Interview with Author Patricia Cole:
Hi Patricia. Thank you for doing this interview. I would like to welcome you to the Romance at Heart Interview and Author Grilling session. *bg* We are interested to find out as much about you as we possibly can, so lets get started...
- Please tell us about your latest book.
A steamy ‘romp in the hay’, literally speaking, “Not Only Horses” centres around a young lady who combines her love of horses with the more adult pleasures of life. Kate lives in London during the week where she holds down a responsible job as an accountant; her salary from which being sufficient to allow her to buy a small cottage in Norfolk where she spends the weekends with her horse, Wren. Although always aware of the fact that she was an adopted child, it is not until after her adoptive parents are killed in a car crash that she sets out to find her birth mother. This is the story of her search, together with her life as a member of the local riding club where, in her late teens, she is introduced to sex by her riding instructor. From thenceforth her appetite becomes insatiable and she finds herself unable to resist any chance of enjoying sexual experiences wherever and whenever she can, and which prove to be many and varied.
- What can we expect from you in the future?
If this is well received another erotic romance but am also working on a novel set in Canada
- How do we find out about you and your books?
Publisher – Boudoir Press
- Do you allow readers to contact you? If so, how do they reach you?
Email - patriciamackie@hotmail.co.uk
- How many readers/fans contact you?
None yet!
- Do your fans' comments and letters influence you in any way?
I’m sure they will do if I am lucky enough to receive any
- Why did you decide to write romance novels?
Entered a competition
- How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?
I think all stories must contain some of your experiences.
- When did you first think about writing and what prompted you to submit your first ms?
After a life changing accident I took up writing and found that I had an aptitude for fiction.
- Generally, how long does it take you to write a book?
Six months
- Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?
I go with the flow
- What is your writing routine once you start a book?
I try to write every day
- Does your family bother you when you are writing - are there constant interruptions?
No my husband leaves me in peace
- What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries?
Swim (I live on a Greek island!) read, socialise
- What truly motivates you in general? In your writing?
In general I try to live my life to the full especially since my accident. An incident or perhaps something overheard motivates my creative juices.
- Where do your ideas come from?
Every day situations, experiences of myself or friends and acquaintances
- Do you feel humour is important in women's fiction and why?
I think humour is important in life. I try not to take myself too seriously
- What are your thoughts on love scenes in romance novels, do you find them difficult to write?
Not at all. I love the detail
- What kind of research do you do?
Reading, internet
- Would you like to write a different genre than you do now, or sub-genre?
Yes I’d like to write a good readable romance
- What does your husband think of your writing?
Very proud of my first publication
- Do you ever ask him for advice?
Not really
- Please tell us about yourself (family, hobbies, education, etc.)
I am a retired accountant living with my husband on a small Greek island. I have a daughter and two step children and between the three of them they have produced five grandchildren. I used to be a very keen horsewoman but since my accident I have not been able to ride to the same standard. In any case there are only working donkeys here on the island. I have an accounting qualification and a masters degree.
- Fill in the blank favorites –
Dessert – panacota
City – Paris
Season – summer
Type of hero – strong outdoors man
Type of heroine – Independent, sexy
- What are some of your favorite things or hobbies to do?
Swimming, reading, knitting
- Do you have a favorite author? Favorite book?
Jayne Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
- Who are some of your other favorite authors and genres to read?
Love crime novels. Nothing like a good murder or even better serial murders!
- Who, if anyone, has influenced your writing?
Can’t think of anyone
- Are you a member of any author groups - RWA, critique groups, etc.?
ERWA
- What do you think of critique groups in general?
Not much experience yet
- Do you think critique groups are a necessity to becoming a good writer?
I think any critique must be considered
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
Would love to think I may be a successful author
- Have you always wanted to be a writer?
No, because I was always good at mathematics I was told I could never be creative!
- How long have you been writing and working to that goal of being published?
About eight years
- How many books have you written, and how many of those have been published?
Two books; one published
- After you've written your book and it's been published, do you ever buy it and/or read it?
Not so far
- Among your own books, have you a favorite? A favorite hero or heroine?
It’s got to be the one published one – Not Only Horses
- Which of your books has been the easiest to write? The hardest? The most fun?
Not Only Horses
- Which comes first, the story, the characters or the setting?
Outline idea of the story then the characters who take it forward
- What part of a book has been the easiest to write? The hardest?
Action scenes; painting in the background
- What are the elements of a great romance for you?
The people involved don’t really hit it off at first but come together in the end
- What is the hardest part of writing/the easiest for you?
The typing as I’m not a typist; coming up with an idea
- Are you in control of your characters or do they control you?
Sometimes they take control and lead me in a completely different direction than the one I had envisioned
- Have you experienced writer's block---> If so, how did you work through it?
Sometimes feel totally unable to write anything but just have to wait it out
- What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?
Seeing your book in print with an ISBN number
- If you weren't writing, what would you be doing?
Learning Greek! Must get on with that!
- Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?
Keep contacting publishers. Hone your work to a high standard.
Thank you very much for taking the time with us and answering our questions. I really appreciate this interruption to your busy schedule. Good Luck, and we will be looking forward to the next delightful creation from your talented imagination!
Yours in good reading,
Rose!
Author Links:
Email
RaH Links:
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Purchase Links:
Buy Author's Books at Boudoir Press
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