired you to become a writer? 

 I’ve always had an over-active imagination, especially as a kid, and would often find myself in some kind of trouble.  So my mother, probably as a way to keep me out of trouble, suggested I write these ideas down and turn them into make believe adventures instead of real life ones.  It worked most of the time :o)

 

How did you go about getting published? 

After years of submissions, some interest, and A LOT of rejections, I began working with an editorial service that was very reasonable.  She’s a published author herself and has worked with several well-known authors.  She was brutally honest when it came to editing, but she helped me to grow a great deal as a writer and she encouraged me to keep submitting.  Finally about a year or so ago I made myself a challenge.  For every rejection I got I’d send out three more.  Suddenly the door opened and, BOOM, I’d landed eight contracts with different publishers.  I’ve been on cloud nine ever since.

 

Where do you do most of your writing? 

 I have this big, beautiful, roll top desk sitting in my living room where I do some of it.  But I’m most comfortable in my comfortable rocking chair.  Have you ever seen anyone write and rock at the same time?  Ha!  I told you I wasn’t normal.

 

Are you working on other things, if so what are they? 

In between edits I’m working on two projects.  A Romantic Suspense and an Inspirational Romance.

 

What do you enjoy most about your writing? 

I’m a panster, meaning I don’t normally plot a story, other than a brief outline.  So once my characters come to life I’m more or less just along for the ride.  It’s like riding a roller coaster blindfolded.  You never know what’s around the next corner, or if your car is going to derail.  I love it!!!

 

Is there anything else you’d like to add? 

Yes!  I want to thank my gracious host, Melinda, for having me on today.  It’s been fun!  I also want to invite people to visit my blog: http://www.suspensebyanne.blogspot.com where you can read blurbs and excerpts from all my books.

Anne it has been a pleasure and I hope to have you visit Pen to Paper again soon

 

Walk in harmony,

Melinda