Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! I’ve been an author and playwright for a couple of decades. My parents met on the set of “Arsenic and Old Lace” at the Redlands Footlighters Theater in Southern California, and I was raised at the theater; both on stage as well as behind the scenes. I started writing plays for my theater arts class at the private school where I was teaching so that everyone who wanted to be in a show could! When I was confronted with a divorce in my own life, I turned to writing to help me heal. Well, that turned into “Take Another Chance.” Since the first draft of that was completed, I started cranking out more books, as well as more plays. I so happy to state that 12 of my 14 plays have been produced at various theatres from California to NYC!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Take Another Chance was first published with the working title of To Protect and Serve. I received some awesome feedback from readers and I went back to the book and made some changes, additions, and subtractions. I then gave the revised version to some of the readers and they loved the changes. The first draft of this book came out of me when I went through a divorce myself. Writing the book helped me heal.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
We have a 140 pound Great Pyrenees, Apollo, who seems to intuitive know when I’m in the middle of a great writing idea! That’s when he needs to go outdoors, or have a treat, or bark at the falling leaves, or wants to be petted, etc. So, I’ve learned how to scratch him behind the ear with one hand while writing with the other. I’ve actually gotten pretty dexterous with it! I can hold him off for a couple of paragraphs doing that.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King’s “On Writing” has been phenomenal for understanding the craft. Kathleen Woodiwiss was my first romance author where I devoured everything they wrote. I was introduced to Michael Connelly by the detective who side-checked my police procedure writing. I love the way his characters tell parts of the story through inside thoughts.
What are you working on now?
A few things! I’m just putting the finishing touches on Mahi-Mahi Matrimony as the 2nd book in the Second-Chances-DO-Happen series. I’ve already started Doctor’s Orders as well as The Princess and the PC as the next books to round out the series. I’ve also been commissioned to write a play for a theatre group in Lake Arrowhead, California. And finally, my husband and I recently moved to New York to get our new musical onto Broadway! www.talent-anewmusical.com
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve been following Dave Chesson’s Kindlepreneur’s series of training. He really understands the way it works and the training is easy to follow.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write! When you’re writing, don’t edit. Just write. Let the story pour out of you. Don’t have any attention on its correctness or grammar or anything else. Just write.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I attended a great seminar at the Writers’ of the Future in Los Angeles. They stated: “Regardless of the unique voice and vision, the first – and most important- thing that will make a writer different is actually finishing the story! It doesn’t matter how ragged, battered and pathetic that story is when it crosses the finish line. It doesn’t matter whether it is flash fiction or novel length…finishing is what will separate you from 90% of the writers who start to tell a story.”
What are you reading now?
The Sibylline Oracle by Delia J Colvin. Just outstanding!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Get Mahi-Mahi Matrimony published. Finish the new play for the theatre in California. Finish writing the workshop script for our new musical.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Jude Deveraux’s Wishes.
Kathleen Woodiwiss’ The Wolf and the Dove.
Orson Scott Card’s Ender’s Game.
Stephen King’s The Stand.
Author Websites and Profiles
Pat Fifield Website
Pat Fifield Amazon Profile
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